Ever wondered how to say hi in Russian without sounding awkward or robotic? 😊
You’re in the right place! Whether you’re greeting a Russian friend, preparing for a trip to Moscow, or just curious about new languages, this guide is written especially for you.
In just a few minutes, you’ll learn not only how to say “hi” but also when to use it, how to pronounce it perfectly, and even how to continue the conversation naturally—just like a native speaker would.
So grab your favorite drink, relax, and let’s dive into some friendly Russian greetings together!
The Most Common Way to Say “Hi” in Russian
Привет (Privet) — Hi / Hello (informal)
🗣 Pronunciation: pree-VYET
This is your go-to greeting with friends, classmates, or anyone you know well. It’s casual, warm, and simple—just like saying “hi” in English.
Example:
- Привет, Анна! (Privet, Anna!) — Hi, Anna!
When to use:
Use “Привет” with people your age, family, or peers. Avoid using it with strangers, older people, or in formal situations—it can come across as too casual.
Formal Way to Say “Hello” in Russian
Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte) — Hello (formal)
🗣 Pronunciation: ZDRAH-stvooy-tyeh
Don’t worry—it looks and sounds complicated at first, but practice it slowly, syllable by syllable. You’ll get it!
Example:
- Здравствуйте, господин Иванов. (Zdravstvuyte, gospodin Ivanov.) — Hello, Mr. Ivanov.
When to use:
Use “Здравствуйте” in professional settings, with elders, or when meeting someone for the first time. It shows respect and good manners—a big deal in Russian culture!
A Shorter and Friendlier Alternative
Здравствуй (Zdravstvuy) — Hello (semi-formal / friendly)
🗣 Pronunciation: ZDRAH-stvooy
This is the slightly less formal version of “Здравствуйте.” You might use it with people you know but still want to sound polite—like an older neighbor or a teacher.
Example:
- Здравствуй, Мария! (Zdravstvuy, Mariya!) — Hello, Maria!
Fun and Slangy Ways to Say “Hi” 😄
Just like English has “Hey” or “Yo!”, Russian has its own casual greetings.
- Хай (Hai) — Hi (borrowed from English, used among teens or online)
- Даров / Здарова (Darov / Zdarova) — Yo! / Sup! (very casual, used mostly by young men or close friends)
Example:
- Хай, ребята! (Hai, rebyata!) — Hi, guys!
Common Follow Up Phrases After Saying Hi
Once you’ve greeted someone, you’ll want to keep the conversation going. Here are a few must-know phrases:
| English | Russian | Pronunciation |
| How are you? | Как дела? | Kak dee-LAH? |
| I’m good, thanks. | Хорошо, спасибо. | Ha-ra-SHO spa-SEE-ba |
| What’s up? | Что нового? | Chto NO-va-va? |
| Nice to see you! | Рад(а) тебя видеть! | Rad(a) tee-BYA VEE-deet’! |
| Goodbye | До свидания | Da svee-DA-nee-ya |
💡 Note: “Рад” is for men, “Рада” is for women when saying “Nice to see you.”
Cultural Note 🇷🇺
Russians value sincerity in greetings. When you ask “Как дела?” (“How are you?”), be ready for a real answer—not just “Good, thanks!” like in English. Also, don’t greet someone with a handshake over a doorway—it’s considered bad luck!
Quick Recap 💬
- Привет (Privet) → Hi (informal)
- Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte) → Hello (formal)
- Здравствуй (Zdravstvuy) → Semi-formal hello
- Хай / Здарова → Very casual, friendly hi
Just like in English, your tone and situation matter most. So, next time you meet a Russian speaker, greet them confidently—you’ve got this!
Conclusion 🌟
Now that you know how to say hi in Russian, don’t just memorize—use it! Try greeting your Russian-speaking friends or even practice in front of a mirror. The more you say it, the more natural it’ll feel. Language learning is about connection, not perfection, so go ahead and say your first confident “Привет!” today.
John Preston is a passionate American author known for his insightful storytelling and thought-provoking narratives. With a deep love for literature and a sharp eye for detail, John crafts stories that not only entertain but also inspire reflection and growth. His modern writing style, combined with relatable characters and real-life settings, has earned him a loyal readership across diverse audiences.
Dedicated to exploring human emotions, relationships, and societal challenges, John brings authenticity and depth to every page he writes. When he’s not working on his next manuscript, you can find him in his cozy office, surrounded by books, a warm cup of coffee by his side, and his laptop always within reach.
Some of his most notable works include:
The Silent Echoes
Chasing the Dawn
Beneath the City Lights
Through his writing, John Preston continues to leave a lasting impact, one story at a time.