Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

• Привет [prʲɪˈvʲet] - [Informal]
• Здравствуйте [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe] - [Formal, Polite]
• Алло [ɐˈlo] - [Used when answering the phone]

Frequency: High (all translations are commonly used)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "Привет" and "Алло"; A2 (Elementary) for "Здравствуйте" due to pronunciation

Pronunciation (Russian):

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress is on the second syllable. The "р" sound is rolled slightly.

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: This word can be challenging due to the cluster of consonants at the beginning. The stress is on the second syllable.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Привет - Used in informal settings among friends or peers.
• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite settings, such as addressing strangers, elders, or in professional environments.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, можно войти?

  Hello, may I come in?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Здравствуйте, я ваш новый коллега.

  Hello, I’m your new colleague.

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Exclusively used when answering or making a phone call.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, ты меня слышишь?

  Hello, can you hear me?

• Алло, это Иван?

  Hello, is this Ivan?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Привет: This is an interjection and does not inflect or change form.

Здравствуйте: This is the second person plural imperative form of the verb "здороваться" (to greet). It does not change based on context, as it is fixed in polite usage. The informal singular form is "Здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj].

Алло: This is a loanword used as an interjection and does not inflect or change form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет:

• Салют
• Хай

Note: "Салют" and "Хай" are very informal and less common, often used by younger speakers or in specific subcultures.

Synonyms for Здравствуйте:

• Добрый день (Good day)
• Доброе утро (Good morning)

Antonyms: None, as greetings do not typically have direct antonyms. However, "Прощай" (Goodbye) could be considered a contextual opposite.

Related Phrases:

• Привет всем! - "Hello everyone!" (used to greet a group informally)
• Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - "Hello, how are you?" (formal greeting with inquiry)
• Алло, перезвоните, пожалуйста. - "Hello, please call back." (used on the phone)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is strictly informal and should not be used with strangers, elders, or in professional settings unless a casual tone has already been established.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when unsure of the level of formality. It shows respect and politeness.
• "Алло" should only be used when answering or speaking on the phone; it is inappropriate in face-to-face greetings.
• Russian greetings often depend on the time of day (e.g., "Добрый день" for afternoon), so context matters.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal situations.
  Incorrect: Привет, я ваш новый учитель.
  Correct: Здравствуйте, я ваш новый учитель.
  Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for addressing a group as a teacher or in a formal role.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person.
  Incorrect: Алло, как дела? (said face-to-face)
  Correct: Привет, как дела?
  Explanation: "Алло" is phone-specific and sounds unnatural in direct conversation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often tied to politeness and hierarchy. Using "Здравствуйте" when addressing someone older or in a position of authority is a sign of respect. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (for men) or a nod, especially in formal settings. Unlike in some English-speaking cultures, casual greetings like "Hey" (translated as "Привет") are reserved for close relationships.

Related Concepts:

• Прощание (Farewell/Goodbye)
• Знакомство (Introduction)
• Вежливость (Politeness)