Image by Sergey Gorbachev from Pixabay
In this post we’ll look at some basic greetings, courtesy expressions, and survival expressions in Russian.
Здравствуй. Hello! The Basics
Let’s start with basic greetings.
- Здравствуй(те). Hello.
- Привет. Hi.
- Доброе утро. Good morning.
- Добрый день. Good day. Good afternoon.
- Добрый вечер. Good evening.
- Спокойной ночи. Good night.
- До свидания. Good-bye.
Скоро увидимся! See You Soon!
Here are a few more friendly expressions that you might want to be able to use.
- Скоро увидимся. See you soon.
- Увидимся. See you later.
- Увидимся завтра. See you tomorrow.
- Приятно познакомиться. Nice to meet you.
- Хороших снов! Sleep well!
Как дела? How Are You?
Let’s see a few expressions that you can use when you meet someone, as well as a few more general courtesy and basic expressions.
- Как дела?
How are you? - Хорошо.
I’m fine. - Спасибо.
Thank you. - Пожалуйста.
Please. / You’re welcome. - Извините.
Excuse me. - Простите!
Sorry! - Как тебя/вас зовут?
What is your name? (informal, formal) - Меня зовут …
My name is… - Откуда ты/вы?
Where are you from? (informal, formal) - Я из …
I’m from…
GRAMMAR TIP! Russian has both a polite and an informal you. The informal pronoun ты (or тебя when it’s a direct object) is used with people you’re close to, or who are younger than you. The polite pronoun вы (or вас when it’s a direct object) is used when you want to show respect: with people who are older than you, or with strangers or anyone in a position of authority. Verb forms are also different for these two pronouns, and there are polite and informal commands.
Я не понимаю. I Don’t Understand.
Now let’s turn to some helpful survival expressions that you can use as you learn the language.
- Я не говорю по-русски.
I don’t speak Russian. - Вы говорите по-английски?
Do you speak English? - Я не понимаю.
I don’t understand. - Я немного говорю по-русски.
I speak a little Russian. - Я изучаю русский язык.
I’m learning Russian. - Я немного понимаю русский язык.
I understand a little Russian. - Пожалуйста повторите.
Please repeat. - Пожалуйста напишите это.
Please write that. - Как сказать … по-русски?
How do you say… in Russian?
Do you want to learn Russian?
Check out our other posts on Russian language, culture, and more. And if you’re looking for convenient and affordable live Russian lessons with a real teacher, check out The Language Garage Russian. Our lessons are given online in a virtual classroom, so it doesn’t matter where you live or work. We can come to you. And we have flexible options, with a free trial so that you can decide if there’s a fit. Check us out!
