Language/Russian/Vocabulary/Everyday-Phrases

Russian → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Basic Phrases and Greetings → Everyday Phrases

As a Russian language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I understand the importance of mastering everyday phrases in any language. In this lesson, we’ll cover essential and commonly used phrases in Russian for everyday situations. It is crucial to have at least a basic understanding of these phrases to communicate effectively, whether you are traveling, studying, or working with Russian speakers.

Take some time to dive into these other pages after completing this lesson: Bird & Telling Time.

Greetings

Let's start with greetings. Russians are known for being warm and welcoming. Here are a few common Russian phrases for greeting and introducing yourself.

Russian	Pronunciation	English
Здравствуйте	zdravstvuyte	Hello (formal)
Привет	privet	Hi, Hey (informal)
Как вас зовут?	kak vas zovut?	What's your name? (formal)
Как тебя зовут?	kak tebya zovut?	What's your name? (informal)
Меня зовут...	menya zovut...	My name is...
Рад(а) познакомиться	rad(a) poznakomit'sya	Nice to meet you

Russians have two forms of speech: formal and informal. When addressing someone older or in a senior position, always use formal language. Informal language is appropriate for people in a lower position, children, or people your age or younger.

Common Phrases

Now let's move on to some everyday phrases that you can use in different situations.

Asking for Help

When traveling to Russia or any other Russian-speaking country, you may find yourself in need of help. Here are some phrases that you can use to ask for help:

• Можно вам задать вопрос? (mozhet vam zadat' vopros?) - Can I ask you a question?
• Вы говорите по-английски? (vy govorite po-angliyski?) - Do you speak English?
• Я не понимаю (ya ne ponimayu) - I don’t understand
• Помогите, пожалуйста! (pomogite, pozhaluysta!) - Help me, please!
• Я заблудился (ya zabludilsya) - I am lost

Making Requests

When requesting something, manners are essential in the Russian language. Here are some polite ways of making requests:

• Можно, пожалуйста... (mozhet, pozhaluysta...) - Can I have, please...
• Подайте, пожалуйста... (podayte, pozhaluysta...) - Pass me, please...
• Скажите, пожалуйста... (skazhite, pozhaluysta...) - Can you tell me, please...
• Расскажите мне о... (rasskazhite mne o...) - Tell me about...
• Покажите мне... (pokazhite mne...) - Show me...

Expressing Gratitude and Apologies

Showing gratitude and offering apologies are important in any language. Here are some phrases that you can use:

• Спасибо! (spasibo!) - Thank you!
• Большое спасибо! (bol'shoye spasibo!) - Thank you very much!
• Спасибо за помощь! (spasibo za pomoshch!) - Thank you for your help!
• Извините! (izvinite!) - Excuse me! / I’m sorry!
• Простите меня, пожалуйста! (prostite menya, pozhaluysta!) - Forgive me, please!

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of the essential everyday phrases that can help you communicate better in Russian. It’s essential to have a basic understanding of these phrases to make your time in Russia, or any other Russian-speaking country, more enjoyable and efficient. Start practicing today and watch your Russian language skills improve.

Remember, mastering a language takes time, patience, and consistent practice, but with the right attitude and effort, you can become fluent in no time!

Finished this lesson? Check out these related lessons: Numbers & Learning the Cyrillic Alphabet.

Table of Contents - Russian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Alphabet and Pronunciation

• Cyrillic Alphabet
• Pronunciation Rules

  ---

Basic Phrases and Greetings

• Greetings and Introductions
• Everyday Phrases

  ---

Nouns and Gender

• Noun Gender
• Plurals

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

  ---

Cases and Prepositions

• Nominative Case
• Prepositional Case

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships and Marital Status

  ---

Verbs and Conjugation

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Dining Out

  ---

Russian Traditions and Holidays

• National Holidays
• Traditional Celebrations

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparatives and Superlatives

  ---

Hobbies and Leisure Activities

• Hobbies
• Entertainment

  ---

Russian Literature and Arts

• Famous Writers
• Russian Art and Music

Other Lessons

• Bird
• Be Polite
• At the Store
• Travel Phrases
• 12 Months of the Year
• Colors
• Days of the Week
• Common adjectives
• Camping
• Weather

Sources

• Russian Phrases and Words for Travelers
• 75 Russian Words You Need to Learn: The Key to Communicating ...
• Most Common Russian Words - Top 1000 Russian words