Essential Russian Phrases for Travelers
Traveling to Russia is an exciting adventure filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. However, navigating a new country can be challenging if you don’t speak the language. While many Russians, especially in big cities, speak English, knowing basic Russian phrases will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re exploring Moscow’s Red Square, cruising the Neva River in Saint Petersburg, or venturing into the Siberian wilderness, having a few essential Russian phrases at your disposal will help you communicate effectively, show respect for the local culture, and even make new friends along the way. In this guide, we’ll cover essential Russian phrases that will help you navigate daily interactions with confidence.
Basic Russian Greetings and Politeness
1. Saying Hello and Goodbye
Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte) – Hello (formal)
Привет (Privet) – Hi (informal)
Доброе утро (Dobroye utro) – Good morning
Добрый день (Dobryy den’) – Good afternoon
Добрый вечер (Dobryy vecher) – Good evening
До свидания (Do svidaniya) – Goodbye (formal)
Пока (Poka) – Bye (informal)
✔ Tip: Use “Здравствуйте” when speaking to strangers, older people, or in formal settings. “Привет” is reserved for friends and acquaintances.
2. Essential Politeness Phrases
Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta) – Please / You’re welcome
Спасибо (Spasibo) – Thank you
Большое спасибо (Bol’shoye spasibo) – Thank you very much
Извините (Izvinite) – Excuse me / Sorry (formal)
Простите (Prostite) – I’m sorry (more apologetic)
Ничего страшного (Nichego strashnogo) – No problem / It’s okay
✔ Tip: Being polite goes a long way in Russia. A simple “Спасибо” and “Пожалуйста” can make interactions much smoother.
Asking for Directions and Getting Around
3. Key Directional Phrases
Где находится…? (Gde nakhoditsya…?) – Where is…?
Как мне добраться до…? (Kak mne dobrat’sya do…?) – How do I get to…?
Я заблудился / Я заблудилась (Ya zabludilsya / Ya zabludilas’) – I am lost (male/female)
Вы можете мне помочь? (Vy mozhete mne pomoch’?) – Can you help me?
Направо (Napravo) – To the right
Налево (Nalevo) – To the left
Прямо (Pryamo) – Straight ahead
✔ Tip: If you need to ask for directions, be ready for a response in Russian. Learning key words like “направо” and “налево” will help you understand directions more easily.
Transportation and Getting Around
4. Using Public Transport
Где здесь метро? (Gde zdes’ metro?) – Where is the metro?
Какой автобус едет в центр? (Kakoy avtobus yedet v tsentr?) – Which bus goes to the city center?
Сколько стоит билет? (Skol’ko stoit bilet?) – How much is the ticket?
Остановка (Ostanovka) – Bus stop
Мне нужен билет до… (Mne nuzhen bilet do…) – I need a ticket to…
✔ Tip: The Moscow Metro is one of the best in the world. If you’re unsure of directions, just ask a friendly passerby using “Где здесь метро?”
Ordering Food and Drinks
5. At a Restaurant or Café
Меню, пожалуйста (Menyu, pozhaluysta) – The menu, please
Я хочу заказать… (Ya khochu zakazat’…) – I’d like to order…
Что вы рекомендуете? (Chto vy rekomenduyete?) – What do you recommend?
Счёт, пожалуйста (Schyot, pozhaluysta) – The bill, please
Можно заплатить картой? (Mozhno zaplatit’ kartoy?) – Can I pay by card?
Я вегетарианец / Я вегетарианка (Ya vegetarianets / Ya vegetarianka) – I am vegetarian (male/female)
✔ Tip: Russian cuisine is rich and diverse. If you have dietary restrictions, be prepared to explain them clearly.
Shopping and Bargaining
6. Useful Shopping Phrases
Сколько это стоит? (Skol’ko eto stoit?) – How much does this cost?
У вас есть размер поменьше / побольше? (U vas yest’ razmer pomenshe / pobolshe?) – Do you have a smaller/larger size?
Можно примерить? (Mozhno primerit’?) – Can I try it on?
Мне это нравится (Mne eto nravitsya) – I like this
✔ Tip: In local markets, bargaining is sometimes acceptable. A friendly “Сколько стоит?” can open the door for negotiations.
Emergency Situations
7. Getting Help in an Emergency
Помогите! (Pomogite!) – Help!
Мне нужна помощь (Mne nuzhna pomoshch’) – I need help
Вызовите полицию (Vyzyvite politsiyu) – Call the police
Где ближайшая больница? (Gde blizhayshaya bol’nitsa?) – Where is the nearest hospital?
Я потерял(а) паспорт (Ya poteryal(a) pasport) – I lost my passport (male/female)
✔ Tip: Save emergency numbers on your phone. Russia’s emergency services number is 112.
Conclusion
Learning even a few basic Russian phrases can greatly improve your travel experience, making it easier to navigate the country and connect with locals. While Russian may seem challenging at first, practicing these essential phrases will help you feel more confident and prepared.
So, next time you find yourself in Russia, don’t hesitate to say “Здравствуйте” with a smile and start a conversation! Have you ever used Russian phrases while traveling? Share your experiences in the comments below!