эй
ej[ɛj]
The Russian word for "hey" is эй (ej).
эй is used as an interjection to grab someone's attention or to express surprise, similar to how English speakers use the word "hey".
Meaning: informal greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
While the English "hey" can function as a friendly greeting, the Russian эй is more frequently used to get attention or to express sudden emotion.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using эй to address someone is very informal and can sound rude or aggressive depending on your tone. For a standard informal greeting, you might use Привет, whereas Здравствуйте is the formal way to say hello.
How do you pronounce it?
ej
Did you know?
- While эй is now common, it was originally borrowed from the English 'hey'.
- In some Russian literary traditions, the use of эй to address a character is a shorthand way for an author to signal that the character is unrefined or lacks manners.
- The word эй is considered a 'particle' in some linguistic contexts, meaning it can function almost like a musical beat to punctuate an emotional outburst.
Examples in context
- Эй, ты не Том.Hey, you're not Tom.This sentence shows how to use эй to address someone.Tatoeba #5231541 by odexed, translation #3364626 by CK
- Эй, где ты был?Hey, where've you been?This sentence shows how to use эй to get someone's attention.Tatoeba #4126427 by sharptoothed, translation #2646065 by CK
- Эй, в чём дело?Hey, what's wrong?This sentence shows how to use эй to express sudden emotion or concern.Tatoeba #4297280 by Ooneykcall, translation #3575363 by CK
- Привет, как твои дела?Hey, how are you doing?
- Здорово, давно не виделись!Hey, long time no see!
- 281 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dmitry is trying to get Olga's attention in a crowded room.
- Дмитрий DmitryЭй, Ольга, посмотри на меня!Ey, Ol'ga, posmotri na menya!Hey, Olga, look at me!
- Ольга OlgaЯ тебя слышу, Дмитрий.Ya tebya slyshu, Dmitriy.I hear you, Dmitry.
- Дмитрий DmitryЭй, ты меня вообще слушаешь?Ey, ty menya voobshche slushayesh'?Hey, are you even listening to me?
- Ольга OlgaДа, я всё слушаю.Da, ya vsyo slushayu.Yes, I'm listening to everything.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry эй, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries эй, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
