{"id":64374,"date":"2017-09-07T00:32:05","date_gmt":"2017-09-07T04:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/russian-expressions\/"},"modified":"2025-02-26T23:31:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T04:31:55","slug":"russian-expressions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/russian\/russian-expressions\/","title":{"rendered":"100 Common Russian Expressions"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to mastering Russian, there are some key phrases and expressions that will help you take a big step forward. See the guide below to learn 100 common Russian expressions you can use in everyday conversations.<\/p>\n

They’ll help you meet new people, make your way around Russia, get help when you need it and more. Using these authentic expressions will allow you to use the Russian language the way a native speaker would
\n[fluentu-toc skip=4]
\n<\/p>\n

Essential Russian Expressions\u00a0<\/h2>\n

\"russian-sign-at-viewpoint\"<\/p>\n

Let’s start with the basics. Here are some simple Russian phrases and expressions<\/a> for making conversation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Russian<\/th>English<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u0417\u0434\u0440\u0430\u0432\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0443\u0439\u0442\u0435 <\/td>Hello (formal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041f\u0440\u0438\u0432\u0435\u0442 <\/td>Hi \/ Hello (informal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0414\u043e\u0431\u0440\u043e\u0435 \u0443\u0442\u0440\u043e <\/td>Good morning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0414\u043e\u0431\u0440\u044b\u0439 \u0434\u0435\u043d\u044c <\/td>Good day \/ Good afternoon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0414\u043e\u0431\u0440\u044b\u0439 \u0432\u0435\u0447\u0435\u0440 <\/td>Good evening<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041f\u043e\u0436\u0430\u043b\u0443\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0430 <\/td>Please \/ You're welcome \/ Here you go<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0421\u043f\u0430\u0441\u0438\u0431\u043e <\/td>Thank you<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0418\u0437\u0432\u0438\u043d\u0438\u0442\u0435 <\/td>Excuse me \/ I'm sorry (formal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0418\u0437\u0432\u0438\u043d\u0438 <\/td>Excuse me \/ I'm sorry (informal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041f\u0440\u043e\u0448\u0443 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0449\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f <\/td>I apologize<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041a\u0430\u043a \u0432\u0430\u0441 \u0437\u043e\u0432\u0443\u0442?
\n<\/td>		What's your name? (formal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041a\u0430\u043a \u0442\u0435\u0431\u044f \u0437\u043e\u0432\u0443\u0442?<\/td>What's your name? (informal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041a\u0430\u043a \u0443 \u0432\u0430\u0441 \u0434\u0435\u043b\u0430\u0301?<\/td>How are you? (formal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041a\u0430\u043a \u0434\u0435\u043b\u0430\u0301?<\/td>How are you? (informal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u0435\u043d\u044f \u0437\u043e\u0432\u0443\u0442... <\/td>My name is...<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0427\u0442\u043e \u043d\u043e\u0432\u043e\u0433\u043e? <\/td>What's new?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0421\u043a\u043e\u043b\u044c\u043a\u043e \u0432\u0430\u043c \u043b\u0435\u0442?<\/td>How old are you? (formal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0421\u043a\u043e\u043b\u044c\u043a\u043e \u0442\u0435\u0431\u0435 \u043b\u0435\u0442?<\/td>How old are you? (informal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043d\u0435 \u2026 \u043b\u0435\u0442. <\/td>I\u2019m\u2026 years old.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0413\u0434\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u0445\u043e\u0434\u0438\u0442\u0441\u044f \u0442\u0443\u0430\u043b\u0435\u0442? <\/td>Where is the restroom?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u043d\u0435 \u0433\u043e\u0432\u043e\u0440\u044e \u043f\u043e-\u0440\u0443\u0441\u0441\u043a\u0438. <\/td>I don't speak Russian.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u043f\u043b\u043e\u0445\u043e \u0433\u043e\u0432\u043e\u0440\u044e \u043f\u043e-\u0440\u0443\u0441\u0441\u043a\u0438. <\/td>I speak Russian poorly.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0412\u044b \u0433\u043e\u0432\u043e\u0440\u0438\u0442\u0435 \u043f\u043e-\u0430\u043d\u0433\u043b\u0438\u0439\u0441\u043a\u0438? <\/td>Do you speak English? (formal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041f\u043e\u043d\u0438\u043c\u0430\u044e. <\/td>I understand.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u043d\u0435 \u043f\u043e\u043d\u0438\u043c\u0430\u044e. <\/td>I don't understand.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041f\u043e\u0432\u0442\u043e\u0440\u0438\u0442\u0435, \u043f\u043e\u0436\u0430\u043b\u0443\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0430? <\/td>Could you please say it again?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u043d\u0435 \u0437\u043d\u0430\u044e. <\/td>I don\u2019t know.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041f\u043e\u043c\u043e\u0433\u0438\u0442\u0435 <\/td>Help!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043d\u0435 \u043d\u0443\u0436\u043d\u0430 \u043f\u043e\u043c\u043e\u0449\u044c. <\/td>I need help.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u0433\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0434\u0435\u043d. <\/td>I'm hungry.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u0445\u043e\u0447\u0443 \u043f\u0438\u0442\u044c. <\/td>I'm thirsty.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043e\u0436\u043d\u043e \u043c\u043d\u0435 \u043d\u0435\u043c\u043d\u043e\u0433\u043e \u0432\u043e\u0434\u044b? <\/td>Could I have some water?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0423\u0434\u0430\u0447\u0438! <\/td>Good luck!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0421\u043a\u043e\u043b\u044c\u043a\u043e \u0432\u0440\u0435\u043c\u0435\u043d\u0438? <\/td>What time is it?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Expressions for Agreeing and Disagreeing<\/h2>\n

\"couple-in-boat-on-neva-river-in-Russia\"<\/p>\n

Once you’ve got some basic conversational expressions under your belt, it’s time to add ways to agree and disagree with your conversation partners to the mix:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Russian<\/th>English<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u042f \u0441\u043e\u0433\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0435\u043d.\/\u042f \u0441\u043e\u0433\u043b\u0430\u0441\u043d\u0430. <\/td>I agree. (masculine\/feminine, depending on the speaker's gender)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u0434\u0430. <\/td>True or truth.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0412\u043e\u0437\u043c\u043e\u0436\u043d\u043e. <\/td>It's possible.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0421\u0430\u043c\u043e \u0441\u043e\u0431\u043e\u0439 \u0440\u0430\u0437\u0443\u043c\u0435\u0435\u0442\u0441\u044f. <\/td>It's self-evident.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041a\u043e\u043d\u0435\u0447\u043d\u043e. <\/td>Of course.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041f\u043e\u043b\u043d\u043e\u0441\u0442\u044c\u044e \u0441\u043e\u0433\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0435\u043d. <\/td>I completely agree.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0411\u0435\u0437\u0443\u0441\u043b\u043e\u0432\u043d\u043e. <\/td>Without a doubt.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0410\u0431\u0441\u043e\u043b\u044e\u0442\u043d\u043e. <\/td>Absolutely. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u0442\u043e\u0436\u0435 \u0442\u0430\u043a \u0434\u0443\u043c\u0430\u044e. <\/td>I think the same way.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041d\u0435\u0442, \u043d\u0430\u043e\u0431\u043e\u0440\u043e\u0442. <\/td>No, it's the opposite.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0422\u044b \u0441 \u0443\u043c\u0430\u0301 \u0441\u043e\u0448\u0451\u043b\/\u0441\u043e\u0448\u043b\u0430! <\/td>You've lost your mind! (masculine\/feminine, depending on the person being addressed)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041d\u0435 \u0441\u043e\u0433\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0435\u043d. <\/td>I disagree.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041d\u0435 \u0441\u043e\u0432\u0441\u0435\u043c. <\/td>Not exactly.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043d\u0435 \u043a\u0430\u0436\u0435\u0442\u0441\u044f \u0438\u043d\u0430\u0447\u0435.<\/td>I think differently.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u0431\u044b \u043f\u043e\u0441\u043f\u043e\u0440\u0438\u043b...<\/td>I would argue...<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041d\u0430 \u043c\u043e\u0439 \u0432\u0437\u0433\u043b\u044f\u0434... <\/td>In my opinion...<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Russian Expressions for Eating Out\u00a0<\/h2>\n

\"Woman-eating-at-restaurant\"<\/p>\n

If you’re visiting Russia, you’ll no doubt be going out to eat. Here are some key phrases in case your server doesn’t speak English (or for practicing your Russian even if they do!):\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Russian<\/th>English<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u041c\u044b \u0445\u043e\u0442\u0435\u043b\u0438 \u0431\u044b \u0437\u0430\u043a\u0430\u0437\u0430\u0442\u044c \u0441\u0442\u043e\u0301\u043b\u0438\u043a \u043d\u0430 \u0434\u0432\u043e\u0438\u0445, \u043f\u043e\u0436\u0430\u043b\u0443\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0430.<\/td>We'd like to reserve a table for two, please.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0413\u0434\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u0445\u043e\u0434\u0438\u0442\u0441\u044f \u0442\u0443\u0430\u043b\u0435\u0442?<\/td>Where's the restroom?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043e\u0436\u043d\u043e \u043c\u0435\u043d\u044e, \u043f\u043e\u0436\u0430\u043b\u0443\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0430?<\/td>Could I have the menu, please?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0423 \u0432\u0430\u0441 \u0435\u0441\u0442\u044c \u043c\u0435\u043d\u044e \u043d\u0430 \u0430\u043d\u0433\u043b\u0438\u0439\u0441\u043a\u043e\u043c?<\/td>Do you have a menu in English?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u044b \u0433\u043e\u0442\u043e\u0432\u044b \u0441\u0434\u0435\u043b\u0430\u0442\u044c \u0437\u0430\u043a\u0430\u0437.<\/td>We're ready to place an order.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0427\u0442\u043e \u0432\u044b \u043f\u043e\u0440\u0435\u043a\u043e\u043c\u0435\u043d\u0434\u0443\u0435\u0442\u0435 \u0438\u0437 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u044e?<\/td>What would you recommend from the menu?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0423 \u0432\u0430\u0441 \u0435\u0441\u0442\u044c \u0432\u0435\u0433\u0435\u0442\u0430\u0440\u0438\u0430\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0435 \u0431\u043b\u044e\u0434\u0430?<\/td>Do you have something vegetarian?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043e\u0433\u0443 \u044f \u0443\u0432\u0438\u0434\u0435\u0442\u044c \u0432\u0438\u043d\u043d\u0443\u044e \u043a\u0430\u0440\u0442\u0443? <\/td>Can I see the wine list?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u0431\u044b \u0445\u043e\u0442\u0435\u043b\/\u0445\u043e\u0442\u0435\u043b\u0430...<\/td>I would like... (masculine\/feminine, depending on the gender of the speaker)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0423 \u043c\u0435\u043d\u044f \u0430\u043b\u043b\u0435\u0440\u0433\u0438\u044f \u043d\u0430 \u0433\u043b\u044e\u0442\u0435\u043d. <\/td>I'm allergic to gluten.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043e\u0436\u043d\u043e \u043c\u043d\u0435 \u0435\u0449\u0451 \u0441\u043e\u0443\u0441\u0430?<\/td>Can I have extra sauce?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043e\u0436\u0435\u0442\u0435 \u043f\u0440\u0438\u0433\u043e\u0442\u043e\u0432\u0438\u0442\u044c \u044d\u0442\u043e \u0431\u0435\u0437 \u043b\u0443\u043a\u0430?<\/td>Can you make it without onions?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041f\u0440\u0438\u044f\u0442\u043d\u043e\u0433\u043e \u0430\u043f\u043f\u0435\u0442\u0438\u0442\u0430.<\/td>Enjoy your meal.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042d\u0442\u043e \u0431\u043b\u044e\u0434\u043e \u043e\u0447\u0435\u043d\u044c \u0432\u043a\u0443\u0441\u043d\u043e\u0435.<\/td>This dish is very tasty.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043e\u0436\u043d\u043e \u0447\u0435\u043a, \u043f\u043e\u0436\u0430\u043b\u0443\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0430?<\/td>May I have the bill, please?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043e\u0436\u043d\u043e \u0437\u0430\u043f\u043b\u0430\u0442\u0438\u0442\u044c \u043a\u0440\u0435\u0434\u0438\u0442\u043d\u043e\u0439 \u043a\u0430\u0440\u0442\u043e\u0447\u043a\u043e\u0439?<\/td>Can I pay by credit card?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u0437\u0430\u043f\u043b\u0430\u0447\u0443 \u043d\u0430\u043b\u0438\u0447\u043d\u044b\u043c\u0438.<\/td>I will pay in cash.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Russian Expressions for Traveling\u00a0<\/h2>\n

\"woman-taking-picture-of-building-in-moscow-russia\"<\/p>\n

Travel phrases<\/a> are usually among the first sayings we learn, and with good reason. Here are some essential travel phrases to help you get around in Russia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Russian<\/th>English <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\u041a\u0430\u043a \u044f \u043c\u043e\u0433\u0443 \u0434\u043e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0442\u044c\u0441\u044f \u0434\u043e \u0430\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u0442\u0430? <\/td>How can I get to the airport?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0413\u0434\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u0445\u043e\u0434\u0438\u0442\u0441\u044f \u043c\u043e\u0439 \u0432\u044b\u0445\u043e\u0434 \u043d\u0430 \u043f\u043e\u0441\u0430\u0434\u043a\u0443? <\/td>Where is my departure gate located?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041a\u0430\u043a \u0434\u043e\u043b\u0433\u043e \u0434\u043b\u0438\u0442\u0441\u044f \u0440\u0435\u0433\u0438\u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430\u0446\u0438\u044f? <\/td>How long does check-in take?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043e\u0439 \u0440\u0435\u0439\u0441 \u043e\u0442\u043c\u0435\u043d\u0451\u043d, \u0447\u0442\u043e \u043c\u043d\u0435 \u0434\u0435\u043b\u0430\u0442\u044c? <\/td>My flight is canceled, what should I do?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u044b \u043f\u0443\u0442\u0435\u0448\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0443\u0435\u043c \u0432\u043c\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0435. <\/td>We're traveling together.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u0445\u043e\u0442\u0435\u043b \u0431\u044b \u043a\u0443\u043f\u0438\u0442\u044c \u0431\u0438\u043b\u0435\u0442 \u043d\u0430 \u043f\u043e\u0435\u0437\u0434 \u0434\u043e \u041c\u043e\u0441\u043a\u0432\u044b. <\/td>I'd like to buy a train ticket to Moscow.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0413\u0434\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u0445\u043e\u0434\u0438\u0442\u0441\u044f \u0430\u0432\u0442\u043e\u0431\u0443\u0441\u043d\u0430\u044f \u043e\u0441\u0442\u0430\u043d\u043e\u0432\u043a\u0430? <\/td>Where is the bus stop?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041a\u0430\u043a\u043e\u0439 \u0430\u0432\u0442\u043e\u0431\u0443\u0441 \u0438\u0434\u0451\u0442 \u0432 \u0446\u0435\u043d\u0442\u0440 \u0433\u043e\u0301\u0440\u043e\u0434\u0430? <\/td>Which bus goes to the city center?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0421\u043a\u043e\u043b\u044c\u043a\u043e \u0441\u0442\u043e\u0301\u0438\u0442 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0435\u0437\u0434 \u0432 \u043c\u0435\u0442\u0440\u043e? <\/td>How much is the subway fare?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u0445\u043e\u0447\u0443 \u043a\u0443\u043f\u0438\u0442\u044c \u0431\u0438\u043b\u0435\u0442. <\/td>I want to buy a ticket.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u043d\u0435 \u043d\u0443\u0436\u043d\u043e \u0432\u044b\u0437\u0432\u0430\u0442\u044c \u0442\u0430\u043a\u0441\u0438. <\/td>I need to call a taxi.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041c\u044b \u043f\u043b\u0430\u043d\u0438\u0440\u0443\u0435\u043c \u0438\u0434\u0442\u0438 \u043f\u0435\u0448\u043a\u043e\u043c \u0434\u043e \u0434\u043e\u0441\u0442\u043e\u043f\u0440\u0438\u043c\u0435\u0447\u0430\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0441\u0442\u0435\u0439. <\/td>We plan to walk to the sights.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042d\u0442\u043e \u0434\u0430\u043b\u0435\u043a\u043e? <\/td>Is it far?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0421\u043a\u0430\u0436\u0438\u0442\u0435 \u043f\u043e\u0436\u0430\u043b\u0443\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0430, \u043a\u0430\u043a \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0439\u0442\u0438 \u0442\u0443\u0434\u0430? <\/td>Please tell me, how do I get there?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041e\u0441\u0442\u0430\u043d\u043e\u0432\u0438\u0442\u0435\u0441\u044c \u0437\u0434\u0435\u0441\u044c, \u043f\u043e\u0436\u0430\u043b\u0443\u0439\u0441\u0442\u0430. <\/td>Stop here, please.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u0445\u043e\u0442\u0435\u043b \u0431\u044b \u0437\u0430\u0431\u0440\u043e\u043d\u0438\u0440\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0442\u044c \u043d\u043e\u043c\u0435\u0440 \u0432 \u043e\u0442\u0435\u043b\u0435.<\/td>I'd like to book a hotel room.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u041a\u043e\u0433\u0434\u0430 \u043d\u0430\u0447\u0438\u043d\u0430\u0435\u0442\u0441\u044f \u0437\u0430\u0441\u0435\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435? <\/td>When does check-in start?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0412\u043e \u0441\u043a\u043e\u043b\u044c\u043a\u043e \u0432\u044b\u0435\u0437\u0434 \u0438\u0437 \u043e\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044f? <\/td>What time is check-out from the hotel?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u042f \u043e\u0441\u0442\u0430\u043b\u0441\u044f \u0434\u043e\u0432\u043e\u043b\u0435\u043d \u0441\u0435\u0440\u0432\u0438\u0441\u043e\u043c \u0432 \u044d\u0442\u043e\u043c \u043e\u0442\u0435\u043b\u0435. <\/td>I was satisfied with the service at this hotel.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0413\u0434\u0435 \u044f \u043c\u043e\u0433\u0443 \u043f\u043e\u0437\u0430\u0432\u0442\u0440\u0430\u043a\u0430\u0442\u044c \u043f\u043e\u0431\u043b\u0438\u0437\u043e\u0441\u0442\u0438? <\/td>Where can I have breakfast nearby?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0413\u0434\u0435 \u044f \u043c\u043e\u0433\u0443 \u043d\u0430\u0439\u0442\u0438 \u0440\u0435\u0441\u0442\u043e\u0440\u0430\u043d? <\/td>Where can I find a restaurant?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Here are a few more Russian travel expressions that need a bit more of an explanation:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u0421\u044f\u0434\u0435\u043c \u043d\u0430 \u0434\u043e\u0440\u043e\u0436\u043a\u0443<\/h4>\n

“Sitting on the road.”<\/strong> This expression gets at one of many Russian superstitions\u2014sitting quietly on your suitcase before leaving to guarantee a successful trip.<\/p>\n

It’s a nice way to leave behind any lingering stress from packing and to get excited for the journey ahead.<\/p>\n

\u041f\u043e\u0440\u0430 \u0438\u0434\u0442\u0438! (It’s time to go!)<\/p>\n

\u0421\u044f\u0434\u0435\u043c \u043d\u0430 \u0434\u043e\u0440\u043e\u0436\u043a\u0443<\/strong>. (Let’s sit for the road.)<\/p>\n

\u0422\u044b \u0431\u0443\u0434\u0435\u0448\u044c \/ \u0432\u044b \u0431\u0443\u0434\u0435\u0442\u0435 … ?<\/h4>\n

These are the formal and informal future forms of the verb \u0431\u044b\u0442\u044c which means “to be,” but they’re used to mean “Do you want…?” or “Would you like?”<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you’re ever a guest in a Russian home, get ready to be asked this question in relation to food and drink over and over.<\/p>\n

\u0412\u044b \u0431\u0443\u0434\u0435\u0442\u0435<\/strong> \u0447\u0430\u0439 \u0438\u043b\u0438 \u043a\u043e\u0444\u0435? (Would you like tea or coffee?)<\/p>\n

\u0412\u044b \u043d\u0435 \u043f\u043e\u0434\u0441\u043a\u0430\u0436\u0435\u0442\u0435?<\/h4>\n

Here’s the most authentic way to ask for directions<\/strong> on the confusing Russian streets. First say “\u0412\u044b \u043d\u0435 \u043f\u043e\u0434\u0441\u043a\u0430\u0436\u0435\u0442\u0435?” (Won’t you give me a hint?<\/strong>) and then tell them where you need to go. For example:<\/p>\n

\u0418\u0437\u0432\u0438\u043d\u0438\u0442\u0435, \u0432\u044b \u043d\u0435 \u043f\u043e\u0434\u0441\u043a\u0430\u0436\u0435\u0442\u0435<\/strong>, \u043a\u0430\u043a \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0435\u0445\u0430\u0442\u044c \u0434\u043e \u0431\u043b\u0438\u0436\u0430\u0439\u0448\u0435\u0433\u043e \u043c\u0435\u0442\u0440\u043e? (Excuse me, could you please advise on how to get to the nearest subway?)<\/p>\n

\u0412\u044b \u0432\u044b\u0445\u043e\u0434\u0438\u0442\u0435 \u043d\u0430 \u0441\u043b\u0435\u0434\u0443\u044e\u0449\u0435\u0439?<\/h4>\n

You’ll hear this on every crowded bus and metro car. Someone behind you will use this expression to ask, “Are you getting off at the next (stop)?”<\/strong> If the answer is no, move aside so the questioner can get closer to the exit.<\/p>\n

Or you can say “\u041d\u0435\u0442, \u043d\u043e \u044f \u0432\u0430\u0441 \u0432\u044b\u043f\u0443\u0449\u0443”\u00a0(No, but I’ll let you out)<\/strong>. That means when a bus or train stops, you actually step out to allow people behind you to leave and then jump right back in.<\/p>\n

If the answer is yes, the person behind you is expecting you to make a hasty exit from the train or bus.<\/p>\n

\u041a\u0430\u043a \u0442\u044b \u0441\u044a\u0435\u0437\u0434\u0438\u043b? (informal, masculine) \/ \u041a\u0430\u043a \u0442\u044b \u0441\u044a\u0435\u0437\u0434\u0438\u043b\u0430? (informal, feminine) \/ \u041a\u0430\u043a \u0432\u044b \u0441\u044a\u0435\u0437\u0434\u0438\u043b\u0438? (formal\/plural)<\/h4>\n

Russians will ask you this when you return from a journey, with the meaning, “How was your trip?”\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u041a\u0430\u043a \u0432\u044b \u0441\u044a\u0435\u0437\u0434\u0438\u043b\u0438<\/strong> \u0432 \u043a\u043e\u043c\u0430\u043d\u0434\u0438\u0440\u043e\u0432\u043a\u0443? \u0412\u0441\u0451 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0448\u043b\u043e \u0445\u043e\u0440\u043e\u0448\u043e? (How was your business trip? Did everything go well?)<\/p>\n

Unique Russian Expressions for Conversation<\/h2>\n

\"russian-women-at-festival\"<\/p>\n

To really understand what your Russian friends are saying and to make yourself understood, it’s worth learning some common expressions unique to the Russian language. Here are a handful to get you started:<\/p>\n

\u0411\u0435\u0441\u043f\u0440\u0435\u0434\u0435\u043b<\/h4>\n

Translated, it means, “without boundaries; bedlam; lawlessness; where’s this world going?” Russians use this to express disbelief and a little bit of awe<\/strong>. They might use it in a sentence like the following while shaking their head:<\/p>\n

\u041c\u0438\u0448\u0430 \u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u0443\u043b\u0441\u044f \u0434\u043e\u043c\u043e\u0439 \u0438\u0437 \u043a\u043b\u0443\u0431\u0430 \u0442\u043e\u043b\u044c\u043a\u043e \u0432 7 \u0443\u0442\u0440\u0430. \u0411\u0435\u0441\u043f\u0440\u0435\u0434\u0435\u043b!<\/strong> (Misha didn’t get home from the club until 7 a.m. Mayhem!)<\/p>\n

\u0414\u0430 \u043d\u0435\u0442<\/h4>\n

Russians use this expression to mean “not really.” <\/strong>It can be used to express disagreement, politely decline an offer or invitation, or express doubt or uncertainty.<\/p>\n

\u0422\u044b \u0434\u0443\u043c\u0430\u0435\u0448\u044c, \u0447\u0442\u043e \u043e\u043d \u043f\u0440\u0438\u0434\u0451\u0442? (Do you think he will come?)<\/p>\n

\u0414\u0430 \u043d\u0435\u0442<\/strong>, \u043d\u0435 \u0443\u0432\u0435\u0440\u0435\u043d. (Not really, I’m not sure.)<\/p>\n

\u0414\u0430 \u0442\u044b\/\u0432\u044b \u0447\u0442\u043e<\/h4>\n

This Russian phrase is used to express surprise, disbelief or amazement<\/strong>. Remember that \u0442\u044b is the informal singular “you” and \u0432\u044b is the formal or plural “you.”<\/p>\n

\u042f \u0441\u0434\u0430\u043b \u044d\u043a\u0437\u0430\u043c\u0435\u043d \u0441 \u043f\u0435\u0440\u0432\u043e\u0439 \u043f\u043e\u043f\u044b\u0442\u043a\u0438! (I passed the exam on my first try!)<\/p>\n

\u0414\u0430 \u0442\u044b \u0447\u0442\u043e!<\/strong> \u042d\u0442\u043e \u043e\u0442\u043b\u0438\u0447\u043d\u043e! (No way! That’s great!)<\/p>\n

\u0414\u0430\u0432\u0430\u0439<\/h4>\n

\u0414\u0430\u0432\u0430\u0439 means “give,” but Russians have made it into a multipurpose word, using it as shorthand for “come on,” “let’s go” or “let’s do it.”<\/strong> It can even be used as a very informal “bye.” Spend any time in Russia and you’ll hear this word a lot! For example:<\/p>\n

\u0414\u0430\u0432\u0430\u0439<\/strong>, \u0442\u044b \u0441\u043c\u043e\u0436\u0435\u0448\u044c! (Come on, you can do it!)<\/p>\n

\u0414\u0430\u0432\u0430\u0439<\/strong> \u043f\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0435\u043c \u0432 \u043a\u0438\u043d\u043e? (Let’s go to the movies?)<\/p>\n

\u0414\u0430\u0432\u0430\u0439<\/strong>, \u0443\u0432\u0438\u0434\u0438\u043c\u0441\u044f! (Bye, see you!).<\/p>\n

\u041d\u0438\u0447\u0435\u0433\u043e \u0441\u0435\u0431\u0435<\/h4>\n

This one literally means, “nothing to oneself.” This saying expresses mild disbelief and\/or interest<\/strong> with a twinge of envy, as in:<\/p>\n

\u041e\u043d\u0430 \u0437\u0430\u043f\u0443\u0441\u0442\u0438\u043b\u0430 \u0441\u043e\u0431\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0435\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0431\u0438\u0437\u043d\u0435\u0441 \u0438 \u0442\u0435\u043f\u0435\u0440\u044c \u0443 \u043d\u0435\u0435 \u043c\u043d\u043e\u0436\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0432\u043e \u043a\u043b\u0438\u0435\u043d\u0442\u043e\u0432. (She started her own business, and now she has many clients.)<\/p>\n

\u041d\u0438\u0447\u0435\u0433\u043e \u0441\u0435\u0431\u0435!<\/strong> (No way!)<\/p>\n

\u041a\u043e\u0448\u043c\u0430\u0440, \u0423\u0436\u0430\u0441<\/h4>\n

“Nightmare, horror.”<\/strong> These are the filler words<\/strong> you can use to respond to someone telling you about something bad that happened to them or about the drama in their life.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u042f \u043f\u043e\u043f\u0430\u043b \u0432 \u0430\u0432\u0430\u0440\u0438\u044e, \u043d\u043e, \u0441\u043b\u0430\u0432\u0430 \u0431\u043e\u0433\u0443, \u043d\u0438\u0447\u0435\u0433\u043e \u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430\u0448\u043d\u043e\u0433\u043e. (I got into an accident, but thankfully, nothing serious.)<\/p>\n

\u0423\u0436\u0430\u0441<\/strong>, \u043d\u0430\u0434\u0435\u044e\u0441\u044c, \u0442\u044b \u0432 \u043f\u043e\u0440\u044f\u0434\u043a\u0435! (Horror, I hope you’re okay!)<\/p>\n

\u0426\u0435\u043b\u0443\u044e<\/h4>\n

“I kiss [you].” Close friends, usually women, will close a conversation with this sweet expression<\/strong>. You can use it as a closing in written communications with friends, too.<\/p>\n

\u041f\u043e\u043a\u0430! \u0426\u0435\u043b\u0443\u044e!<\/strong> (Goodbye! Kisses!)<\/p>\n

PG-13 Expressions<\/h2>\n

\"Russian-men-playing-soccer\"<\/p>\n

No list of expressions would be complete without some swear words, or at least some more polite alternatives for swear words.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u0411\u043b\u0438\u043d<\/h4>\n

\u0411\u043b\u0438\u043d\u044b are tasty thin pancakes<\/a>, similar to crepes. But \u0431\u043b\u0438\u043d on its own is similar to “Shoot!” or “Darn!”\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u0411\u043b\u0438\u043d<\/strong>, \u0437\u0430\u0431\u044b\u043b \u0437\u043e\u043d\u0442\u0438\u043a \u0438 \u0442\u0435\u043f\u0435\u0440\u044c \u0438\u0434\u0451\u0442 \u0434\u043e\u0436\u0434\u044c. (Darn, I forgot my umbrella, and now it’s raining.)<\/p>\n

\u0401-\u043c\u043e\u0451<\/h4>\n

A modification of one of the more common Russian expletives, \u0451-\u043c\u043e\u0451 is useful for expressing surprise with a side of anguish or despair<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u042f \u043f\u043e\u0442\u0435\u0440\u044f\u043b \u043a\u043e\u0448\u0435\u043b\u0451\u043a \u0441 \u0434\u0435\u043d\u044c\u0433\u0430\u043c\u0438 \u0438 \u0434\u043e\u043a\u0443\u043c\u0435\u043d\u0442\u0430\u043c\u0438! (I lost my wallet with money and documents!)<\/p>\n

\u0401-\u043c\u043e\u0451<\/strong>, \u043a\u0430\u043a \u044d\u0442\u043e \u043c\u043e\u0433\u043b\u043e \u0441\u043b\u0443\u0447\u0438\u0442\u044c\u0441\u044f?! (Oh my goodness, how could that happen?!)<\/p>\n

\u0422\u043e\u0440\u043c\u043e\u0437<\/h4>\n

\u0422\u043e\u0440\u043c\u043e\u0437\u0438\u0442\u044c means to brake, so \u0442\u043e\u0440\u043c\u043e\u0437 refers to someone who’s slow in understanding or acting<\/strong>, similar to “slowpoke” or “dimwit” in English.<\/p>\n

It can be considered somewhat derogatory and is typically used in a teasing or mildly critical manner.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u041d\u0435 \u0431\u0443\u0434\u044c \u0442\u043e\u0440\u043c\u043e\u0437\u043e\u043c<\/strong>. (Don’t be a slowpoke.)<\/p>\n

Tools to Practice Common Russian Expressions<\/h2>\n

In addition to the starter pack of Russian expressions listed above, there are plenty of great online resources for learning even more Russian expressions.<\/p>\n