Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| да здра́вствует | da zdrávstvujet | singular |
| вива́т | vivát | |
| да здра́вствуют | da zdrávstvujut | plural |
This phrase is typically used in formal proclamations, toasts or highly stylized literary contexts to express a wish for the continued prosperity or health of a person or institution.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the particle да (may/let) and the third-person singular form of the verb здра́вствовать (to be healthy/to thrive). Literally, it translates to 'may [he/she/it] be healthy'.
Which one should you use?
The plural form да здра́вствуют is used when the subject of the wish is a group of people. The word вива́т is a loanword used in highly formal, ceremonial or archaic contexts, often used in shouts of acclaim.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
да здра́вствует is a formal way to say 'Long Live' used in official ceremonies or public speeches. The word вива́т is used in highly formal, ceremonial or archaic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the plural form да здра́вствуют when the subject of the wish is a group of people, such as 'long live the heroes' (да здра́вствуют герои).
How do you pronounce it?
da zdrávstvujet
Did you know?
- If you were to use да здра́вствует in a casual setting today, it would sound deeply ironic or mock-heroic. It is so heavily associated with imperial or Soviet-style proclamations that it is now used mostly for satire or high-drama.
- The word вива́т is not an original Russian word, but a direct phonetic borrowing from the Latin 'vivat'. It carries a much more dramatic, almost operatic energy than the native Slavic alternative.
- The particle да in this phrase is an archaic way of expressing a wish or command, much like 'may' in the English 'may you live long'. In modern conversation, да is most commonly used as 'yes'.
Examples in context
- Да здравствует мудрый и щедрый богатырь!Long live the wise and generous hero!
- Вечно пусть живет наша прекрасная родина!Long live our beautiful homeland forever!
- Да здравствует наша дружба и веселье!Long live our friendship and fun!
- Да здра́вствует весна!Da zdravstvuet vesna!Long live spring!
- Да здра́вствует наша дружба!Da zdravstvuet nasha druzhba!Long live our friendship!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “long live” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
