Friends and family members greet each other with a simple "Привет". for those who want to 'Copy'+'Paste' : - Привет, Эмили. - Привет, мам. Use "Здравствуйте" with people you barely know, with much older folks (unless they are your relatives) or with government officials. - Здравствуйте, мисс Наталия. - Здравствуй, Эмили. Remember, "Practice makes perfect". Your e-mails with questions and comments are welcome. If you are brave enough, you can e-mail me an audio file with your greeting in Russian. I'll play it on the next show.