Verborus

EN RU Dictionary

Здравствуйте Primary Russian translation

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

English Word: {{supply}}

Key Russian Translations:

  • Здравствуйте [zdras-tvuy-tye] - [Formal, Used when greeting someone in professional or initial meetings]
  • Привет [pree-vyet] - [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 slight pronunciation challenges)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [zdras-tvuy-tye]

Note on Здравствуйте: This word has a soft 'т' sound and can be tricky for beginners due to its length; stress is on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Привет: [pree-vyet]

Note on Привет: The 'е' at the end is pronounced like a short 'e' in "bet"; it's straightforward but varies slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Greeting or Salutation
Translation(s) & Context:
  • Здравствуйте - Used in formal contexts, such as business meetings or addressing elders; conveys politeness and respect.
  • Привет - Applied in informal, everyday interactions with peers; it's friendly and relaxed but not suitable for professional settings.
Usage Examples:
  • Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть на нашей встрече.

    Hello, I'm glad to see you at our meeting. (Formal greeting in a professional context.)

  • Привет, как у тебя дела сегодня?

    Hi, how are you doing today? (Informal greeting among friends, showing casual inquiry.)

  • Здравствуйте, я бы хотел задать вопрос.

    Hello, I'd like to ask a question. (Formal usage in a classroom or official scenario.)

  • Привет, давай встретимся после работы.

    Hey, let's meet up after work. (Informal invitation, integrating the word into a social plan.)

  • Здравствуйте, это компания XYZ, чем могу помочь?

    Hello, this is company XYZ, how can I help you? (Formal phone greeting in a business context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both Здравствуйте and Привет are interjections or greetings and do not undergo typical inflections like nouns or verbs. They remain unchanged across contexts:

  • Здравствуйте: Invariable; no changes for gender, number, or case. It is used as is in all formal situations.
  • Привет: Also invariable; functions as a fixed expression without morphological variations, making it simple for learners.
Form Здравствуйте Привет
Base Form Здравствуйте Привет
Usage Note No inflections; always singular and neutral. No inflections; always used in its base form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

  • Synonyms:
    • Добрый день (Good day) - More neutral and time-specific, often used in daytime greetings.
    • Здравствуй (Informal singular form of Здравствуйте) - Similar to Привет but slightly more polite in casual settings.
  • Antonyms:
    • Прощай (Goodbye, informal) - Used for farewells, contrasting with greetings.
    • До свидания (Goodbye, formal) - Formal parting phrase.

Related Phrases:

  • Здравствуйте, меня зовут Иван. - Hello, my name is Ivan. (Used for formal introductions.)
  • Привет, что нового? - Hi, what's new? (Casual inquiry in informal conversations.)
  • Добрый вечер, здравствуйте. - Good evening, hello. (Combining time-specific greeting with formal address.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, the choice between Здравствуйте and Привет depends on the level of formality and relationship with the person. Здравствуйте is the safe, polite option for initial interactions or professional environments, while Привет is reserved for friends and family to avoid seeming overly distant. Always consider cultural norms, as Russians value politeness in formal settings. For {{supply}} (e.g., "hello"), these translations align closely but adapt to context—use with appropriate intonation to convey warmth.

  • Grammar note: These are not verbs, so no conjugation is needed.
  • Context guidance: In phone calls, start with Здравствуйте for formality.

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English learners is using Привет in formal situations, which can come across as rude. For example:

  • Incorrect: Привет, господин Иванов. (This mixes informal with formal, creating awkwardness.)
  • Correct: Здравствуйте, господин Иванов. (Proper formal greeting.)
  • Explanation: English speakers might overlook the need for formality, so always assess the social context before choosing.
  • Another error: Mispronouncing Здравствуйте by stressing the wrong syllable, e.g., saying [ZDRAS-tvuy-tye] instead of [zdras-TVUY-tye], which can make it harder to be understood.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings like Здравствуйте reflect a deep emphasis on respect and hierarchy. Using formal greetings can build rapport in social or professional settings, while informal ones like Привет signify closeness. Historically, these phrases stem from Old Church Slavonic influences, highlighting the language's evolution and the importance of etiquette in daily interactions.

Related Concepts:

  • Добрый день
  • Добрый вечер
  • До свидания