йо́у
jóu
The English phrase "yo" is translated into Russian as йо́у (jóu).
йо́у is a greeting similar to "hi".
Meaning: greeting similar to hi (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
йо́у is a slang greeting borrowed from English and is used in very informal settings. For a standard informal greeting among friends, you might use Privet, while in a formal context, the common way to say hello is Zdravstvujte.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
jóu
Did you know?
- While йо́у is a direct loan from English, Russian learners often confuse it with the letter ё, which is the only letter in the alphabet that is frequently ignored in spelling and replaced by е.
- Because йо́у is perceived as 'internet slang', it is frequently seen in text messages and social media but is rarely spoken aloud in traditional face-to-face Russian conversations.
- Unlike the English 'yo' which can be a greeting or an exclamation of surprise, the Russian йо́у is almost exclusively used as a greeting.
Examples in context
- Йо́у, как дела?Yóu, kak dela?Yo, how are things?
- Йо́у, давно не виделись.Yóu, davno ne videlis'.Yo, long time no see.
- Йо́у, привет всем!Yóu, privet vsem!Yo, hi everyone!
Example conversation
Dmitry and Olga meet casually on a street.
- Дмитрий DmitryЙо́у, Ольга!Yóu, Ol'ga!Yo, Olga!
- Ольга OlgaПривет, Дмитрий. Ты как?Privet, Dmitriy. Ty kak?Hi, Dmitry. How are you?
- Дмитрий DmitryВсё супер, спасибо.Vsyo super, spasibo.Everything is great, thanks.
- Ольга OlgaРада это слышать.Rada eto slyshat'.I'm glad to hear that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yo” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
