Basic Russian phrases
We have prepared a list of common Russian expressions that will help you have a basic conversation in Russian in no time. Let's dig in!
If you find yourself in Ukraine it is always polite to say “Hi” every morning because Russian speakers are really sociable. “Good morning” in Russian is "Доброе утро".
Now enjoy being greeted by a native speaker:
But what if it's later in the day and you want to greet someone from Saint Petersburg? Well, “Good afternoon” in Russian is "Добрый день".
Now listen to how a Russian speaker would pronounce it:
Let's say your name is Mondly, you are traveling to Russia and meet someone on the street. To introduce yourself you can say "Меня зовут Мандли" which means "My name is Mondly" in Russian.
Listen to how a person from Moscow would pronounce this phrase:
Now that you have introduced yourself, a Russian speaker would respond "Рада познакомиться" which means "I'm pleased to meet you" in Russian.
Listen to a native Russian speaker saying that exact sentence to you right now:
At this point, it might be polite to ask the person you are having a conversation with "Как дела?" in Russian.
It’s really easy to pronounce. Here's how to say it:
If, on the other hand, a Russian speaker asks you first how are you doing, this is how you can answer politely. Apply the unspoken rule of politeness everywhere you go and many doors shall joyously open in your path.
Here's a native speaker showing you how to say it:
And because you might find yourself in a bar when visiting Russia you might have to learn how to order a beer in Russian.
Let a native Russian speaker show you how it's done:
There are times when what you ordered is out of stock, so a bartender might say "Прошу прощения" which means "I'm sorry" in Russian.
Listen to how it's pronounced:
This is a good way of saying "See you soon" in Russian to a co-worker from Kiev that you are probably going to see the next day.
Delight your senses with a Russian speaker saying the phrase:
Let's end with the best way to end a pleasant conversation politely. This is another way of saying "Goodbye" in Russian.
Here's how a person from Russia would pronounce it:
Дайте, пожалуйста, меню (Dayte, pozhaluysta, menyu): May I have the menu?
Дайте мне, пожалуйста (Dayte mne, pozhaluysta): Can I please have?
Это очень вкусно. (to ochenʹ vkusno): This is delicious.
Приятного аппетита! (Priyatnogo appetita): Enjoy your meal!
Getting around
Где ресторан? (Gde restoran): Where is the restaurant?
Где метро? (Gde metro): Where is the subway?
Как доехать до вокзала? (Kak doyekhatʹ do vokzala): How do I get to the train station?
Один билет до / два билета до (Odin bilet do / dva bileta do): One ticket to/Two tickets two
Shopping
Сколько это стоит? (xSkolʹko eto stoit): How much is it?
У вас есть...? (U vas yestʹ...): Do you have...?
Помогите мне, пожалуйста! (Pomogite mne, pozhaluysta): Help me, please!
Learning a new language is a perfect way to boost your IQ. In no time, your brain will make new connections and associations and you’ll feel that learning Russian was one of the best choices you ever made.
Once you start learning a few basic sentences in Russian you will have the knowledge to start your first Russian conversation. That’s why, at Mondly, we’ve created experiences that simulate real-life conversations to get you speaking Russian in no time.
Starting with the basics, we quickly lay a foundation for you to learn more complex Russian phrases and sentences. We gradually build your Russian knowledge so you get fluent faster than you could imagine.
Every language experience should start gradually, from the easiest to the more complex concepts. Starting with the easiest and most common Russian phrases, you will feel confident in your ability to learn a new language. That’s one of the core principles Mondly is built on.
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