If you’re starting your Russian language journey, privet (привет), meaning “hello,” is likely one of the first words you’ll learn. However, Russian greetings go far beyond this single word. Just like in English, there are many ways to say hello in Russian, ranging from casual slang to formal expressions. The appropriate greeting depends on who you’re speaking to, the context, and your relationship with the person.
This guide will walk you through various ways to say hello in Russian, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation, from chatting with friends to addressing business partners. Mastering these greetings will not only enhance your communication skills but also demonstrate your respect for Russian culture.
Mastering the Basics: Informal Russian Greetings
Let’s start with the informal ways to say hello in Russian, perfect for friends, family, and casual acquaintances.
1. Privet (Привет): The Universal “Hi”
Privet (привет) is the most common and basic informal Russian greeting. It directly translates to “hello” and is used in situations similar to “hi” or “hey” in English. You can use privet with friends, family members, and people you know well.
Response: Typically, the response to privet is simply privet back. You can also use other informal greetings from this list to vary your responses.
2. Privetik (Приветик): A Cute and Playful “Heya!”
Privetik (приветик) is a diminutive and more affectionate version of privet. It carries a playful, childlike, or cute connotation, similar to saying “heya!” or “hi there!” in English with a sweet tone.
Usage: Reserve privetik for close friends, loved ones, or when speaking to children. It’s best to avoid it in formal or business settings.
3. Zdorovo (Здорoво): “Hey” Among Friends
Zdorovo (Здорoво), literally meaning “health,” is another informal greeting akin to “hey” or “what’s up” among friends. It’s a casual and friendly way to acknowledge someone you know well.
Pronunciation Note: It’s crucial to pronounce zdorovo with the stress on the second syllable (zdoro-VO). Be careful not to confuse it with zdorovo (здoрово) which is stressed on the first syllable and means “great,” “nice,” or “cool.” While both words have positive connotations, mispronunciation might lead to a slightly different, though still positive, interpretation.
4. Yo! (Йо!) and English Loanwords: Modern Casual Greetings
Reflecting global trends, Russian, especially among younger generations, has adopted some English greetings.
- Yo! (Йо!): Just like in English, yo is a very informal and trendy way to say “hi” to close friends. It’s popular in text messages and social media, and spoken among young people.
- Hello (Хеллo) and Hey (Хaй): These are direct loanwords from English, commonly used by younger Russians, particularly online due to increased exposure to Anglo-American culture through social media.
- Hiyooshki (Хaюшки): This is a “cute” and Russified version of “hey,” incorporating a diminutive suffix, adding a playful touch.
Response: You can respond to these greetings with the same English loanwords, yo, or any other informal Russian greeting from this list.
Formal Russian Greetings: Showing Respect
For situations requiring politeness and respect, such as meeting someone for the first time, addressing elders, or in professional settings, formal Russian greetings are essential.
5. Zdravstvuite (Здравствуйте): The Standard Formal “Hello”
Zdravstvuite (Здравствуйте) is the most common formal way to say “hello” in Russian. It’s versatile and appropriate for almost any formal situation, from doctor’s appointments to shopping. It’s similar to “hello” or “good day” in formal English.
Plural Form: Interestingly, zdravstvuite is grammatically plural. This allows you to use it when greeting a group of people or a single person you wish to show respect.
Shortened Forms:
- Zdravstvui (здравствуй): This is a shortened, informal, singular version of zdravstvuite. Use it with people you are familiar with but still want to be slightly respectful, or when moving from a formal to a more relaxed interaction.
- Zdrastee (здрасьте): An even more abbreviated form, zdrastee is very informal and can even be perceived as rude if used improperly. It’s best reserved for close friends who understand it as endearing or playful, rather than lazy or disrespectful.
Response: When someone greets you with zdravstvuite, respond in kind with zdravstvuite. You can use their level of formality as your cue for your response.
6. Dobroe Utro, Den, Vecher (Доброе утро, день, вечер): Time-Based Greetings
Similar to “good morning,” “good afternoon,” and “good evening” in English, Russian uses time-based greetings:
- Dobroe utro (Доброе утро): “Good morning,” used from sunrise until noon. Utro (утро) means “morning.”
- Dobryi den (Добрый день): “Good afternoon,” used from noon to around 6 pm. Den (день) means “day.” (Note: dobryi is used here, not dobroe)
- Dobryi vecher (Добрый вечер): “Good evening,” used from 6 pm onwards. Vecher (вечер) means “evening.” (Note: dobryi is used here, not dobroe)
Formality: These greetings are generally formal and suitable for most situations where you’re not very close to the person.
Response: You can respond by repeating the same phrase or by using zdravstvuite, as they carry a similar level of formality. These phrases can also be used to say goodbye at the end of a conversation.
Important Note: Dobroi nochi (Доброй ночи) meaning “good night,” is used to bid farewell in the evening or before sleep, similar to English “good night,” and not as a greeting.
7. Privetstvuyu (Приветствую) / Privetstvuyu Vas (Приветствую вас): “Greetings”
Privetstvuyu (Приветствую) and Privetstvuyu vas (Приветствую вас) are highly formal greetings, directly translating to “I am greeting you,” similar to the English “greetings.”
Usage: These are best used when addressing an audience, such as at a conference, or in very formal written communication. Adding vas (вас), meaning “you-plural,” enhances the politeness, especially when addressing multiple people or showing extra respect to a single person.
Unique and Contextual Russian Greetings
Beyond the basic formal and informal greetings, Russian offers several unique expressions for specific situations.
8. Allo (Алло) / Alyo (Алё) / Ello (Элло): Answering the Phone
Allo, Ayo, and Ello are all ways to say “hello” specifically when answering the phone in Russian. They are interchangeable, and your choice depends on personal preference.
Response: The caller will typically respond with another greeting from this list, depending on their relationship with you.
9. Privet, Tovarish (Привет, товарищ): “Hello, Comrade”
Privet, tovarish (Привет, товарищ), meaning “Hello, comrade,” has Soviet-era origins. While less common in modern everyday conversation, it can still be heard among older generations or in nostalgic contexts. It’s similar to saying “Hello friend” or “Hello my brother” in English.
10. Kak Dela? (Как дела?): “How’s it Going?”
Kak dela? (Как дела?) literally translates to “How are affairs?” but functions as a casual “How are you?” or “How’s it going?”.
Usage: It can follow an informal greeting like privet or be used on its own when you bump into someone you know casually.
11. Dobro Pozhalovat (Добро пожаловать): “Welcome”
Dobro pozhalovat (Добро пожаловать) means “welcome.” Literally translating to “kind staying,” it expresses wishes for a pleasant visit.
Usage: You’ll see this phrase at entrances to cities or regions in Russia and often hear it when entering shops or establishments. It’s formal and context-specific, useful to know, especially if you are hosting Russian speakers.
12. S Priyezdom (С приездом) / S Prilyotom (С прилётом): Welcoming Arrivals
- S priyezdom (С приездом): “Welcome (on arrival),” literally “[congratulations] with arrival.” Used to greet someone after a journey.
- S prilyotom (С прилётом): “Welcome (on flight arrival),” literally “[congratulations] with your flight.” Specifically used when someone arrives by plane.
Response: The appropriate response is simply spasibo (спасибо), meaning “thank you.”
13. Salam Aleykum (Салáм алéйкум): “Peace Be Upon You”
Salam aleykum (Салáм алéйкум) is an Arabic greeting meaning “Peace be upon you.” Common in Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities, it is also used in Russia, especially among friends with Muslim or cultural connections to Muslim regions, as Islam is a significant minority religion in Russia.
Response: You can repeat salam aleykum or respond with the traditional Arabic reply, wa aleykum salam (уа алeйкум cалaм), meaning “and upon you be peace,” to show respect.
14. Skol’ko Let, Skol’ko Zim! (Сколько лет, сколько зим!): “Long Time No See!”
Skol’ko let, skol’ko zim! (Сколько лет, сколько зим!) is a colorful, informal phrase meaning “How many summers, how many winters?”. It’s a poetic way to say “Long time no see!” or “It’s been ages!”.
Usage: Use this with old friends you haven’t seen in a long time.
Response: Respond with any friendly greeting and then catch up!
Conclusion: Greet Like a Russian Pro
Mastering How To Say Hello In Russian involves understanding not just the words but also the context and cultural nuances. By learning these various greetings, from the basic privet to the formal zdravstvuite and the more unique expressions, you’ll be well-equipped to communicate effectively and respectfully in Russian. Practice these greetings and observe how native speakers use them to further refine your skills and confidently say “hello” in any Russian situation.
Ready to take your Russian conversation skills further? Book a session today with a native Russian speaker and start your journey to fluency!
