Everyone wants to sound friendly, especially when they start using a foreign language with native speakers. Undoubtedly, among the first expressions you want to master are greetings and saying goodbye.
1. Здравствуйте! [Zdrah-stvooy-tye] Hello A formal Hello when you address one person or many people.
2. Здравствуй! [Zdrah-stvooy] Hello A less formal Hello you can use when addressing one person.
3. Привет! [Pree-vyet] Hi, Hey An informal way of saying Hi to someone you are on friendly terms with.
4. Приветствую вас! [Pree-vyets-tvoo-you vahs] Greetings! Has a slight old-fashioned meaning to it. You might want to use it at a formal occasion when addressing/welcoming a group of people (e.g. wedding, conference, etc).
5. Доброе утро![Dob-rah-je oo-trah]Good morning!
6. Добрый день![Dobriy dyen]Good afternoon!
Russian perception of times of the day is slightly different to English. While 2am or 3am is effectively a morning for an English speaker, it is still night time for a Russian speaker. Morning starts with the sunrise.
7. Добрый вечер![Do-brij vye-cher]Good evening!
8. До свидания![Dah svi-da-nee-ya]
Good bye! Formal
9. Пока![Pah-kah]Bye! Informal
10. До встречи![Dah fstre-chee] See you later! Literally “until meeting”
11. До скорого![Dah skorah-vah]See you soon! Literally “until soon”
12. Всего хорошего![Fsee-vo khah-ro-she-vah]All the best!
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