Greetings

The purpose of greetings in all languages is the same: to establish contact with another person and to show friendliness.

It is very important to use the correct form of greeting. Do you know, for example, that "Good day" is not exactly the same as "Добрый день?" It is not an arrival greeting, as in other languages. "Good day" is used when leaving, but even then not very often.

"Hello" is the universal form of greeting. It is acceptable in any situation except after a very formal introduction. A friendly "Hello" said with a smile is warm and informal. "Hello" followed by a name is even friendlier and more personal.

"Hi" is a greeting for people who already know one another. "Hi" is an abbreviation of "hiya", which in turn is a corruption of "How are you?" It should never be used in any formal situation.

To people you do not know very well, you may say "Good morning" (until lunch time), "Good afternoon" (until 5-6 pm) and "Good evening" (after 6 pm).

To neighbours, colleagues and other people whom you see regularly, you may say "Morning", "Afternoon", "Evening".

As a greeting people often say "How are you?" Since this widely used phrase implies no sincere interest in an answer, the best response is either "Fine, thank you" or "Very well, thank you".

"How do you do?" is said after formal introductions. You say this without expecting any answer but "How do you do?"

Notes

1. сorruption – искажение

2. but – кроме