рад тебя видеть
rad tebya videt'
The Russian phrase for "good to see you" is рад тебя видеть (rad tebya videt').
This is a friendly greeting used when meeting someone you already know.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "glad you to see", where рад means "glad/happy" and видеть means "to see".
Which one should you use?
The default form рад тебя видеть uses the informal "you" (тебя), while рад вас видеть is used for formal situations or when addressing more than one person.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the adjective рад changes to the feminine form рада. To address more than one person or to use the formal "you", replace тебя with вас.
How do you pronounce it?
rad tebya videt'
Did you know?
- The word видеть for 'to see' is a distant relative of the English words 'wit' and 'wise'. Both stem from an ancient root connecting the act of seeing with the act of knowing.
- In very formal Russian settings, the phrase рад вас видеть is often accompanied by a firm handshake, but touching the other person's arm or shoulder is generally avoided.
- While рад means 'glad' here, it is also used in the phrase рад помочь, which functions more like 'happy to help' than a statement of emotion.
Examples in context
- Рад тебя видеть, Том.Good to see you, Tom.This sentence shows how to use рад тебя видеть when addressing someone by name.Tatoeba #3531937 by marafon, translation #1598375 by Spamster
- Я всегда рад тебя видеть.It's always good to see you.This sentence demonstrates the use of the phrase to express a constant feeling.Tatoeba #11057780 by marafon, translation #8942069 by CK
- Рад тебя видеть.Good to see you.This sentence is a simple, standalone use of рад тебя видеть.Tatoeba #503423 by drnm2, translation #63897 by sundown
- Доброе утро, сэр. – Рад вас видеть, сэр.Good morning, sir. – Glad to see you, sir.
- Привет, Катя! – О, привет! Рад тебя видеть.Hi, Katya! – Oh, hi! Glad to see you.
- Добрый вечер, господа! – Рад вас видеть, господа.Good evening, gentlemen! – Glad to see you, gentlemen.
Example conversation
Olga and Sergey meet at a cafe.
- Ольга OlgaПривет, Сергей! Рад тебя видеть.Privet, Sergey! Rad tebya videt'.Hi, Sergey! Good to see you.
- Сергей SergeyПривет, Ольга! Я тоже очень рад.Privet, Ol'ga! Ya tozhe ochen' rad.Hi, Olga! I am very glad too.
- Ольга OlgaКак твои дела?Kak tvoi dela?How are you doing?
- Сергей SergeyВсё отлично, спасибо!Vsyo otlichno, spasibo!Everything is great, thanks!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries видеть, рад, тебя, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
