привет, как дела?
privet, kak dela?
The Russian phrase for "hello, how are you doing?" is привет, как дела? (privet, kak dela?)
This phrase is a friendly greeting used to start a conversation and ask about someone's general well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The part как дела? literally translates to "how are affairs?" or "how are things?" rather than "how are you?"
Which one should you use?
While как дела? is a standard inquiry into one's general state, как ты? is a more intimate and direct way to ask how a person is feeling or doing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase привет, как дела? is informal and should be used with friends or peers. For strangers or superiors, use the formal version здравствуйте, как у вас дела? Additionally, Как поживаете? is a formal way to say "How are you doing?"
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase как дела?, the word дела is the plural form of дело, meaning "affair", "matter" or "business".
How do you pronounce it?
privet, kak dela?
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to как дела? is хорошо, спасибо (good, thank you).
Did you know?
- In Russia, asking как дела? is often treated as a genuine question rather than a polite formality. If you ask, be prepared for a detailed and honest answer about the person's life or problems.
- The formal greeting здравствуйте is actually an imperative verb. It literally means 'be healthy' or 'stay well'.
- While привет is the standard informal 'hello', it is also used as a noun meaning 'regards'. You can tell a friend передавай привет, which means 'give my regards' or 'say hello for me'.
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- Андрей AndreyОльга, привет, как дела?Olga, privet, kak dela?Olga, hello, how are you doing?
- Ольга OlgaПривет, Андрей! У меня всё хорошо.Privet, Andrey! U menya vsyo khorosho.Hello, Andrey! I am doing well.
- Андрей AndreyЯ рад это слышать.Ya rad eto slyshat.I am glad to hear that.
- Ольга OlgaСпасибо, а у тебя?Spasibo, a u tebya?Thanks, and how about you?
