From Greetings to Government Forms — Master the Basics Before You Move!
Are you thinking about visiting, living, or working in Russia? Or maybe you're learning Russian just out of curiosity? Either way — you don’t need to speak perfectly to be understood, but you do need to know the right words at the right moment.
Here’s a list of 50 useful Russian phrases, divided by situation. With these in your pocket, you’ll feel more confident at the embassy, on a date, in a taxi, or just chatting with new friends.
And don’t forget to claim your FREE trial lesson in Russian with Divelang — details below!
1. Introductions & Small Talk
- Здравствуйте! — Hello!
(ZDRAV-stvuy-tye) - Меня зовут… — My name is...
(men-YA za-VOOT) - Как вас зовут? — What’s your name?
(kak vas za-VOOT) - Очень приятно. — Nice to meet you.
(O-chen’ pree-YAT-na) - Как дела? — How are you?
(kak di-LA) - Хорошо, спасибо. — Good, thank you.
(kha-ra-SHO spa-SEE-ba) - А вы? — And you?
(a vy) - Откуда вы? — Where are you from?
(at-KU-da vy) - Я из США / Германии / Индии. — I’m from the USA / Germany / India.
(ya iz...) - Я немного говорю по-русски. — I speak a little Russian.
(ya neem-NO-ga ga-va-RYOO pa-ROOS-kee)
2. Socializing & Flirting
- Вы очень симпатичный / симпатичная. — You’re very cute (m/f).
(vy O-chen’ seem-pa-TICH-ny / seem-pa-TICH-na) - Вы свободны сегодня вечером? — Are you free this evening?
(vy sva-BOD-ny see-VO-dnya VYE-che-ram) - Можно пригласить вас на кофе? — Can I invite you for coffee?
(MOZH-na pree-gla-SEET’ vas na KO-fe) - У вас красивая улыбка. — You have a beautiful smile.
(oo vas kra-SEE-va-ya oo-LYB-ka) - Ты мне нравишься. — I like you.
(ty mnye NRA-veesh-sya)
3. In Official Situations (Embassy, Job, Documents)
- Где можно подать документы? — Where can I submit the documents?
(gde MOZH-na pa-DAT’ da-koo-MEN-ty) - Мне нужна виза. — I need a visa.
(mnye noozh-NA VEE-za) - Я ищу работу. — I’m looking for a job.
(ya ee-SHOO ra-BO-tu) - Можно мне переводчика? — Can I get an interpreter?
(MOZH-na mnye pee-ree-VOD-chika) - Где ближайшее отделение полиции? — Where’s the nearest police station?
(gde blee-ZHAI-shee-ye at-de-LYE-nye pa-LEE-tsii) - У меня временная регистрация. — I have temporary registration.
(oo men-YA VRE-myen-na-ya re-gee-STRA-tsi-ya)
4. Asking for Help
- Помогите, пожалуйста! — Help, please!
(pa-ma-GEE-tye, pa-ZHA-loo-sta) - Я потерялся / потерялась. — I’m lost (m/f).
(ya pa-tee-RYAL-sya / pa-tee-RYA-las’) - Где туалет? — Where is the bathroom?
(gde too-a-LYET) - Я не понимаю. — I don’t understand.
(ya nye pa-nee-MA-yu) - Вы говорите по-английски? — Do you speak English?
(vy ga-va-REE-tye pa-ang-LEES-kee) - Медленно, пожалуйста. — Slowly, please.
(MYED-len-na, pa-ZHA-loo-sta)
5. At the Airport / Train Station
- Где паспортный контроль? — Where is passport control?
(gde PAS-port-ny KON-trol’) - Во сколько вылет? — What time is the departure?
(va SKOL’-ka VY-lyet) - Это моё место? — Is this my seat?
(E-ta ma-YO MYES-ta) - Сколько стоит билет? — How much is the ticket?
(SKOL’-ka STO-it bee-LYET)
6. In a Café or Restaurant
- Можно меню, пожалуйста? — Can I have a menu, please?
(MOZH-na me-NYOO, pa-ZHA-loo-sta) - Я вегетарианец / вегетарианка. — I’m a vegetarian (m/f).
(ya ve-gee-ta-ree-A-nyets / ve-gee-ta-ree-ANK-a) - Без мяса, пожалуйста. — No meat, please.
(bez MYA-sa, pa-ZHA-loo-sta) - Счёт, пожалуйста. — Check, please.
(shchyot, pa-ZHA-loo-sta)
Quick Russian Culture Tips for Expats
- People value directness. Politeness is important, but don’t sugarcoat things. Be clear.
- Always carry your passport or registration. Police can ask for ID.
- Small talk is not common with strangers. Start with practical questions or shared topics (weather, food, etc.).
- Smile only when sincere. Smiling for no reason can be misunderstood.
- You’re not expected to speak perfectly. Russians appreciate your effort more than accuracy.
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