73 Basic Russian Phrases for Your Next Trip to Russia 🇷🇺

Привет (Privyet)! That's how you say "hello" in Russian, and trust me, you'll be using it a lot during your trip to the land of vodka, bears, and babushkas. Russian is a fascinating language, with its unique Cyrillic alphabet and tongue-twisting pronunciations that will make you feel like you're practicing for a career in espionage. But fear not, intrepid traveler! We've put together a list of 73 essential Russian phrases that will help you navigate the streets of Moscow, order a bowl of borscht, and maybe even score a date with a dashingly handsome Russian (or a stunningly beautiful Russian woman, if that's more your style). So grab a shot of vodka, put on your fur hat, and let's dive into the wonderful world of the Russian language! 🍸🐻👒

Greetings and Basic Phrases (1-10)

1. Hello - Привет (Privyet)
2. Goodbye - До свидания (Da svidaniya)
3. Yes - Да (Da)
4. No - Нет (Nyet)
5. Please - Пожалуйста (Pazhalusta)
6. Thank you - Спасибо (Spasiba)
7. You're welcome - Пожалуйста (Pazhalusta)
8. Excuse me - Извините (Izvinite)
9. I don't understand - Я не понимаю (Ya ne panimayu)
10. Do you speak English? - Вы говорите по-английски? (Vy gavarite pa-angliyski?)

Introducing Yourself (11-15)

11. My name is... - Меня зовут... (Menya zavut...)
12. What's your name? - Как вас зовут? (Kak vas zavut?)
13. Nice to meet you - Приятно познакомиться (Priyatna paznakomit'sya)
14. Where are you from? - Откуда вы? (Atkuda vy?)
15. I'm from... - Я из... (Ya iz...)

Getting Around (16-25)

Getting around in Russia can be an adventure, especially if you don't speak the language. Here are some essential phrases to help you navigate the streets, use public transportation, and find your way to the nearest vodka bar:

16. Where is the...? - Где...? (Gdye...?)
17. Metro station - Станция метро (Stantsiya metro)
18. Bus stop - Автобусная остановка (Avtobusnaya astanovka)
19. Taxi - Такси (Taksi)
20. Airport - Аэропорт (Aeraport)
21. Train station - Железнодорожный вокзал (Zheleznodorozhnyy vokzal)
22. Hotel - Гостиница (Gastinitsa)
23. Restaurant - Ресторан (Restaran)
24. Bar - Бар (Bar)
25. Toilet - Туалет (Tualet)

Shopping and Money (26-32)

Shopping in Russia can be a fun experience, especially if you're into fur hats, matryoshka dolls, and Soviet-era memorabilia. Just make sure you know how to ask for prices and handle Russian rubles:

26. How much is this? - Сколько это стоит? (Skol'ka eta stoit?)
27. That's too expensive - Это слишком дорого (Eta slishkom doraga)
28. Can you give me a discount? - Можете сделать скидку? (Mozhete sdelat' skidku?)
29. I'll take it - Я возьму это (Ya vaz'mu eta)
30. Do you accept credit cards? - Вы принимаете кредитные карты? (Vy prinimayete kreditnyye karty?)
31. Where can I exchange money? - Где я могу обменять деньги? (Gde ya magu abmenyat' den'gi?)
32. Receipt, please - Чек, пожалуйста (Chek, pazhalusta)

Dining Out (33-42)

Russian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those cold Siberian winters. Here are some phrases to help you order a meal, compliment the chef, and maybe even score a free shot of vodka:

33. I'm hungry - Я голоден/голодна (Ya goloden/golodna)
34. Breakfast - Завтрак (Zavtrak)
35. Lunch - Обед (Abed)
36. Dinner - Ужин (Uzhin)
37. Menu, please - Меню, пожалуйста (Menyu, pazhalusta)
38. I'm vegetarian - Я вегетарианец/вегетарианка (Ya vegetarianets/vegetarianka)
39. That was delicious! - Это было восхитительно! (Eta byla vaskhititel'na!)
40. Can I have the bill, please? - Можно счет, пожалуйста? (Mozhna schyot, pazhalusta?)
41. Tip - Чаевые (Chayevyye)
42. Cheers! - За здоровье! (Za zdarov'ye!)

Must-Try Russian Dishes 🍲

• Borscht - Борщ (Borshch) - A hearty soup made with beets, cabbage, and meat
• Pelmeni - Пельмени (Pel'meni) - Dumplings filled with meat, similar to Polish pierogi
• Beef Stroganoff - Бефстроганов (Befstroganov) - A dish of sautéed beef in a sour cream sauce
• Caviar - Икра (Ikra) - A luxurious delicacy made from sturgeon roe
• Blini - Блины (Bliny) - Thin pancakes often served with caviar, sour cream, or jam

Emergencies and Health (43-48)

While we hope your trip to Russia is smooth sailing, it's always good to be prepared for emergencies. Here are some key phrases to help you get help if needed:

43. Help! - Помогите! (Pamagite!)
44. Call the police! - Вызовите полицию! (Vyzavite politsiyu!)
45. I need a doctor - Мне нужен врач (Mne nuzhen vrach)
46. I'm lost - Я заблудился/заблудилась (Ya zabludilsya/zabludilas')
47. Where is the nearest hospital? - Где ближайшая больница? (Gde blizhayshaya bol'nitsa?)
48. I have insurance - У меня есть страховка (U menya yest' strakhovka)

Flirting and Dating (49-55)

Ready to find your very own Russian soulmate? Here are some phrases to help you flirt, compliment, and maybe even score a date with a local:

49. You have beautiful eyes - У вас красивые глаза (U vas krasivyye glaza)
50. Can I buy you a drink? - Можно угостить вас выпивкой? (Mozhna ugastit' vas vypivkoy?)
51. You're very handsome/beautiful - Вы очень красивый/красивая (Vy ochen' krasivyy/krasivaya)
52. Are you single? - Вы свободны? (Vy svobodny?)
53. Can I have your number? - Можно ваш номер? (Mozhna vash nomer?)
54. Let's go on a date - Давайте сходим на свидание (Davayte skhodim na svidaniye)
55. I love you - Я люблю тебя (Ya lyublyu tebya)

Russian Dating Customs 💕

• Chivalry is not dead in Russia - men are expected to hold doors, pay for dates, and bring flowers
• Russian women often expect men to make the first move and be assertive in their pursuit
• Public displays of affection are less common in Russia than in Western countries
• Meeting the parents is a big deal in Russia and often signifies a serious relationship

Russian Slang and Colloquialisms (56-63)

Want to sound like a true Russian local? Here are some slang terms and colloquialisms to help you blend in:

56. Cool - Круто (Kruta)
57. Dude/Bro - Чувак (Chuvak)
58. What's up? - Чё как? (Chyo kak?)
59. Let's hang out - Погнали тусоваться (Pagnali tusavat'sya)
60. I'm broke - Я на мели (Ya na meli)
61. It's all good - Всё путём (Vsyo putyom)
62. No worries - Не парься (Ne par'sya)
63. Ма что) - Без базара (Bez bazara)

Things to Avoid Saying (64-68)

While Russians are generally warm and welcoming people, there are some things you should avoid saying to keep from offending or alienating locals:

64. Anything overly critical of Russia, its government, or its people
65. Jokes about vodka or other stereotypes (unless you know the person well)
66. Comparing Russia unfavorably to other countries, especially the United States
67. Bringing up sensitive historical events, such as the Soviet era or World War II
68. Using outdated or offensive terms, such as "comrade" or "babushka" (unless referring to an actual grandmother)

Cultural Tips and Etiquette (69-73)

Finally, here are some cultural tips and etiquette rules to keep in mind during your trip to Russia:

69. Remove your shoes when entering someone's home
70. Bring a small gift (chocolate, flowers, or alcohol) when visiting someone's home
71. Dress modestly when visiting churches or other religious sites
72. Don't smile at strangers on the street (it's considered insincere)
73. Be prepared for long, drawn-out toasts at dinner parties and celebrations

Fun Facts About Russia 🇷🇺

• Russia is the largest country in the world by land area, spanning 11 time zones
• The Moscow Metro is one of the busiest and most beautiful subway systems in the world
• Russia has a long and proud history of literature, with famous authors like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov
• The Russian language has over 100,000 words, with many loanwords from French, German, and English
• Russians are known for their love of tea, with black tea being the most popular variety

FAQ

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Russia?

A: Most foreign nationals, including citizens of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, need a visa to enter Russia. Check with your local Russian embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

Q: Is it safe to drink tap water in Russia?

A: While tap water in Russia is generally safe to drink, many locals and visitors prefer to drink bottled water or boil tap water before drinking.

Q: What's the best time of year to visit Russia?

A: The best time to visit Russia depends on your preferences and planned activities. Summer (June to August) is the most popular time for tourism, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. Winter (November to March) can be cold but offers the chance to experience classic Russian activities like ice skating and visiting Christmas markets.

Q: How do I get around in Russia if I don't speak Russian?

A: While knowing some basic Russian phrases can be helpful, many people in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg speak English, especially in the tourism industry. You can also use translation apps, hire a local guide, or book tours with English-speaking guides.

Q: What souvenirs should I buy in Russia?

A: Popular Russian souvenirs include matryoshka dolls, fur hats (ushanka), amber jewelry, caviar, vodka, and traditional handicrafts like lacquer boxes and Fabergé-style eggs.

Надеюсь, это поможет! (Nadeyus', eta pomozhet!) - I hope this helps! Have an amazing trip to Russia, and don't forget to practice your Russian phrases. До свидания! (Da svidaniya!) - Goodbye! 🇷🇺✨