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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ru-hello-informal

Which Russian word is a casual 'Hi' for friends?

Привет (privet) is the casual hi, only for friends, family and kids.

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  1. Привет (privet) ✔
  2. Извините (izvinite)
  3. Пожалуйста (pozhaluysta)

Why: Привет is informal, like 'hi' or 'hey'. Use it with people you call ты (ty). With strangers, say здравствуйте instead.

Huh, didn't know that: Another casual hello is здорово (zdorovo), which is also listed as informal.

The dad joke
Privet is the shortest way to make a new friend, and it doesn't even need a suitcase.
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References

Answer: Привет (privet). Привет is informal, like 'hi' or 'hey'. Use it with people you call ты (ty). With strangers, say здравствуйте instead.

  1. Wiktionary: привет en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82
    (informal) hello, hi
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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