здравствуйте, меня зовут Михаил
zdravstvuyte, menya zovut Mikhail
The English phrase "hello, my name is michael" is translated into Russian as здравствуйте, меня зовут Михаил (zdravstvuyte, menya zovut Mikhail).
This phrase is a formal way to greet someone and introduce yourself.
Which one should you use?
The greeting здравствуйте is the formal version of "hello", whereas привет (privet) is the informal version used with friends. For the name itself, while Михаил is the standard form, Миша (Misha) is a common nickname for Michael.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This specific phrase is formal. The greeting здравствуйте is used in formal settings or when addressing someone with respect, such as a stranger or a superior. In more casual settings, you would use the informal привет instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal Russian conversations, it is common to include both your first name and patronymic name.
How do you pronounce it?
zdravstvuyte, menya zovut Mikhail
Did you know?
- While здравствуйте is a standard greeting, it is technically an imperative verb form, meaning you are literally commanding the other person to 'be healthy'.
- Because меня зовут translates literally to 'they call me', you are grammatically stating that people call you by that name, rather than claiming ownership of the name itself.
- In a truly formal Russian introduction, Михаил would be followed by a patronymic, such as Михаил Сергеевич, to show proper respect to the listener.
Examples in context
- Здравствуйте, меня зовут Михаил.Hello, my name is Michael.
- Здравствуйте, меня зовут Михаил, очень приятно.Zdravstvuyte, menya zovut Mikhail, ochen' priyatno.Hello, my name is Michael, nice to meet you.
- Здравствуйте, меня зовут Михаил, я ваш новый коллега.Zdravstvuyte, menya zovut Mikhail, ya vash novyy kollega.Hello, my name is Michael, I am your new colleague.
Example conversation
Michael introduces himself to a colleague at a business meeting.
- Ольга OlgaЗдравствуйте, меня зовут Михаил.Zdravstvuyte, menya zovut Mikhail.Hello, my name is Michael.
- Александр AleksandrОчень приятно, Михаил. Я Александр.Ochen priyatno, Mikhail. Ya Aleksandr.Nice to meet you, Michael. I am Alexander.
- Ольга OlgaВзаимно, Александр.Vzaimno, Aleksandr.Likewise, Alexander.
- Александр AleksandrДавайте начнём наше собрание.Davayte nachnyom nashe sobraniye.Let's begin our meeting.
