How to Say the Most Common Words or Phrases in Russian
Say “hello” formally with здравствуйте (zdrAH-stvy-stye)., Use привет (pri-vYEt) for “hi.” Use this with your friends or younger people., Tell someone “good morning” by saying доброе утро (dOH-braya OOtra)., Tailor your greeting to the time of day.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Say “hello” formally with здравствуйте (zdrAH-stvy-stye).
Use the form здравствуй (zdrAH-stvy) with your friends or people younger than
18.
Don’t repeat здравствуйте or здравствуй if you’ve already said it to someone earlier in the day.
Russians only say “hello” once a day., This is a very informal greeting.
Don’t use it with a person in authority or an adult you don’t know., Use this phrase until about noon.
Say this to anyone you meet in the morning instead of здравствуйте or привет., Replace здравствуйте or привет later in the day.
Russians use specific greetings between noon and 6pm, and again from 6pm to about midnight.
Follow their example and use those same greetings.Use добрый день (DOH-bry dyen’) to say “good afternoon” between noon and 6pm Tell people “good evening” by saying добрый вечер (DOH-bry vYE-cher) after 6pm and before midnight. -
Step 2: Use привет (pri-vYEt) for “hi.” Use this with your friends or younger people.
-
Step 3: Tell someone “good morning” by saying доброе утро (dOH-braya OOtra).
-
Step 4: Tailor your greeting to the time of day.
Detailed Guide
Use the form здравствуй (zdrAH-stvy) with your friends or people younger than
18.
Don’t repeat здравствуйте or здравствуй if you’ve already said it to someone earlier in the day.
Russians only say “hello” once a day., This is a very informal greeting.
Don’t use it with a person in authority or an adult you don’t know., Use this phrase until about noon.
Say this to anyone you meet in the morning instead of здравствуйте or привет., Replace здравствуйте or привет later in the day.
Russians use specific greetings between noon and 6pm, and again from 6pm to about midnight.
Follow their example and use those same greetings.Use добрый день (DOH-bry dyen’) to say “good afternoon” between noon and 6pm Tell people “good evening” by saying добрый вечер (DOH-bry vYE-cher) after 6pm and before midnight.
About the Author
Joshua Mendoza
Experienced content creator specializing in home improvement guides and tutorials.
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