здравствуйте
zdrávstvuyte
The Russian phrase for "hello formal" is здравствуйте (zdrávstvuyte).
здравствуйте is a standard way to say "Hello!" or "Greetings!" in a formal manner.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the word is a command in the imperative mood meaning "be healthy" or "stay healthy".
Which one should you use?
Use здравствуйте for people you do not know well, elders or superiors. This is contrasted with the informal привет, which is used for friends and family.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern regions of Russia, one might use Салам алейкум!, which means "Peace be upon you!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The form здравствуйте ends in the suffix –те, which is the plural or formal imperative suffix.
How do you pronounce it?
zdrávstvuyte
Did you know?
- While здравствуйте means 'be healthy', it is considered an impolite greeting to say it while shaking hands with a person over a threshold. In Russian culture, you must either step fully inside or stay outside to avoid bringing bad luck.
- The root of здравствуйте is shared with the Russian word for 'toast', за здоровье, which literally means 'for health'.
- While здравствуйте is the standard formal greeting, in very high-status official or diplomatic circles, you might hear Приветствую вас, which means 'I greet you' and carries an even heavier weight of formality.
Examples in context
- Добрый вечер, здравствуйте!Good evening, hello!
- Здравствуйте, господин директор.Zdravstvuyte, gospodin direktor.Hello, Mr. Director.
- Здравствуйте, как ваши дела?Zdravstvuyte, kak vashi dela?Hello, how are you doing?
- Здравствуйте, проходите, пожалуйста.Zdravstvuyte, prokhodite, pozhaluysta.Hello, please come in.
Example conversation
Olga meets Dmitry, a formal business acquaintance, at an office building.
- Ольга OlgaЗдравствуйте, Дмитрий.Zdravstvuyte, Dmitriy.Hello, Dmitry.
- Дмитрий DmitryЗдравствуйте, Ольга.Zdravstvuyte, Ol'ga.Hello, Olga.
- Ольга OlgaРада вас видеть.Rada vas videt'.I am glad to see you.
- Дмитрий DmitryЯ тоже.Ya tozhe.Me too.
