Hello Junkies! (Part 4 here)
How would you survive in Russia? You’d need the MUST-KNOW Russian phrases of course. From common greetings to looking for the toilet and more. If you were to wake up naked, in Russia, somewhere in the snow tomorrow… you’ll need this.
Prepare yourself. The Top 15 Survival Phrases List! If you’re interested in learning more Russian, rather than reading phrases online – be sure to visit RussianPod101.com (click here) & learn how to speak and understand Russian.
1. How to say “Thank You” in Russian
This is the first and most important phrase. You’ll need a bit of politeness in Russia – it goes along way and you’ll be seen in a good light. The first phrase is “Spasiba.”
- Спасибо
- Spasiba
- Thank you
2. “You’re Welcome” in Russian
Two ways to say you’re welcome. Formal and informal. Pazhalusta and Ne za shto. I suggest you stick to the first one unless you’re with friends!
- Пожалуйста
- Pazhalusta
- You’re welcome.
- Не за что.
- Ne za shto.
- You’re welcome (informal).
3. “This Please” in Russian
Want to buy or order something at a restaurant? And you don’t know what it’s called? Simply point and say “this please.” Here’s how you say it…
- Это пожалуйста
- Eto pazhalusta
- This please
4. Basic Greetings in Russian
Greetings are a must. One of the first things you should be learning when you learn Russian. From morning to day to evening, you’ll need to know them all.
- Привет.
- Privet.
- Hi
- Доброе утро.
- Dobraye utro.
- Good morning
- Добрый день.
- Dobriy den’.
- Good day.
- Добрый вечер.
- Dobriy vecher.
- Good evening.
5. Parting Greetings – Saying Bye or Goodbye in Russian
And of course, you’ll need to say goodbye. Again, there’s a formal and casual way. Of course, formal is more polite.
- До свидания.
- Do svidaniya.
- Goodbye.
- Пока. (casual)
- Paka. (casual)
- Bye. (casual)
6. “Where’s the bathroom”
Now we’re talking survival. You’re in need of a bathroom. God, you have to go so bad. How do find out where the bloody toilet is?
- Извините, где туалет?
- Izvinite, gde tualet?
- Excuse me, where’s the toilet?
7. “Do you speak English?” in Russian
At some point, you’ll run out of Russian words. And you’ll want to speak good ol’ English. Great question to know when you just can’t get things done in Russian. Or are looking for English speakers.
- Вы говорите по-английски?
- Vi govorite po Angliski?
- Do you speak English?
8. “I don’t understand”
It’s okay to admit defeat. It’s not shameful. There’s only so much Russian a learner can know. Sooner or later, you’ll come across Russian you don’t know.
- Я не понимаю.
- Ya ne ponimayu.
- I don’t understand.
And if someone’s talking Russian at you… and you don’t understand? Use this.
- Извините. Я не понимаю русский.
- Izvinite. Ya ne ponimayu russkiy.
- Excuse me. I don’t understand Russian.
9. “Sorry/Excuse me”
Hint: You’ve learned this already in the previous points above. Izvinite! Be sure to use this. A bit of politeness and humbleness is important in Russia.
- Извините
- Izvinite
- Excuse me.
10. “How much is this?”
In general, a good phrase to know as a learner or a tourist. There’s definitely haggle room unless you’re at a Russian McDonalds.
- Сколько это стоит?
- Skol’ko eto stoit?
- How much does this cost?
11. Can you take my picture? in Russian
How else will people know you were in Russia? You’ll need your photo taken. Here’s how to ask:
- Не могли бы Вы меня сфотографировать?
- Ne mogli bi vi menya s-fotografirovat’?
- Can you take my picture?
Or, if you’re with other people and need a plural version:
- Не могли бы Вы нас сфотографировать?
- Ne mogli bi vi nas s-fotografirovat’?
- Can you take our picture?
12. Asking for Help in Russian
Hopefully you never have to use these. However, it’s a good idea to know emergency phrases in Russian. This is a Survival Phrases article, after all.
- Позовите милицию!
- Pozovite militsiyu!
- Call the police!
And if you need help…
- Помогите!
- Pomogite!
- Help!
13. How do you say this in Russian?
Great question to use for Russian learners. Point at something and ask how it’s called in Russian. Great way to learn new words too!
- Как это будет по-русски?
- Kak eto budet po russkiy?
- How would this be in Russian?
- Не могли бы Вы это произнести?
- Ne mogli bi vi eto proiznesti?
- Would you pronounce this?
14. Can you write it down please?
Russian words are hard to remember. Especially the long ones. Ask someone to write it down for you. Or who knows, maybe you want an address, phone number or their license plate number!
- Не могли бы Вы это написать?
- Ne mogli bi vi eto napisat’?
- Would you write it down?
15. Say your nationality in Russian
If at some point you strike up a conversation in Russia – they’ll ask you about your nationality. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll go with American.
- Я – американец.
- Ya amerikanets.
- I am American (male).
- Я – американка.
- Ya Amerikanka.
- I am American (female).
And let me know what you think?
Did I miss any phrases? Leave your comments below!
More survival phrases are coming soon! Be sure to visit RussianPod101.com for hundreds of Russian lessons and start learning the language with their learning course.
– The Main Junkie