There is no secret to greeting people in Russian. It can be as simple as Здра́вствуйте/Здра́вствуй! Like "Hello" in
English, you can use this greeting at any time of the day and with nearly anyone. Keep in
mind, however, that you will use this expression only once in the day. If you meet again
later, you should greet each other using a different expression. You may use До́брое у́тро!
Good morning! До́брый день! Good
afternoon! or До́брый ве́чер!
Good evening! depending on the time of day. More informal greetings such as Приве́т! Hi! or the very slangy
Салю́т! Hey! are also possible,
but you should be careful when, and with whom you use these.
As we do in English, you might ask someone you know how he/she is doing: Как пожива́ете? How are you?
Как дела́? How are things
(going)? Possible responses are
Хорошо́ Fine; Норма́льно As usual;
Ничего́ O.K. Unlike Americans, whose response to these
questions is often nothing more than a polite Tine, thanks." Russians may take the time to
tell you the whole truth!
До свида́ния Good bye!
(literally: "Until our next meeting.") will work in all situations when saying good-bye.
You may also use: Всего́ хоро́шего;
Всего́ до́брого! All the best.
Пока́! See ya! or Bye! is more
casual and you should be careful when you use it, and with whom.
