всем привет
vsem privet
The English phrase 'hello there' is translated into Russian as всем привет (vsem privet).
всем привет is used to say 'hello there' or 'hi everyone'.
Meaning: hello (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'hello to everyone'. The word всем is the dative case of 'все' (everyone), used here to indicate the recipients of the greeting.
Which one should you use?
Unlike the formal здравствуйте, всем привет is casual and should not be used with superiors or strangers in a formal setting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
всем привет is an informal phrase. It is best used when addressing a group of friends, peers or a casual online audience.
How do you pronounce it?
vsem privet
Did you know?
- In very old Russian, the root of привет was connected to the idea of a 'will' or 'intention', suggesting that greeting someone was an act of showing your intent toward them.
- The word привет can also be used as a noun meaning 'a greeting' or 'a message', so you might tell a friend, 'Передай ему привет', which means 'Give him my regards' rather than 'Say hello to him'.
- If you are feeling particularly casual or playful with friends, you might shorten привет to just прив, a common shorthand used in Russian texting and instant messaging.
Examples in context
- Всем привет, друзья!Vsem privet, druz'ya!Hello there, friends!
- Я хочу сказать всем привет.Ya khochu skazat' vsem privet.I want to say hello to everyone.
- Всем привет в этом чате!Vsem privet v etom chate!Hello there to everyone in this chat!
Example conversation
Maria and Andrey are joining a group video call with colleagues.
- Мария MariaВсем привет!Vsem privet!Hello there, everyone!
- Андрей AndreyПривет, Мария!Privet, Mariya!Hello, Maria!
- Мария MariaКак дела, Андрей?Kak dela, Andrey?How are you, Andrey?
- Андрей AndreyВсё хорошо, спасибо.Vsyo khorosho, spasibo.Everything is good, thanks.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries привет, CC BY-SA 4.0.
