будь здоров
bud' zdorov
In Russian, 'be healthy' is expressed as будь здоров (bud' zdorov).
This phrase is the standard social response used immediately after someone sneezes to wish them good health.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of the verb 'to be' (будь) and the masculine singular adjective for 'healthy' (здоров).
Which one should you use?
The default form будь здоров is used with friends, children or people you know well. In contrast, будьте здоровы is the version used for strangers or elders.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people or using the polite formal form, use the version будьте здоровы. If you are speaking specifically to a female, the adjective changes to the feminine form здорова, resulting in будь здорова. Additionally, you may use the informal expression Здоровья тебе, which translates to 'health to you.'
How do you pronounce it?
bud' zdorov
Did you know?
- While будь здоров is used after a sneeze, responding with будь здоров to someone who is actually ill is often considered a mistake or an awkward social blunder.
- In casual settings, you might hear someone simply shout Здоров! as a greeting. This uses the same root but functions as a shorthand, masculine-coded way to say 'hello' or 'be well'.
- While будь здоров is used for sneezing, Russians use a completely different phrase, на здоровье, when someone thanks them for a meal, which literally means 'for health'.
Examples in context
- Спасибо за вашу помощь. Пожалуйста, будьте здоровы!Thank you for your help. Please be healthy!
- Выздоравливай! Здоровья тебе!Get well soon! Health to you!
- Он чихнул, и я сказал: «Будь здоров!»On chikhnul, i ya skazal: "Bud' zdorov!"He sneezed, and I said, "Be healthy!"
- Будь здоров, мой друг!Bud' zdorov, moy drug!Be healthy, my friend!
Example conversation
Olga and Alexander are sitting in a cafe when Alexander sneezes.
- Ольга OlgaБудь здоров, Александр!Bud' zdorov, Aleksandr!Be healthy, Alexander!
- Александр AleksandrСпасибо, Ольга.Spasibo, Ol'ga.Thank you, Olga.
- Ольга OlgaТы в порядке?Ty v poryadke?Are you okay?
- Александр AleksandrДа, всё хорошо.Da, vsyo khorosho.Yes, everything is fine.
