Verborus

EN RU Dictionary

Здравствуйте Primary Russian translation

Russian Translation(s) & Details for '{{pother}}'

English Word: {{pother}}

Key Russian Translations:

  • Здравствуйте [zdrɐsʲˈtvuj.tʲɪ] - [Formal, Used when greeting someone in professional or polite contexts]
  • Привет [prʲɪˈvʲet] - [Informal, Used among friends or in casual settings]

Frequency: High (Common in everyday conversations)

Difficulty: A1 for "Привет" (Beginner level), A2 for "Здравствуйте" (Elementary level, due to formal structure)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐsʲˈtvuj.tʲɪ]

Note on Здравствуйте: This word has a soft 't' sound and can be challenging for beginners due to its length; stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The 'r' is rolled, and the stress is on the second syllable; it's straightforward for most learners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Basic Greeting
Translation(s) & Context:
  • "Здравствуйте" - Used in formal situations, such as meetings or with strangers, to show respect.
  • "Привет" - Used in informal contexts, like with peers, to create a friendly atmosphere.
Usage Examples:
  • Здравствуйте, как у вас дела сегодня?

    Hello, how are you doing today? (Formal greeting in a professional setting.)

  • Привет, давай встретимся в парке!

    Hi, let's meet in the park! (Informal greeting among friends.)

  • Здравствуйте, я могу задать вопрос?

    Hello, may I ask a question? (Formal inquiry in a classroom or office.)

  • Привет, что нового?

    Hey, what's new? (Casual check-in with acquaintances.)

  • Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать в наш магазин.

    Hello, welcome to our store. (Formal welcome in a business context.)

Alternative or Contextual Greeting
Translation(s) & Context:
  • "Приветствие" (as a noun form, but not direct) - Used when referring to the act of greeting in informal narratives.
Usage Examples:
  • В России приветствие часто начинается с "Привет".

    In Russia, greetings often start with "Hi". (Discussing cultural habits in informal writing.)

  • Здравствуйте, это официальное приветствие.

    Hello, this is a formal greeting. (Explaining formality in a lesson.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "Здравствуйте" and "Привет" are invariant in most contexts as they are interjections. However, "Привет" can function as a noun in rare cases, deriving from the root of greetings.

For "Здравствуйте" (from the verb "здравствовать"), it does not inflect as it's a fixed form. If related to nouns or verbs:

Form Description
Base Form Здравствуйте (no changes)
Related Verb Inflection (if analogous) e.g., Здравствуй (informal singular imperative)

For "Привет": As an interjection, it remains unchanged. In noun form ("приветствие"), it inflects as a neuter noun:

Case/Number Form of "приветствие"
Nominative Singular приветствие
Genitive Singular приветствия
Plural приветствия (nominative plural)

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

  • Synonyms:
    • Добрый день (for formal daytime greetings)
    • Здравствуй (less common informal variant)
  • Antonyms:
    • Прощай (farewell, as an opposite to greeting)

Note: "Добрый день" is a synonym for formal settings but implies a time-specific greeting.

Related Phrases:

  • Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - A formal way to ask "Hello, how are you?" in polite conversations.
  • Привет, что у тебя новенького? - An informal phrase meaning "Hi, what's new with you?" among friends.
  • Добрый вечер, здравствуйте - Meaning "Good evening, hello," used in evening formal greetings.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, the choice between "Здравствуйте" and "Привет" depends on the level of formality; "Здравствуйте" is essential in professional or unfamiliar settings to avoid rudeness, while "Привет" fosters informality. Unlike English "hello," which is neutral, Russian greetings carry cultural weight—always consider the relationship and context. For learners, start with "Привет" for everyday practice and gradually incorporate "Здравствуйте" for grammar accuracy.

  • Use "Здравствуйте" when answering the phone in formal situations.
  • Avoid mixing with English in pure Russian conversations to maintain authenticity.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse "Здравствуйте" in casual settings, making interactions too formal. For example:

  • Error: Using "Здравствуйте" with friends (incorrect: Здравствуйте, друг!). Correct: Привет, друг! (Explanation: "Здравствуйте" can sound distant or overly polite in informal contexts.)
  • Error: Pronouncing "Привет" as [pree-vet] instead of [prʲɪˈvʲet], omitting the rolled 'r'. Correct pronunciation: Focus on the soft consonants for natural flow.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings like "Здравствуйте" reflect respect and hierarchy, rooted in historical etiquette from the Soviet era. "Привет" is more modern and influenced by Western informality, often seen in youth culture. Using the appropriate greeting can signal social awareness and build rapport in interactions.

Related Concepts:

  • Прощай (farewell)
  • Добрый день (good day greeting)
  • Здравствуй (alternative informal hello)