привет
privet
The English phrase "salut" can be translated into Russian as привет (privet).
привет is an informal greeting used to say hello to someone.
Which one should you use?
While привет is informal, the word здравствуйте is the standard formal way to say hello to elders or strangers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
привет is an informal greeting used with friends, family or peers. The formal equivalent of 'Hello' or 'Hi' is Здравствуйте.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word привет is a noun in form but functions as an interjection in greetings and does not change its form based on the person being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
privet
Did you know?
- The formal counterpart здравствуйте is built upon the root for 'health', literally meaning 'be healthy' or 'I wish you health'.
- While привет is a common greeting, its root also relates to the concept of an 'intention' or a 'will', suggesting that a greeting is originally a way of communicating one's purpose.
- In Russian, you can give someone a привет (a 'hello') as a physical gift of words, often by saying 'Передай ему привет' which means 'Give him my regards'.
Examples in context
- Здравствуйте! Как вам поживается?Hello! How are you doing?
- Здравствуйте! Рад вас видеть.Hello! Nice to see you.
- Здравствуйте! Спасибо за предложение.Hello! Thank you for the invitation.
- Привет! Как дела?Hey! How are things?
- Привет! Давно не виделись.Hi! Long time no see.
- Привет! Как прошел день?Hi! How was your day?
- Привет, как дела?Privet, kak dela?Hi, how are you?
- Привет всем!Privet vsem!Hello everyone!
- Слушай, привет.Slushay, privet.Listen, hi.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- Мария MariaПривет, Андрей!Privet, Andrey!Hi, Andrey!
- Андрей AndreyПривет, Мария. Как ты?Privet, Mariya. Kak ty?Hi, Maria. How are you?
- Мария MariaВсё хорошо, спасибо.Vsyo khorosho, spasibo.Everything is good, thanks.
- Андрей AndreyЯ очень рад тебя видеть.Ya ochen' rad tebya videt'.I am very glad to see you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries привет, CC BY-SA 4.0.
