Привет, как дела?
The English phrase 'hi, how are you doing?' can be expressed in Russian as Привет, как дела?
What does it mean word for word?
The part как дела? literally translates to 'how are affairs?' or 'how are things?'
Which one should you use?
While Привет, как дела? is the informal version used with friends and peers, the formal version Здравствуйте, как у вас дела? is used with strangers, elders or in professional settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase как дела?, the word дела is the plural form of дело (affair/matter/business), so the verb 'to be' is implied in the plural.
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to Как дела? is Хорошо, спасибо. (Good, thanks.), though Нормально. (Normal/Fine.) is also a very common, neutral response.
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone, Как дела? can be used as a way to start a confrontation. If spoken sharply by a superior or a parent, it may actually mean 'What is going on here?' or 'Explain yourself'.
- The formal greeting Здравствуйте is derived from the root здрав, which relates to health. By saying this, you are not just saying 'hello' but are literally wishing the other person health.
- While English speakers use 'how are you?' as a greeting, Russians often treat Как дела? as a genuine question. If you ask a Russian how they are doing, be prepared for a detailed and honest account of their current struggles or successes.
Example conversation
Andrey meets Ekaterina on the street.
- Андрей AndreyПривет, как дела?Privet, kak dela?Hi, how are you doing?
- Екатерина EkaterinaПривет, Андрей! Всё хорошо.Privet, Andrey! Vsyo khorosho.Hi, Andrey! Everything is good.
- Андрей AndreyРад это слышать.Rad eto slyshat'.I am glad to hear that.
- Екатерина EkaterinaА у тебя как?A u tebya kak?And how about you?
