привет, как дела?
privet, kak dela?
The English phrase "hi, how are you?" is translated into Russian as привет, как дела? (privet, kak dela?)
привет, как дела? is a common informal greeting used to start a conversation and ask about someone's well-being. In Russian, как дела? is often used as a phatic expression to start a conversation rather than a request for a detailed medical or emotional report.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase как дела? literally translates to "how are affairs?" or "how are things?" where дела is the plural form of дело (affair/matter/business).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The informal greeting Здорово is also used to say "Hi" in Moscow and other urban areas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word дела used in the phrase is the plural form of дело, meaning affair, matter or business.
How do you pronounce it?
privet, kak dela?
When do people say it?
When someone asks you как дела?, a standard and natural response is Хорошо, спасибо (Good, thank you).
Did you know?
- In very informal settings, Russians may respond to как дела? with нормально, which translates to 'normally'. This is a culturally specific way of saying things are fine without sounding overly optimistic or boastful.
- While как дела? is a casual greeting, asking a Russian about their 'affairs' can be taken literally. If you ask this to someone you do not know well, they may actually give you a detailed and honest account of their problems.
- The urban greeting Здорово is derived from the word for 'healthy'. By saying it, you are essentially wishing the other person health, similar to how some languages use 'health' as a toast.
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- Дмитрий DmitryПривет, как дела?Privet, kak dela?Hi, how are you?
- Мария MariaПривет, Дмитрий! Всё хорошо.Privet, Dmitriy! Vsyo khorosho.Hi, Dmitry! Everything is good.
- Дмитрий DmitryЯ рад это слышать.Ya rad eto slyshat'.I am glad to hear that.
- Мария MariaА у тебя?A u tebya?And you?
