Verborus

EN RU Dictionary

привет Primary Russian translation

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

English Word: {{rewrite}}

Key Russian Translations:

  • привет [prʲɪˈvʲet] - [Informal, Common greeting among friends]
  • здравствуйте [zdrɑsʲˈtvujtʲe] - [Formal, Used in professional or polite contexts]

Frequency: High ({{rewrite}} is a basic everyday word in Russian conversations)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward for new learners, but pronunciation may vary slightly for the formal version)

Pronunciation (Russian):

привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

здравствуйте: [zdrɑsʲˈtvujtʲe]

Note on привет: The stress falls on the second syllable; be careful with the soft 'r' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.

Note on здравствуйте: This word has a rolling 'r' and multiple syllables; practice slowly to master the flow.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A greeting to initiate conversation or acknowledge someone.
Translation(s) & Context:
  • привет - Informal context, such as casual meetings with peers; not suitable for professional settings.
  • здравствуйте - Formal context, like business meetings or addressing elders; implies respect and politeness.
Usage Examples:
  • Привет, как у тебя дела сегодня?

    Hello, how are you doing today? (Informal, showing everyday friendliness in a social chat.)

  • Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть на встрече.

    Hello, I'm glad to see you at the meeting. (Formal, used in professional environments to establish courtesy.)

  • Я сказал привет, когда увидел друга на улице.

    I said hello when I saw my friend on the street. (Demonstrates informal use in spontaneous encounters.)

  • Здравствуйте, могу я задать вопрос?

    Hello, may I ask a question? (Formal inquiry, highlighting respect in educational or official scenarios.)

  • Привет, давай встретимся позже!

    Hello, let's meet up later! (Informal invitation, illustrating casual planning among acquaintances.)

Alternative meaning: As an expression of surprise or emphasis (less common).
Translation(s) & Context:
  • привет - Used informally to express mild surprise, similar to "hey" in English slang.
Usage Examples:
  • Привет, что это такое?

    Hello, what is this? (Informal expression of surprise in a casual discovery.)

  • Привет, я не ожидал увидеть тебя здесь!

    Hello, I didn't expect to see you here! (Emphasizing unexpected encounters in everyday life.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "привет" and "здравствуйте" are interjections and do not inflect based on gender, number, or case. However, "здравствуйте" can be seen as a formal imperative form of "здравствовать" (to be healthy), which is invariable in this context.

For related inflected words, if {{rewrite}} connects to verbs or nouns, note that Russian verbs like "здравствовать" follow standard conjugation patterns. Example table for a related verb:

Person Present Tense (for 'здравствовать')
I (я) здравствую
You (ты, informal) здравствуешь
You (вы, formal) здравствуете
He/She/It здравствует

If {{rewrite}} translates to a noun, it might inflect; for greetings like these, they remain unchanged.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

  • Synonyms: добрый день (good day, more neutral formal greeting), здравствуй (informal singular version of здравствуйте)
  • Synonyms: Note that добрый день is often used in daytime contexts, while привет is more versatile in informal settings.
  • Antonyms: прощай (goodbye, informal farewell), до свидания (goodbye, formal farewell)

Related Phrases:

  • Приветствие дня - Greeting of the day; a phrase used to wish someone well at the start of interactions, often in formal emails.
  • Здравствуйте, как я могу помочь? - Hello, how can I help?; A common customer service phrase implying politeness and assistance.
  • Привет, дружище! - Hello, buddy!; An informal, friendly expression used among close friends to add warmth.

Usage Notes:

  • {{rewrite}} directly corresponds to basic Russian greetings, but choose between "привет" and "здравствуйте" based on context: use "привет" for casual, everyday interactions to build rapport, and "здравствуйте" in formal situations to show respect. Overusing informal forms can seem rude in professional settings.

  • In Russian culture, greetings often include physical cues like a handshake or smile, especially with "здравствуйте." For learners, practice varying intonation to match the word's emotional tone.

  • If multiple translations exist, prioritize "здравствуйте" for safety in unfamiliar social dynamics.

Common Errors:

  • Error: Using "привет" in formal contexts, e.g., saying "Привет" to a boss. Correct: Use "здравствуйте" instead. Explanation: This can come across as disrespectful; in Russian, formality is key to social hierarchy.

  • Error: Mispronouncing "здравствуйте" by stressing the wrong syllable, e.g., saying [zdrɑsʲtvuj'ʲte] instead of [zdrɑsʲˈtvujtʲe]. Correct: Focus on the second-to-last syllable. Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word unintelligible, as Russian pronunciation relies heavily on stress patterns.

  • Error: Treating "привет" as universally polite, leading to overuse. Correct: Reserve it for peers. Explanation: English speakers might equate it to "hi," but Russian norms demand more context-sensitivity to avoid offense.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings like those for {{rewrite}} reflect social etiquette and hierarchy. "Здравствуйте" stems from wishing good health, emphasizing community and respect, especially in a historically collectivist society. Using the wrong form can signal cultural insensitivity, so adapting to context is crucial for effective communication.

Related Concepts:

  • добрый вечер
  • как дела
  • прощание