Здравствуйте
The Russian phrase for a formal hello is Здравствуйте.
Здравствуйте is the standard way to greet someone in a professional or respectful setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a verb in the imperative mood that literally means be healthy.
How does it change in a sentence?
Здравствуйте uses the plural verb ending to express both the plural you and the formal you.
Did you know?
- In Russian culture, it is traditionally considered bad luck to say Здравствуйте or any greeting right before crossing a threshold. People will often step fully into a room or stay outside before exchanging greetings.
- While Здравствуйте is used for strangers, Russians often use the informal Привет only with people they are on a first-name basis with. Using the formal greeting with a close friend can actually be seen as a cold or passive-aggressive way to signal that you are angry.
- Because Здравствуйте is a wish for health, it is rarely used when greeting someone who is visibly very ill or in a hospital. In those sensitive contexts, speakers often switch to more neutral or gentle alternatives.
Examples in context
- Здравствуйте, добрый день.Zdravstvuyte, dobryy den'.Hello, good day.
- Здравствуйте, господин директор.Zdravstvuyte, gospodin direktor.Hello, Mr. Director.
- Вы сказали: «Здравствуйте».Vy skazali: "Zdravstvuyte".You said, "Hello."
Example conversation
Olga meets Andrey at a business conference.
- Ольга OlgaЗдравствуйте, Андрей.Zdravstvuyte, Andrey.Hello, Andrey.
- Андрей AndreyЗдравствуйте, Ольга.Zdravstvuyte, Ol'ga.Hello, Olga.
- Ольга OlgaКак ваши дела?Kak vashi dela?How are you doing?
- Андрей AndreyВсё хорошо, спасибо.Vsyo khorosho, spasibo.Everything is good, thank you.
