здравствуйте
zdravstvuyte
The Russian phrase for "bonjour" is здравствуйте (zdravstvuyte).
здравствуйте is a common way to greet someone in a formal setting. Other formal greetings include Добрый день, which means "good day" and is suitable to use throughout the day and Доброго утра, a formal greeting meaning "good morning" used in the morning.
What does it mean word for word?
The word здравствуйте is literally a command or a wish for the person to "be healthy".
Which one should you use?
здравствуйте is the formal version used when addressing one person with respect or a group of people. In contrast, привет is the standard informal way to say "hi" to friends or peers.
How do you pronounce it?
zdravstvuyte
Did you know?
- If you are meeting someone of high status or an elder, you might use здравствуйте, but if you use the informal привет, it can be perceived as a significant social insult rather than just being overly friendly.
- In very formal or old-fashioned settings, a person might respond to здравствуйте by slightly bowing their head, though this is rare in modern cities.
- While we often wish people 'good health' in English as a polite thought, the Russian verb in здравствуйте actually functions as a direct imperative, essentially commanding the listener to be healthy.
Examples in context
- Здравствуйте, добрый день!Zdravstvuyte, dobryy den'!Hello, good day!
- Здравствуйте, как ваши дела?Zdravstvuyte, kak vashi dela?Hello, how are you?
- Здравствуйте, я очень рад вас видеть.Zdravstvuyte, ya ochen' rad vas videt'.Hello, I am very glad to see you.
Example conversation
A professional meeting in an office.
- Александр AleksandrЗдравствуйте, Анастасия.Zdravstvuyte, Anastasiya.Hello, Anastasia.
- Анастасия AnastasiaЗдравствуйте, Александр.Zdravstvuyte, Aleksandr.Hello, Alexander.
- Александр AleksandrКак ваше настроение сегодня?Kak vashe nastroyeniye segodnya?How is your mood today?
- Анастасия AnastasiaВсё очень хорошо, спасибо.Vsyo ochen' khorosho, spasibo.Everything is very good, thank you.
