всем привет
vsem privet
The English phrase "hi everyone" is translated into Russian as всем привет (vsem privet).
всем привет is an informal greeting used to address a group of people.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the dative case of the word for "everyone" and the informal word for "hi".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
всем привет is an informal phrase and is best used with friends, colleagues of equal status or in casual online communities. For a formal way of saying hello, you should use Здравствуйте.
How do you pronounce it?
vsem privet
Did you know?
- In very casual settings, Russians might replace всем привет with приветики, adding a diminutive suffix to make the greeting sound cuter or more affectionate.
- The word привет originally comes from the Old East Slavic word привѣтъ, which could mean not just a greeting but also a person's intention or will.
- Depending on the intonation, всем привет can be used sarcastically when someone enters a room late or interrupts a serious conversation.
Examples in context
- Всем привет, я Том.Hi everyone, I'm Tom.The first sentence is useful for introducing yourself.Tatoeba #5287937 by marafon, translation #5287420 by Hybrid
- Всем привет!Hi, everyone!The second sentence is a simple greeting.Tatoeba #466734 by Aqn, translation #10625665 by felix63
- Всем привет, ребята!Vsem privet, rebyata!Hi everyone, guys!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria enters a room where her friends are gathered.
- Мария MariaВсем привет!Vsem privet!Hi everyone!
- Андрей AndreyПривет, Мария!Privet, Mariya!Hi, Maria!
- Мария MariaКак дела у вас?Kak dela u vas?How are you all doing?
- Андрей AndreyУ нас всё хорошо.U nas vsyo khorosho.We are doing well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries привет, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
