Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Russian grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Привет! Как дела?
Why doesn't this sentence use the Russian word for "you"?
Because the literal translation of Как дела? is "How are things?" or "How are affairs?". Как means "how", and дела is the plural form of дело (matter, business, or affair). So, Russians ask about your "things" rather than asking about "you" directly.
Is there a verb "are" missing in Как дела?
Yes! In Russian, the present tense of the verb "to be" (am, is, are) is almost always skipped. You simply put the words together as "How things?" and the "are" is naturally understood.
Can I use Привет with anyone?
No, Привет is an informal greeting, much like "Hi" or "Hey" in English. You should only use it with friends, family, and people you are close to. If you are talking to a stranger, a teacher, or a boss, you should use the formal hello: Здравствуйте.
How do I reply to Как дела?
The most common and polite reply is Хорошо (Good). You might also hear Нормально (Fine/Normal) or Спасибо, хорошо (Good, thank you). In Russian culture, it's totally normal to give a short, neutral answer unless you are talking to a close friend.