Introductory Russian: Most Common Russian Phrases
So you’ve decided to learn Russian – the exotic language of the former Soviet Union? Today, we are going to talk about the most commonly used beginner phrases in Russian, phrases which you’ll get the chance to enjoy using right away. You may be planning to use Russian to go on a trip, meet people, learn about your heritage, for business, or to study in Russia. In any case, once you go to Russia, these phrases will definitely come to use and seriously add to the travel experience.
Here are some of the main phrases you should know right off the bat. If you’d like to be able to practice these phrases, pronunciation, and beyond, consider trying out a Russian teacher for a lesson, such as one at TransEurope.
| Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuitye) | Hello (formal) |
| Привет (Privet) | Hi (informal) |
| До свидания (Do svidaniya) | Goodbye |
| Пока (Poka) | Bye |
| Пожалуйста (Pozhalusta) | Please |
| Спасибо (Spasibo) | Thank you |
| Извините (Izvinite) | Excuse me/Sorry (formal) |
| Простите (Prostite) | Sorry |
| Да (Da) | Yes |
| Нет (Nyet) | No |
| Не понимаю (Ne ponimayu) | I don’t understand |
| Говорите медленнее, пожалуйста (Govoritye medlennyee, pozhaluysta) | Speak slower, please |
| Вы говорите по-английски? (Vy govorite po angliyski?) | Do you speak English? |
| Сколько это стоит? (Skol’ko eto stoit?) | How much does this cost? |
| Где находится …? (Gdye nakhoditsya …?) | Where is …? |
| Помогите! (Pomogite!) | Help! |
| Извините, где туалет? (Izvinite, gdye tualet?) | Excuse me, where is the bathroom? |
| Хорошо (Khorosho) | Good/Well |
| Плохо (Plokho) | Bad |
The First Things You’ll Be Asked When Meeting Russians
As soon as you are greeted by a Russian speaker in Russia or a former Soviet country with the word Привет (Priviet) or Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuitye), you will likely be asked what your name is, how you’re doing, and where you’re from. These phrases are a must-know for tourists, expats, and those arriving to study abroad in Russian.
Introduction to Russian Speakers
Привет, как тебя зовут? (Priviet, kak tebya zovut?) = Hi, what’s your name? (informal)
Здравствуйте, как вас зовут? (Priviet, kak vas zovut?) = Hello, what’s your name? (formal)
Меня зовут…. (Menya zovut…) = My name is ….
The word Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuitye) has dropped pronunciation of the first “V”. This, very long word full of consonants is the formal word for “Hello”. As a conservative society, Russia makes a clear point of differentiating between formal and informal attitudes in conversation. If you think this word is too long, you’re not alone. Instead, a lot of people prefer to say Здрастье (Zdrastye), the short form of the same word.
To make sure that you are always using the proper words and communicating in the most effective way, it’s always good to sign up for classes with a teacher in the Russian language, who will also help organize a study plan for you. At TransEurope, our Russian tutor online staff have decades of experience in linguistics and teaching Russian. We have developed time-tested methods to help you get to beginner-level or Russian intermediate within a pre-determined period of time.
Where You’re From
Откуды ты? (Otkuda ty?) = Where are you from? (informal)
Откуда вы? (Otkuda vy?) = Where are you from? (formal)
Я из …. (Ya iz …) = I’m from … (see below)
| Я из США (Ya iz SShA) | I’m from the USA |
| Я из Англии (Ya iz Anglii) | I’m from England |
| Я из Германии (Ya iz Germanii) | I’m from Germany |
| Я из Франции (Ya iz Frantsii) | I’m from France |
| Я из Индии (Ya iz Indii) | I’m from India |
| Я из Китая (Ya iz Kitaya) | I’m from China |
| Я из Италии (Ya iz Italii) | I’m from Italy |
| Я из Испании (Ya iz Ispanii) | I’m from Spain |
| Я из Бразилии (Ya iz Brazilii) | I’m from Brazil |
| Я из Мексики (Ya iz Meksiki) | I’m from Mexico |
Russians are especially fond of foreigners and you will definitely be hearing this question a lot if you go to study in a RU-101 class. When it comes to foreigners in Russia, there are many residents from former Soviet countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Tourists come from all over the world, first and foremost to visit Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan. There are large expat communities, especially from the West, Latin America, Asia, and other regions. As for those who study abroad in Russia, the largest groups come from India, North Africa, Iran, China, and former Soviet countries.
How You’re Doing
Как у тебя дела? (kak u tebya dela?) = How are you? (informal)
Как у вас дела? (kak u vas dela?) = How are you? (formal)
У меня хорошо, спасибо! (U menya khorosho, spasibo!) = I’m good, thanks!
У меня плохо (U menya plokho) = I’m not doing well /literally: I’m bad
There are some countries where “How are you?” is just a way of saying hello. However, those who come to study Russian abroad learn that this is always taken as a literal question, so only ask it if you’re ready to actually hear about their mood.
At TransEurope, we offer you online Russian tutor staff who are extremely skilled at their methodology. We want you to retain a solid Intro Russian knowledge that you’ll remember for a long time. To that end, we establish specific goals with our students and we are able to guarantee a specific Russian level by a specific time.
If you’ve decided that you’d like to start Russian or at least gain a basic foundation of Russian that you can use while you’re traveling, fill out our contact form and try out your first Russian class today.