What does it mean word for word?
The suffix –ся in здороваться makes the verb reflexive, which in this context implies a reciprocal action where people greet each other.
Which one should you use?
здороваться is used for the general act of exchanging greetings, while приветствовать is reserved for more formal or ceremonial greetings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form is здороваться. If you want to describe the completed act of greeting someone, use the perfective aspect поздороваться. For the first-person singular present tense ('I greet' or 'I am greeting'), use здороваюсь. Regarding specific formal greetings: Здравствуйте is used when addressing multiple people or when speaking to someone older or in a respected position, whereas Здравствуй is used for a single person of a similar age or lower position.
How do you pronounce it?
zdorovat'sya
Did you know?
- The root of здороваться is the same as the word for 'healthy'. When you greet someone in Russian, you are literally wishing them good health.
- The formal greeting Здравствуйте contains a hidden imperative mood. It is essentially a command telling the other person to 'be healthy'.
- A common non-verbal accompaniment to здороваться is a firm handshake, but unlike in some Western cultures, it is often avoided over a threshold or doorway for superstitious reasons.
Examples in context
- Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Анна.Hello! My name is Anna.
- Доброе утро! Как ваш день начался?Good morning! How did your day start?
- Добрый день! Как я могу вам помочь сегодня?Good day! How can I assist you today?
- Добрый вечер! Я рад видеть вас сегодня.Good evening! I'm glad to see you today.
- Привет! Как дела?Hi! How are you?
- Здорово! Рад тебя видеть!Hey! Glad to see you!
- Приветствую тебя на нашей встрече!Greetings on our meeting!
- Дети не хотят здороваться с незнакомыми людьми.Deti ne khotyat zdorovatsya s neznakomymi lyudmi.Children do not want to greet strangers.
- Нужно всегда здороваться, когда входишь в класс.Nuzhno vsegda zdorovatsya, kogda vkhodish' v klass.You should always greet when entering the classroom.
Example conversation
Dmitry and Anastasia are walking into a shared office.
- Дмитрий DmitryАнастасия, почему ты не хочешь здороваться с ним?Anastasiya, pochemu ty ne khochesh' zdorovat'sya s nim?Anastasia, why don't you want to greet him?
- Анастасия AnastasiaЯ просто очень спешу сейчас.Ya prosto ochen' speshu seychas.I'm just in a big hurry right now.
- Дмитрий DmitryНо это просто вежливость.No eto prosto vezhlivost'.But it is just common politeness.
- Анастасия AnastasiaХорошо, я поздороваюсь с ним позже.Khorosho, ya pozdorovayus' s nim pozzhe.Fine, I will greet him later.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries здороваться, CC BY-SA 4.0.
