Language Learning

Learning Russian: some useful Russian phrases

If you’ve just moved to Russia, here are some useful Russian phrases to help you get by in those first few days.

Russian phrases
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By Expatica

Updated 18-3-2024

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Important notice from the Editor in Chief

Maintaining our Russian site is a delicate matter during the war. We have chosen to keep its content online to help our readers, but we cannot ensure that it is accurate and up to date. Our team endeavors to strike the right balance between giving information to those who need it, and respecting the gravity of the situation.

Babbel

Babbel is a language learning app. They have a number of professionally-made courses covering language basics including vocabulary, pronunciation and more. With courses in 14 languages and counting, Babbel helps you improve your language skills when it suits your lifestyle.

Language tips

It is good to know some words and phrases before arriving in Russia. Here are some helpful words and phrases for you to learn:

Hello! – Zdrastvuitje!
Hi! – Privet!
Goodbye! – Da svidanya!
Bye – Paka
Good evening – Dobryi vecher
Yes – Da
No – Net
I don’t undertand – Ya ne panimayu
Thank you –  Spasiba
Good morning – Dobroye utra
Good afternoon – Dobryi dien
My name is – Minya zavut
Excuse me – Izvinite

More useful Russian for beginners can be found at Jungle Book.

Useful resources