приве́т
privét
The English phrase 'hi' is translated into Russian as приве́т (privét). Wiktionary also lists здоро́во (zdoróvo) and здра́сте (zdráste).
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| приве́т | privét |
| здоро́во | zdoróvo |
| здра́сте | zdráste |
These terms are used as friendly, informal greetings. While приве́т is the most popular informal way to say hi, other variations exist depending on the social context and level of closeness.
Which one should you use?
приве́т is the standard, neutral way to say 'hi' to friends or peers. здоро́во is a very informal, masculine-coded greeting often used among close male friends. здра́сте is a colloquial, shortened version of the formal здравствуйте used in casual speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
All provided forms are informal. For formal situations, you should use Здравствуйте to say hello or Доброе утро to say good morning (the latter is used until around noon). For a cute and informal way to say good morning among close friends, you can use Утречка.
How do you pronounce it?
privét
Did you know?
- The formal greeting здравствуйте is actually an imperative verb meaning 'be healthy'.
- The informal greeting здоро́во is derived from the adjective for 'healthy' or 'big', but using it as a greeting can sound quite rough or 'macho' if used with the wrong person.
- Using приве́т with a person much older than you, such as a professor or a stranger, is considered a significant social blunder rather than just 'casual'.
Examples in context
- Здоро́во!Hi.This example shows how здоро́во can be used to say 'Hi'.Tatoeba #3854188 by marafon, translation #538123 by CM
- Здравствуйте! Как поживаете?Hello! How are you?
- Здравствуйте! Все отлично, спасибо!Hello! Everything is great, thank you!
- Привет! Как дела?Hi! How are you?
- Привет! Все хорошо, спасибо!Hi! Everything is good, thank you!
- Приве́т, как дела?Privet, kak dela?Hi, how are things?
- Приве́т всем!Privet vsem!Hi everyone!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- Дмитрий DmitryПриве́т, О́льга!Privet, Olga!Hi, Olga!
- Ольга OlgaПриве́т, Ди́ма! Ра́да тебя́ ви́деть.Privet, Dima! Rada tebya videt.Hi, Dima! Glad to see you.
- Дмитрий DmitryТы куда́ идёшь?Ty kuda idyosh?Where are you going?
- Ольга OlgaЯ иду́ в кафе́.Ya idu v kafe.I am going to a cafe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
