Russian Etiquette Rules That Foreigners Often Get Wrong

When visiting Russia or interacting with Russian people, understanding etiquette is essential. Russian culture has deep-rooted traditions, and certain social norms may surprise foreigners. Whether you're traveling for business, studying Russian, or making new friends, knowing these etiquette rules will help you navigate social situations with confidence.

Russian etiquette is shaped by centuries of tradition, history, and cultural values that differ significantly from those in Western countries. What may seem like a polite gesture in your home country could come across as inappropriate or even rude in Russia. Social expectations are especially strong when it comes to greetings, hospitality, personal space, and formalities, and these unwritten rules are often second nature to Russians. For outsiders, however, they can lead to misunderstandings or awkward moments.

One of the key aspects of Russian etiquette is the balance between formality and warmth. Russians tend to be reserved in public but are deeply hospitable and expressive among friends and family. This means that while you may not see casual friendliness in everyday interactions, once a relationship is established, the level of warmth and generosity is unparalleled. Understanding when and how to adjust your behavior is crucial for making a positive impression.

Another important factor is that Russians value sincerity over politeness. Unlike in some cultures where small talk and pleasantries are common, Russians prefer direct and meaningful conversations. This influences everything from how they greet people to how they conduct business. For example, a Russian might not smile at a stranger, but that doesn’t mean they’re unfriendly—it simply means they reserve smiles for genuine interactions.

If you’re planning to visit Russia, work with Russian-speaking colleagues, or simply want to understand the culture better, being aware of common etiquette mistakes will help you avoid missteps and build stronger connections. At Polyglottist Language Academy, we not only teach the Russian language but also introduce students to Russian cultural nuances. If you’re looking for Russian classes in Berkeley, San Francisco, or Oakland, check out our Russian courses to immerse yourself in both the language and customs.

1. The Importance of Formality in Greetings

In Russia, greetings are often formal, especially when meeting someone for the first time or in professional settings. A firm handshake is standard among men, but be sure to remove gloves before shaking hands. Women usually exchange a nod or a slight handshake, but a kiss on the cheek is common among close friends. It’s also important to note that men often wait for women to extend their hand first as a sign of respect.

Additionally, the time of day plays a role in greetings. A simple "Здравствуйте" (formal “Hello”) or "Доброе утро"(Good morning) is expected when addressing acquaintances, while a more informal "Привет" (Hi) is used among close friends and family. Unlike in some Western cultures, greetings in Russia tend to be brief and without excessive small talk, particularly in business settings.

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make:

• Giving a weak handshake (seen as a lack of confidence)

• Keeping gloves on while shaking hands

• Shaking hands across a threshold (considered bad luck!)

• Initiating a cheek kiss too soon or in the wrong setting

• Overusing informal greetings in professional environments

2. Addressing People Properly

Using first names only in formal settings is considered too familiar. Instead, Russians use first name + patronymic (a middle name derived from the father’s name). For example, Ivan Petrovich or Maria Ivanovna. This form of address shows respect and is especially important when speaking to elders, superiors, or acquaintances in professional settings. If you are unsure, it is always better to err on the side of formality until invited to use first names.

In business and academic settings, Russians may also use professional titles such as "Доктор" (Doctor) or "Профессор" (Professor), which further emphasize hierarchy and respect. Switching to informal speech too early in a conversation can make you seem overly familiar or even disrespectful.

Common Mistakes:

• Addressing someone by only their first name in a professional setting

• Not using the polite "Вы" (formal "you") instead of "ты" (informal "you") when appropriate

• Assuming that all Russians prefer informality in casual settings

• Failing to acknowledge professional titles when appropriate

3. Giving and Receiving Gifts

Gift-giving is a big part of Russian culture. If invited to someone’s home, bringing a small gift like flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine is expected. However, certain customs apply:

• Flowers should be in odd numbers (even numbers are for funerals).

• Avoid giving yellow flowers, which symbolize separation.

• If giving alcohol, ensure it is high quality.

• Gifts are often opened immediately in front of the giver, as this is seen as a sign of appreciation.

Additionally, certain types of gifts are considered inappropriate or unlucky. Sharp objects like knives or scissors symbolize severing a relationship, while empty wallets or purses are believed to bring financial misfortune. If you receive a gift in Russia, it is polite to express gratitude but avoid excessive refusals, as this can be perceived as insincere.

Common Mistakes:

• Bringing even-numbered flowers

• Not bringing a gift at all when invited to a home

• Giving knives, empty wallets, or watches (all considered bad luck)

• Forgetting to reciprocate gift-giving traditions

4. The Russian Concept of Hospitality

If you are invited to a Russian home, be prepared for a lot of food. Russians take hospitality seriously and will offer guests multiple courses, drinks, and tea at the end. Declining food too often can be seen as rude.

Russian hosts take pride in offering their guests the best food and drinks they have. It is common for the table to be filled with salads, meats, bread, soups, and desserts, even for small gatherings. Guests are often encouraged to eat well, and repeatedly refusing food can make the host feel as though they haven’t provided enough.

Another key part of Russian hospitality is the importance of toasts. When alcohol is served, expect the host to make multiple heartfelt toasts, often sharing personal stories or well-wishes. As a guest, you are encouraged to participate in toasts and drink at least a sip each time. If you are unable to drink alcohol, politely explaining your reason is better than refusing outright without an explanation.

Common Mistakes:

• Not removing shoes when entering a home

• Refusing food or drinks multiple times (a polite refusal is expected, but eventually, you should accept)

• Leaving right after dinner instead of staying for tea and conversation

• Not participating in toasts during meals

5. Table Manners Matter

Russian dining etiquette follows traditional rules that may feel formal to foreigners. Unlike in some Western cultures where meals can be casual, Russian dining customs often reflect respect and appreciation for food and company. Whether dining at a restaurant or a friend’s home, understanding these rules will ensure you make a good impression.

• Keep your hands visible on the table (but no elbows!). Having hands in your lap is sometimes seen as suspicious or inattentive.

• Always wait for the host to make the first toast before drinking alcohol. Toasts are an important part of Russian dining culture, especially at celebratory meals.

• If you drink vodka, drink it straight—no mixing! Russians traditionally drink vodka neat, often with a small bite of food afterward.

• Bread plays a special role in Russian meals, and placing bread upside down on the table is considered bad luck.

Common Mistakes:

• Placing hands in the lap during a meal

• Refusing a toast or drinking before the host initiates one

• Clinking glasses with an empty one (bad luck!)

• Leaving food on the plate (may indicate you didn’t like the meal)

6. The Russian Approach to Personal Space

Russians value personal space, but the acceptable distance between people can vary depending on the context. While public spaces can feel crowded, personal interactions are often closer and more direct than what some foreigners are used to.

• In public transport and crowded areas, Russians are accustomed to standing close together without perceiving it as an invasion of personal space.

• In conversations, standing too far away from someone can feel unnatural or distant.

• Direct eye contact is expected in conversations, and avoiding it may be interpreted as dishonesty or insecurity.

• Physical touch—such as a friendly pat on the back or a light touch on the arm—is common among friends.

Common Mistakes:

• Backing away during conversations (can seem unfriendly)

• Avoiding eye contact (seen as dishonest or insecure)

• Expecting the same level of personal space as in North America or Northern Europe

7. Being Punctual (Or Not)

Punctuality in Russia depends on the setting. In business and professional environments, being on time is crucial and shows respect for the other party's time. However, for social gatherings, it’s common for guests to arrive 5–15 minutes late.

• Arriving early to a friend’s home is considered rude, as the host may still be preparing.

• Russian trains and public transport are usually punctual, but bureaucratic appointments or meetings may run late.

• If running late for a professional meeting, calling ahead is expected and will be appreciated.

Common Mistakes:

• Arriving exactly on time or early to someone’s house

• Expecting all events to start on time

• Not informing someone if you’re running late for a business meeting

8. The "No Smiling" Myth

It’s a common stereotype that Russians don’t smile. In reality, Russians smile when there’s a reason to smile. Smiling at strangers, especially in formal settings, can be perceived as insincere or even suspicious.

• A smile should be genuine rather than a default expression.

• Service workers and officials often maintain a neutral facial expression rather than the customer-friendly smiles seen in Western countries.

• Russians consider excessive smiling to be associated with dishonesty.

Common Mistakes:

• Smiling at everyone as a greeting (may be seen as artificial)

• Taking a lack of smiles as unfriendliness

• Assuming that Russians are cold or rude based on facial expressions

9. Understanding Russian Superstitions

Superstitions play an important role in Russian culture. Even if not everyone takes them seriously, they are deeply ingrained in daily life. Some common Russian superstitions include:

• Sitting down before a journey – A moment of reflection before leaving on a trip is thought to bring good luck.

• Avoiding whistling indoors – Russians believe whistling inside will bring financial misfortune.

• Not shaking hands over a threshold – An old superstition rooted in spirits and hospitality traditions.

• Avoiding giving even numbers of flowers – Even numbers are reserved for funerals.

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring these superstitions, which can make locals uncomfortable

• Laughing at or dismissing Russian superstitions as outdated

Why Learning Russian Culture Matters When Studying the Language

At Polyglottist Language Academy, we believe that learning a language is about more than just grammar and vocabulary—it’s about understanding the culture, traditions, and mindset of the people who speak it. Language and culture are deeply connected, and without knowledge of cultural etiquette, gestures, and social norms, even fluent speakers can struggle in real-world interactions.

When you study Russian with us, you’ll gain:

• Cultural context to enhance your understanding of the language

• Real-world conversation skills that go beyond textbooks

• Confidence in social and professional settings when interacting with Russian speakers

• A deeper appreciation for Russian traditions, humor, and expressions

We offer Russian classes for Berkeley, San Francisco, and Oakland students, both online and in-person. Our classes are designed to help students develop strong communication skills while also learning about Russian culture and etiquette.

👉 Sign up for our Russian classes today!

By integrating language and culture, you’ll be better prepared for travel, work, and social interactions in Russian-speaking environments. Join us and take your Russian skills to the next level! 🇷🇺

More Russian Learning Resources

Want to deepen your knowledge of the Russian language and culture? Check out these articles from our blog:

1. How to Pronounce Russian Words Like a Native

2. Mastering Russian Cases: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

3. Russian Slang Words You Need to Know

4. How to Pass a Russian Language Proficiency Exam (TORFL/TBL)

5. Understanding Russian Humor: Why It’s Dark and Sarcastic