Please note!
The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English.

Therefore do not pronounce
Russian words
how to you like represent
sounds in English.

For example:
The Latin letter U
should not be pronounced
as the English word you.
U = YOU = OO

If you doubt the correct pronunciation, click on the live audio link in Russian
Link to sound

Russian Basic Words & Phrases

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN RUSSIA
Online vocabulary for travelers
Introduction
English-Russian online translator and vocabulary. How to say in Russian. Useful phrases in Russian.
How to ask something in Russian, if you don`t know a single word in Russian? There is an exit! We have collected for you all necessary words and phrases in English and translated them into Russian.

Go to needed tab and click the desired phrase or word. You will see the translation into Russian, as well as the phrase in Russian in Latin letters. Dashes below indicate stress (accent) a certain syllable in a word.

Pay attention to the rules of pronunciation. Transliteration is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English.

If you doubt the correct pronunciation, click on this link:
Link to sound
You will be presented with a short slide show with the correct pronunciation from a native speaker. Try (click Russia) for example.
RUSSIA
HOW TO SAY & WRITE IN RUSSIAN
Russia

[ RASSIYA ]
(RAS-SI-YA)
accent on the 2-nd syllable!

РОССИЯ

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND
Meeting / Greeting / Parting
How to say in Russian - Hello, good afternoon, how are you, nice to meet you, see you and much more..
Hi / Hey / Hello! (informal)
[ PRIVET ! ]

ПРИВЕТ !

This is an informal way to greeting. It is often used when talking to peers, younger people, and people of the same age as the speaker.

LINK TO SOUND
Hello ! (formal)
[ ZDRASTVUITE ! ]

ЗДРАВСТВУЙТЕ !

A formal greeting to any stranger (eg to policemen, cashier, and just to any person on the street), or to person you know who deserves respect (eg your boss). You can also use it when talking to a group of people because the word 'ZDRAVSTVUITE / ЗДРАВСТВУЙТЕ' can refer to one or more people.

LINK TO SOUND
Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening!
Typical greetings at specific times of the day, replacing the word Hello! Note! In Russian, the 'Good Morning / DOBRAYE UTRA' greeting is universal, suitable for both friends and family and for strangers, incl VIP persons.

But the greetings 'Good afternoon / DOBRYI DEN' and 'Good evening / DOBRYI VECHER' are a 100% official messages, emphasizing respect for a person, these expressions are not used in informal communication.


Good morning !
[ DOBRAYE UTRA ! ]
ДОБРОЕ УТРО !

Good afternoon !
[ DOBRYI DEN ! ]
ДОБРЫЙ ДЕНЬ !

Good evening !
[ DOBRYI VECHER ! ]
ДОБРЫЙ ВЕЧЕР !

LINK TO SOUND
How are you / How do you do ?
I`M FINE - GOOD - OKAY - NOT BAD
How are you ?
[ KAK DELA ? ] (more often informally)
КАК ДЕЛА ?
or
How are you ?
[ KAK PAZHIVAYETE ? ] (more often formally)

КАК ПОЖИВАЕТЕ ?

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

ANSWERS :

Good
[ KHARASHO ]
ХОРОШО

Not bad
[ NIPLOKHA ]
НЕПЛОХО

(I`m) Okay
[ NARMAL`NA ]
НОРМАЛЬНО

(I`m) Fine / Great
[ ATLICHNA ]
ОТЛИЧНО

LINK TO SOUND

COUNTERQUESTIONS :

And you (informally 1) ?
[ A U TEBYA ? ]
А У ТЕБЯ ?

And you (informally 2) ?
[ A KAK TY ? ]
А КАК ТЫ ?

And you (formally 1) ?
[ A U VAS ? ]
А У ВАС ?

And you (formally 2) ?
[ A KAK VY ? ]
А КАК ВЫ ?

FOR EXAMPLE :

- Hey ! How are you ?
- Thanks, I`m fine! And you ? /
[ - PRIVET ! KAK DELA ? ]
[ - SPASIBA, ATLICHNA ! A KAK TY ? ] /
- ПРИВЕТ ! КАК ДЕЛА ? /
- СПАСИБО, ОТЛИЧНО ! А КАК ТЫ ?


LINK TO SOUND

SEE ALSO:
Questions in Russian
Welcome!
[ DABRO PAZHALAVAT` ! ]
ДОБРО ПОЖАЛОВАТЬ !

for example:

Welcome to Russia!
[ DABRO PAZHALAVAT` V RASSIYU ! ]

ДОБРО ПОЖАЛОВАТЬ В РОССИЮ !

(ENG / RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND
Do you speak English?
[ VY GAVARITE PA ANGLIYSKI ? ]

Вы говорите по английски?

Link to sound
What is your name ? (formal / informal)
What is you name ? (FORMAL)
[ KAK VAS ZAVUT ? ]
КАК ВАС ЗОВУТ ?

(RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS / ENG)

This is a polite way to ask stranger a name, and you can also use it when talking to a group of people because the word 'VAS / ВАС' can refer to one or more people.


What is you name ? (INFORMAL)
[ KAK TEBYA ZAVUT ? ]

КАК ТЕБЯ ЗОВУТ ?

This is an informal way to ask a name. It is often used when talking to peers, younger people, and people of the same age as the speaker.

LINK TO SOUND
Let me introduce myself to you
[ RAZRESHITE PREDSTAVITSA ]

РАЗРЕШИТЕ ПРЕДСТАВИТЬСЯ

( RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

How to address correctly in Russian to the other person or persons. Phrase when making a formal introduction. How to introduce myself. Correct Russian pronunciation.

LINK TO SOUND
My name is... (+Name / Surname)
My Name is (John Smith)
[ MENYA ZAVUT (DZHON SMIT) ]
МЕНЯ ЗОВУТ (ДЖОН СМИТ)

LINK TO SOUND
Nice to meet you / Pleased to meet you
[ OCHEN` PRIYATNA ! ]
or
[ PRIYATNA PAZNAKOMITSA ! ]

ОЧЕНЬ ПРИЯТНО
or
ПРИЯТНО ПОЗНАКОМИТЬСЯ

( RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

A typical phrase after you asked for a name and introduced yourself.

LINK TO SOUND
I - YOU - HE - SHE
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
I
[ YA ]
Я
***
YOU (singular - informal) /
[ TY ] /
ТЫ
***
YOU (singular formal or any plural) /
[ VY ] /
ВЫ

***
HE /
[ ON ] /
ОН
***
SHE /
[ ANA ] /
ОНА

(ENG / RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

PAY ATTENTION! In Russia, when formally addressing a person (for example, to any stranger), it is customary to use the respectful form 'VY / ВЫ'.

If you become friends or during informal communication, for example at a party, the form of address 'TY / ТЫ' is usually used.


LINK TO SOUND
How old are you ? (formal / informal)
[ SKOLKA VAM LET ? ] (formal)

[ SKOLKA TEBE LET ? ] (informal)

Сколько Вам лет? (formal) / ? Сколько тебе лет? (informal)

Link to sound
I'm ...(20) years old
[ MNE ...(dvatsat`) LET ]

Link to digits in Russian

Мне ...(двадцать) лет

Link to sound
Where are you from?
[ ATKUDA VY ? ] (singular formal or any plural)

[ ATKUDA TY ? ] (singular informal)


Откуда Вы? (singular formal or any plural)
Откуда ты? (singular informal)

Link to sound
I am from ...(England)
[ YA IZ ...(ANGLII) ]

Я из... (Англии)

Link to sound
I must be going / We must be going
[ MNE PARA ] / [ NAM PARA ]

Мне пора / Нам пора

Link to sound
Have a nice day!
[ KHAROSHEVA DNYA ! ]

Хорошего дня!

Link to sound
Good luck ! / I wish you luck !
[ UDACHI ! ]
or
[ ZHELAYU UDACHI ! ]

УДАЧИ !
or
ЖЕЛАЮ УДАЧИ !

( RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND
Good night!
[ SPAKOINAY NOCHI ! ]

Спокойной ночи!

Link to sound
Till tomorrow!
[ DA ZAVTRA ! ]

До завтра!

Link to sound
See you !
[ UVIDIMSYA ! ]
or
[ DA VSTRECHI ! ]

УВИДИМСЯ !
or
ДО ВСТРЕЧИ !

(RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND
Bye (bye-bye) / So long !
[ PAKA (paka-paka) ! ]

Пока (пока-пока)!

Link to sound
Goodbye!
[ DASVIDANIYA ! ]

До свидания!

Link to sound
How to address correctly
How to refer in Russian to the other person or persons. Phrases when making a formal introduction. How to introduce myself.
I - YOU - HE - SHE
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
I
[ YA ]
Я
***
YOU (singular - informal) /
[ TY ] /
ТЫ
***
YOU (singular formal or any plural) /
[ VY ] /
ВЫ

***
HE /
[ ON ] /
ОН
***
SHE /
[ ANA ] /
ОНА

(ENG / RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

PAY ATTENTION! In Russia, when formally addressing a person (for example, to any stranger), it is customary to use the respectful form 'VY / ВЫ'.

If you become friends or during informal communication, for example at a party, the form of address 'TY / ТЫ' is usually used.


LINK TO SOUND
Ladies and Gentlemen!
[ DAMY I GASPADA ! ]

Дамы и Господа!

Link to sound
DEAR FRIEND ! / DEAR FRIENDS !
address to one or many persons
Dear Friend ! (singular)
[ DARAGOY DRUG ! ]
ДОРОГОЙ ДРУГ !

Dear Friends ! (plural)
[ DARAGIYE DRUZ`YA ! ]

ДОРОГИЕ ДРУЗЬЯ !

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND

SEE ALSO:
Meeting - Greeting - Parting
...to the unfamiliar man (any age) / woman (any age)
[ SUDAR` ! ] - to man

[ SUDARYNYA ! ] - to woman

Сударь! / Сударыня!

Link to sound
...to the unfamiliar guy / girl
[ MALADOY CHELAVEK ! ] - to guy

[ DEVUSHKA ! ] - to girl

Молодой человек! / Девушка!

Link to sound
...to the gentleman / lady (formal)
[ GASPADIN + Second Name ! ] - to gentleman

[ GASPAZHA + Second Name ! ] - to lady

Господин ..! / Госпожа ..!

Link to sound
Let me introduce myself to you
[ RAZRESHITE PREDSTAVITSA ]

РАЗРЕШИТЕ ПРЕДСТАВИТЬСЯ

( RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

How to address correctly in Russian to the other person or persons. Phrase when making a formal introduction. How to introduce myself. Correct Russian pronunciation.

LINK TO SOUND
My name is... (+Name / Surname)
My Name is (John Smith)
[ MENYA ZAVUT (DZHON SMIT) ]
МЕНЯ ЗОВУТ (ДЖОН СМИТ)

LINK TO SOUND
What is your name ? (formal / informal)
What is you name ? (FORMAL)
[ KAK VAS ZAVUT ? ]
КАК ВАС ЗОВУТ ?

(RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS / ENG)

This is a polite way to ask stranger a name, and you can also use it when talking to a group of people because the word 'VAS / ВАС' can refer to one or more people.


What is you name ? (INFORMAL)
[ KAK TEBYA ZAVUT ? ]

КАК ТЕБЯ ЗОВУТ ?

This is an informal way to ask a name. It is often used when talking to peers, younger people, and people of the same age as the speaker.

LINK TO SOUND
Nice to meet you / Pleased to meet you
[ OCHEN` PRIYATNA ! ]
or
[ PRIYATNA PAZNAKOMITSA ! ]

ОЧЕНЬ ПРИЯТНО
or
ПРИЯТНО ПОЗНАКОМИТЬСЯ

( RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

A typical phrase after you asked for a name and introduced yourself.

LINK TO SOUND
Let's get acquainted!
INFORMAL
[ BUDEM ZNAKOMY ! ]

Будем знакомы!

Link to sound
General vocabulary
How to say or ask in Russian - 'I and You' .. 'Yes and No' .. 'Thank you & Are you welcome' .. 'I need..' .. 'Big and Small' .. 'How much is?' .. 'Where is?' and much more.
What is your name ? (formal / informal)
What is you name ? (FORMAL)
[ KAK VAS ZAVUT ? ]
КАК ВАС ЗОВУТ ?

(RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS / ENG)

This is a polite way to ask stranger a name, and you can also use it when talking to a group of people because the word 'VAS / ВАС' can refer to one or more people.


What is you name ? (INFORMAL)
[ KAK TEBYA ZAVUT ? ]

КАК ТЕБЯ ЗОВУТ ?

This is an informal way to ask a name. It is often used when talking to peers, younger people, and people of the same age as the speaker.

LINK TO SOUND
My name is... (+Name / Surname)
My Name is (John Smith)
[ MENYA ZAVUT (DZHON SMIT) ]
МЕНЯ ЗОВУТ (ДЖОН СМИТ)

LINK TO SOUND
I - YOU - HE - SHE
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
I
[ YA ]
Я
***
YOU (singular - informal) /
[ TY ] /
ТЫ
***
YOU (singular formal or any plural) /
[ VY ] /
ВЫ

***
HE /
[ ON ] /
ОН
***
SHE /
[ ANA ] /
ОНА

(ENG / RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

PAY ATTENTION! In Russia, when formally addressing a person (for example, to any stranger), it is customary to use the respectful form 'VY / ВЫ'.

If you become friends or during informal communication, for example at a party, the form of address 'TY / ТЫ' is usually used.


LINK TO SOUND
We / They / You (addressing several persons)
[ MY ] / [ ANI ] / [ VY ]

Мы / Они / Вы

Link to sound
Guy / Girl
[ PAREN` ] - guy

[ DEVUSHKA ] - girl

Парень / Девушка

Link to sound
Man / Woman
[ MUSH-CHINA ] - man

[ ZHENSH-CHINA ] - woman

Мужчина / Женщина

Link to sound
Do you speak English?
[ VY GAVARITE PA ANGLIYSKI ? ]

Вы говорите по английски?

Link to sound
I don't speak Russian
[ YA NE GAVARYU PA RUSSKI ]

Я не говорю по русски

Link to sound
Yes / No
[ DA / NET ] - Да / нет

Note! Russians often use the phrase "da net, navernaye / да нет, наверное" (yes no, probably).
In Russian it means - "most likely not".

Link to sound
Maybe / Probably
[ MOZHET BYT` ] - maybe

[ NAVERNAYE ] - probably

Может быть / Наверное

Note! Russians often use the phrase "da net, navernaye / да нет, наверное" (yes no, probably).
In Russian it means - "most likely not".

Link to sound
Of course! / Sure!
[ KANESHNA ! ]

Конечно!

Link to sound
Sorry / Excuse me
Excuse me
[ IZVINITE ]

ИЗВИНИТЕ

Sorry
[ PRASTITE ]

ПРОСТИТЕ

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND

PAY ATTENTION! In fact, these are two expressions that are almost identical in meaning. It is not a mistake to use them in any situation incl vice versa. Depending on the context, this can be either an expression asking for forgiveness or a form of polite address before a question or a request to do something.

For example:

Sorry (Excuse me) for interrupting
[ PRASTITE (IZVINITE) SHTO PEREBIVAYU ]

ПРОСТИТЕ (ИЗВИНИТЕ) ЧТО ПЕРЕБИВАЮ

Sorry (Excuse me), could you help me?
[ IZVINITE (PRASTITE), NE MAGLI-BY VY PAMOCH MNE? ]

ИЗВИНИТЕ (ПРОСТИТЕ) НЕ МОГЛИ БЫ ВЫ ПОМОЧЬ МНЕ?

LINK TO SOUND
Help me (please)
[ PAMAGITE MNE (pazhalusta) ]

Помогите мне (пожалуйста)

Link to sound
I'm looking for.. (something eg. a toilet)
[ YA ISH-CHU .. (tualet) ]

Я ищу.. (туалет)

Link to sound
Where is ..? (any object, eg. exit)
[ GDE NAKHODITSA ..? ]
ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ..?
or just
[ GDE ..? ]
ГДЕ ..?

Link to sound

For example:

Where is the exit ?
[ GDE NAKHODITSA VYKHAD ? ]

ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ВЫХОД ?

or just
[ GDE VYKHAD ? ]

ГДЕ ВЫХОД ?

SEE ALSO:
All interrogative words and expressions
Where is the WC / Toilet / Restroom ?
Where is ..?
[ GDE NAKHODITSA ..? ]

ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ..?
or just
[ GDE ..? ]
ГДЕ ..?

▼▼▼

WC / Toilet / Restroom
[ .. TUALET ]
ТУАЛЕТ


(ENG / RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND

FOR EXAMPLE :

Where is the WC here ?
[ GDE (NAKHODITSA) TUALET ? ]

ГДЕ (НАХОДИТСЯ) ТУАЛЕТ ?
or
[ GDE (ZDYES) TUALET ? ]

ГДЕ (ЗДЕСЬ) ТУАЛЕТ ?

NOTE. Russian words 'НАХОДИТСЯ / NAKHODITSA' and 'ЗДЕСЬ / ZDYES' are optional. You can say the phrase with or without these words.

LINK TO SOUND

*****
PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English.
For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

PAY ATTENTION! Grammar is not our main thing. Our mission is to make local people understand you and you understand them. Therefore, the transliterated text does not always correspond to the spelling correct spelling, but it always corresponds to the correct pronunciation. For example, we all pronounce French PEUGEOT as PEZHO. So Moscow (in Russian - MOskva) is actually pronounced by Russians as MAskva..

Thank you and welcome!

SEE ALSO:
Basic Russian Vocabulary
Where is the Entrance / Exit ?
Where is the entrance?
[ GDE NAKHODITSA VKHOD ? ]
ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ВХОД ?
or
[ GDE VKHOD ? ]
ГДЕ ВХОД ?

Link to sound

Where is the exit?
[ GDE NAKHODITSA VYKHAD ? ]

ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ВЫХОД ?
or
[ GDE VYKHAD ? ]
ГДЕ ВЫХОД ?

Link to sound

SEE ALSO:
All interrogative words and expressions
WHAT ? WHAT IS THIS?
WHAT IT IS ?
What ?
[ SHTO ? ]
ЧТО ?

What`s this ?
[ SHTO ETA (TAKOYE) ? ]
ЧТО ЭТО (ТАКОЕ) ?

LINK TO SOUND

SEE ALSO :
Vocabulary for Store / Market
and
Questions in Russian
I don't understand
[ YA NE PANIMAYU ]

Я не понимаю

Link to sound
Repeat, please
[ PAVTARITE PAZHALUSTA ]

Повторите, пожалуйста

Link to sound
Slower (slow down), please
Slower please
[ PAMEDLEN`NEYE PAZHALUSTA ]

ПОМЕДЛЕННЕЕ ПОЖАЛУЙСТА

or

Could you slower?
[ MOZHNA MEDLEN`NEYE ? ]

МОЖНО МЕДЛЕННЕЕ ?

LINK TO SOUND
Please, ..(request)
[ PAZHALUSTA ] / [ BUD`TE DABRY ]

Пожалуйста / Будьте добры

Link to sound
Thank you (very much) !
[ (Balshoye) SPASIBA ! ]

(Большое) спасибо!

Link to sound
You are welcome
[ PAZHALUSTA ]

Пожалуйста

Link to sound
Ok! / Good!
[ KHARASHO ]

Хорошо

Link to sound
That's bad
[ PLOKHA ]

Плохо

Link to sound
It is my (mine)
[ ETA MAYO ]

Это моё

Link to sound
I know / I don't know
[ YA ZNAYU ] - I know

[ YA NE ZNAYU ] - I don`t know

Я ЗНАЮ / Я НЕ ЗНАЮ

LINK TO SOUND
How do you say it in.. (Russian)?
[ KAK ETA BUDET PA... RUSSKI ? ]

Как это будет по..(русски)?

Link to sound
Wait (please) / Hold on (please)
[ PADAZHDITE (pazhalusta) ] - wait / hold on (please)

[ ADNU MINUTU (pazhalusta) ] - one moment (please)

Подождите (пожалуйста) / Одну минуту (пожалуйста)

Link to sound
Earlier / Later / Now
[ RAN`SHE ] - earlier

[ POZ-ZHE ] - later

[ SEYCHAS ] - now

Раньше / Позже / Сейчас

Link to sound
Today / Now
Today
[ SEVODNYA ]

СЕГОДНЯ

Now
[ SEYCHAS ]

СЕЙЧАС

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

FOR EXAMPLE:

I need a taxi now
[ MNE NUZHNA TAXI SEYCHAS ]

МНЕ НУЖНО ТАКСИ СЕЙЧАС

LINK TO SOUND
Yesterday / Tomorrow
[ FCHERA ] - Yesterday

[ ZAVTRA ] - Tomorrow

Вчера / Завтра

Link to sound
Big / Small
[ BAL`SHOY ] - big
БОЛЬШОЙ

[ MALENKIY ] - small
МАЛЕНЬКИЙ

LINK TO SOUND

*****
PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English.
For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

PAY ATTENTION! Grammar is not our main thing. Our mission is to make local people understand you and you understand them. Therefore, the transliterated text does not always correspond to the spelling correct spelling, but it always corresponds to the correct pronunciation. For example, we all pronounce French PEUGEOT as PEZHO. So Moscow (in Russian - MOskva) is actually pronounced by Russians as MAskva..

Thank you and welcome!

SEE ALSO:
Vocabulary for shopping
How much is it?
How much is it ?
[ SKOLKA ETA STOIT ? ]

СКОЛЬКО ЭТО СТОИТ ?

(ENG / RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND

MORE OPTIONS :

How much is the ticket ?
[ SKOLKA STOIT BILET ? ]

СКОЛЬКО СТОИТ БИЛЕТ ?

How much is this smartphone ?
[ SKOLKA STOIT ETAT SMARTFON ? ]

СКОЛЬКО СТОИТ ЭТОТ СМАРТФОН ?

How much is your service cost ?
[ SKOLKA STOIT VASHI USLUGI ? ]

СКОЛЬКО СТОИТ ВАШИ УСЛУГИ ?

Figures are here
and
Currency Converter is here

SEE ALSO:
Vocabulary for Shop / Market
and
Phrasebook for Cafe / Restaurant

PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English.
For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

PAY ATTENTION! Grammar is not our main thing. Our mission is to make local people understand you and you understand them. Therefore, the transliterated text does not always correspond to the spelling correct spelling, but it always corresponds to the correct pronunciation.
For example, we all pronounce French PEUGEOT as PEZHO. So Moscow (in Russian - MOskva) is actually pronounced by Russians as MAskva.

WELCOME !
I WANT .. / I NEED ..
I want ..
[ YA KHACHU .. ]
Я ХОЧУ ..

I need ..
[ MNE NUZHNA .. ]
МНЕ НУЖНО ..

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND

SEE ALSO:
Where is & How to get to

Interrogative words and phrases
How to ask in Russian 'Where are we now?', 'How to get to..?', 'How much is?', 'How do you say it in Russian?' and much more.
Do you speak English?
[ VY GAVARITE PA ANGLIYSKI ? ]

Вы говорите по английски?

Link to sound
Where ? (where is it ?)
[ GDE ? ]
or
[ GDE ETA ? ]

ГДЕ? / ГДЕ ЭТО ?

Link to sound
Where (...) from? / Whence?
[ ATKUDA ? ]

Откуда?

Link to sound
Where is ..? (any object, eg. exit)
[ GDE NAKHODITSA ..? ]
ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ..?
or just
[ GDE ..? ]
ГДЕ ..?


Link to sound

For example:

Where is the exit ?
[ GDE NAKHODITSA VYKHAD ? ]

ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ВЫХОД ?

or just
[ GDE NAKHODITSA VYKHAD ? ]
ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ВЫХОД ?

SEE ALSO:
If you are lost in the town / Where is ..?
Where are you from?
[ ATKUDA VY ? ] (singular formal or any plural)

[ ATKUDA TY ? ] (singular informal)


Откуда Вы? (singular formal or any plural)
Откуда ты? (singular informal)

Link to sound
Where are we now ?
[ GDE MY SEYCHAS ? ]

ГДЕ МЫ СЕЙЧАС ?

LINK TO SOUND

SEE ALSO:
How to ask directions in Russian


Where is the Entrance / Exit ?
Where is the entrance?
[ GDE NAKHODITSA VKHOD ? ]
ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ВХОД ?
or
[ GDE VKHOD ? ]
ГДЕ ВХОД ?

Link to sound

Where is the exit?
[ GDE NAKHODITSA VYKHAD ? ]

ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ВЫХОД ?
or
[ GDE VYKHAD ? ]
ГДЕ ВЫХОД ?

Link to sound

SEE ALSO:
How to ask for directions in Russian
Where is the WC / Toilet / Restroom ?
Where is ..?
[ GDE NAKHODITSA ..? ]

ГДЕ НАХОДИТСЯ ..?
or just
[ GDE ..? ]
ГДЕ ..?

▼▼▼

WC / Toilet / Restroom
[ .. TUALET ]
ТУАЛЕТ


(ENG / RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND

FOR EXAMPLE :

Where is the WC here ?
[ GDE (NAKHODITSA) TUALET ? ]

ГДЕ (НАХОДИТСЯ) ТУАЛЕТ ?
or
[ GDE (ZDYES) TUALET ? ]

ГДЕ (ЗДЕСЬ) ТУАЛЕТ ?

NOTE. Russian words 'НАХОДИТСЯ / NAKHODITSA' and 'ЗДЕСЬ / ZDYES' are optional. You can say the phrase with or without these words.

LINK TO SOUND

*****
PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English.
For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

PAY ATTENTION! Grammar is not our main thing. Our mission is to make local people understand you and you understand them. Therefore, the transliterated text does not always correspond to the spelling correct spelling, but it always corresponds to the correct pronunciation. For example, we all pronounce French PEUGEOT as PEZHO. So Moscow (in Russian - MOskva) is actually pronounced by Russians as MAskva..

Thank you and welcome!

SEE ALSO:
How to ask directions in Russian
Whither? / Where?
[ KUDA ? ]

Куда?

Link to sound
When?
[ KAGDA ? ]

Когда?

Link to chapter Time units / Days & Months

Link to sound
When is your birthday?
[ KAGDA TVOY DEN` RAZHDENIYA ? ]

Когда твой день рождения?

Link to chapter Time units / Days & Months

Link to sound
When does it start ..?
[ KAGDA NACHNYOTSA ..? ]

Когда начнётся ..?

Link to chapter Time units / Days & Months

Link to sound
How?
[ KAK ? ]

Как?

Link to sound
How are you / How do you do ?
I`M FINE - GOOD - OKAY - NOT BAD
How are you ?
[ KAK DELA ? ] (more often informally)
КАК ДЕЛА ?
or
How are you ?
[ KAK PAZHIVAYETE ? ] (more often formally)

КАК ПОЖИВАЕТЕ ?

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

ANSWERS :

Good
[ KHARASHO ]
ХОРОШО

Not bad
[ NIPLOKHA ]
НЕПЛОХО

(I`m) Okay
[ NARMAL`NA ]
НОРМАЛЬНО

(I`m) Fine / Great
[ ATLICHNA ]
ОТЛИЧНО

LINK TO SOUND

COUNTERQUESTIONS :

And you (informally 1) ?
[ A U TEBYA ? ]
А У ТЕБЯ ?

And you (informally 2) ?
[ A KAK TY ? ]
А КАК ТЫ ?

And you (formally 1) ?
[ A U VAS ? ]
А У ВАС ?

And you (formally 2) ?
[ A KAK VY ? ]
А КАК ВЫ ?

FOR EXAMPLE :

- Hey ! How are you ?
- Thanks, I`m fine! And you ? /
[ - PRIVET ! KAK DELA ? ]
[ - SPASIBA, ATLICHNA ! A KAK TY ? ] /
- ПРИВЕТ ! КАК ДЕЛА ? /
- СПАСИБО, ОТЛИЧНО ! А КАК ТЫ ?


LINK TO SOUND

SEE ALSO:
Meeting - Greeting - Parting in Russian
How old are you ? (formal / informal)
[ SKOLKA VAM LET ? ] (formal)

[ SKOLKA TEBE LET ? ] (informal)

Сколько Вам лет? (formal) / ? Сколько тебе лет? (informal)

Link to sound
HOW MUCH? / HOW MANY?
[ SKOLKA ..? ]
СКОЛЬКО ..?

For example :
How many pieces are in the package ?
[ SKOLKA SHTUK V UPAKOFKE ? ]

СКОЛЬКО ШТУК В УПАКОВКЕ ?

How much does the ticket cost ?
[ SKOLKA STOIT BILET ? ]

СКОЛЬКО СТОИТ БИЛЕТ ?

LINK TO SOUND

*****
PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English.
For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

PAY ATTENTION! Grammar is not our main thing. Our mission is to make local people understand you and you understand them. Therefore, the transliterated text does not always correspond to the spelling correct spelling, but it always corresponds to the correct pronunciation. For example, we all pronounce French PEUGEOT as PEZHO. So Moscow (in Russian - MOskva) is actually pronounced by Russians as MAskva..

Thank you and welcome!

SEE ALSO:
Vocabulary for shopping

HOW MUCH IS IT ?
How much does it cost ?
How much is it ?
[ SKOLKA ETA STOIT ? ]

СКОЛЬКО ЭТО СТОИТ ?

(ENG / RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND

MORE OPTIONS :

How much is the ticket ?
[ SKOLKA STOIT BILET ? ]

СКОЛЬКО СТОИТ БИЛЕТ ?

How much is this smartphone ?
[ SKOLKA STOIT ETAT SMARTFON ? ]

СКОЛЬКО СТОИТ ЭТОТ СМАРТФОН ?

How much is your service cost ?
[ SKOLKA STOIT VASHI USLUGI ? ]

СКОЛЬКО СТОИТ ВАШИ УСЛУГИ ?

Figures are here
and
Currency Converter is here

SEE ALSO:
Vocabulary for Shop / Market
and
Phrasebook for Cafe / Restaurant

PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English.
For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

PAY ATTENTION! Grammar is not our main thing. Our mission is to make local people understand you and you understand them. Therefore, the transliterated text does not always correspond to the spelling correct spelling, but it always corresponds to the correct pronunciation.
For example, we all pronounce French PEUGEOT as PEZHO. So Moscow (in Russian - MOskva) is actually pronounced by Russians as MAskva.

WELCOME !
How much time? What time is it?
[ SKOLKA SEYCHAS VREMENI ? ]

Сколько сейчас времени?

Link to chapter Time units / Days & Months

Link to sound
How much time do we have?
[ SKOLKA VREMENI U NAS YEST` ? ]

Сколько времени у нас есть?

Link to chapter Time units / Days & Months

Link to sound
How long?
[ KAK DOLGA ? ]

Как долго?

Link to chapter Time units / Days & Months

Link to sound
How do you say it in.. (Russian)?
[ KAK ETA BUDET PA... RUSSKI ? ]

Как это будет по..(русски)?

Link to sound
HOW DO I GET TO ..?
How Can I Get To ..?
Please, PAY ATTENTION! Russians use the 3 most popular phrases to ask for directions. The first two expressions are universal and apply at any distance to the desired object, both 100 meters (yards), and 100 or more km (miles), and for any method of travel from walking to flying by plane.

[ KAK DABRATSA DA ..? ]
КАК ДОБРАТЬСЯ ДО ..?
or
[ KAK PAPAST` V ..? ]
КАК ПОПАСТЬ В ..?

LINK TO SOUND

For example:

How to get to subway station ?
[ KAK DABRATSA DA METRO ? ]

КАК ДОБРАТЬСЯ ДО МЕТРО ?
or
[ KAK PAPAST` V METRO ? ]
КАК ПОПАСТЬ В МЕТРО ?

And one more very popular phrase
among travelers if they get lost a little. But, in this case, it applies if the expected distance is small and you are going 'to walk with your feet':

[ KAK PRAITI V ..? ]
КАК ПРОЙТИ В ..?

LINK TO SOUND

For example:

What is the way to subway station ?
[ KAK PRAITI V METRO ? ]
КАК ПРОЙТИ В МЕТРО ?

SEE ALSO:
If you are lost in the town - How to ask directions
Who? / Who is this? / Who is there?
[ KTO ? ] - Who?

[ KTO ETA ? ] - Who is this?

[ KTO TAM ? ] - Who is there?

Кто? / Кто это? / Кто там?

Link to sound
WHAT ? WHAT IS THIS ?
WHAT IT IS ?
What ?
[ SHTO ? ]
ЧТО ?

What`s this ?
[ SHTO ETA (TAKOYE) ? ]
ЧТО ЭТО (ТАКОЕ) ?

LINK TO SOUND

SEE ALSO :
Vocabulary for Store / Market
and
Basic phrases
What is your name ? (formal / informal)
What is you name ? (FORMAL)
[ KAK VAS ZAVUT ? ]
КАК ВАС ЗОВУТ ?

(RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS / ENG)

This is a polite way to ask stranger a name, and you can also use it when talking to a group of people because the word 'VAS / ВАС' can refer to one or more people.


What is you name ? (INFORMAL)
[ KAK TEBYA ZAVUT ? ]

КАК ТЕБЯ ЗОВУТ ?

This is an informal way to ask a name. It is often used when talking to peers, younger people, and people of the same age as the speaker.

LINK TO SOUND
WHAT`S HAPPENING ? WHAT HAPPENED ?
WHAT'S GOING ON HERE ?
What`s going on ?
What`s happening ?
[ SHTO PRAISKHODIT ? ]
ЧТО ПРОИСХОДИТ ?

What happened ?
[ SHTO SLUCHILAS` ? ]
ЧТО СЛУЧИЛОСЬ ?

Here
[ TUT or ZDYES` ]

ТУТ or ЗДЕСЬ

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

FOR EXAMPLE:
What`s going on here?
[ SHTO ZDYES` PRAISKHODIT ? ]

ЧТО ЗДЕСЬ ПРОИСХОДИТ ?

LINK TO SOUND

SEE ALSO :
Basic phrases in Russian
What do you need? / What do you want?
[ SHTO VAM NUZHNA ? ]

Что вам нужно?

Link to sound
What are you doing?
[ SHTO VY DELAYETE ? ] - (singular formal or any plural)

[ SHTO DELAYESH ? ] - (singular informal)


Что вы делаете? / Что делаешь?

Link to sound
Which? / Which of them?
[ KAKOY ? ] - Which?

[ KAKOY IZ NIKH ? ] - Which of them?

Какой? / Какой из них?

Link to sound
WHY?
[ PACHEMU ? ]
ПОЧЕМУ ?
or
[ ZACHEM ? ]
ЗАЧЕМ ?

(RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

FOR EXAMPLE:
Why did you do that?


[ PACHEMU TY ETA SDELAL ? ]
ПОЧЕМУ ТЫ ЭТО СДЕЛАЛ ?
or
[ ZACHEM TY ETA SDELAL ? ]
ЗАЧЕМ ТЫ ЭТО СДЕЛАЛ ?

LINK TO SOUND
Private conversation
How to say or ask in Russian - 'Hi !' .. 'You look wonderful !' .. 'May I ask you out to dinner?' .. 'What would you like to drink?' .. 'I'm sorry / Excuse me' .. 'No problem !' .. 'I`ll call you !' .. 'I love you !' and much more.
I - YOU - HE - SHE
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
I
[ YA ]
Я
***
YOU (singular - informal) /
[ TY ] /
ТЫ
***
YOU (singular formal or any plural) /
[ VY ] /
ВЫ

***
HE /
[ ON ] /
ОН
***
SHE /
[ ANA ] /
ОНА

(ENG / RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

PAY ATTENTION! In Russia, when formally addressing a person (for example, to any stranger), it is customary to use the respectful form 'VY / ВЫ'.

If you become friends or during informal communication, for example at a party, the form of address 'TY / ТЫ' is usually used.


LINK TO SOUND
Hi / Hello! (+Introduction / Greetings)
What`s new? / Nothing much
[ SHTO NOVAVA ? ] - What`s new?

[ FSYO PA STARAMU ] - Nothing much

Что нового? / Всё по старому

Link to sound
Thank you (very much) !
[ (Balshoye) SPASIBA ! ]

(Большое) спасибо!

Link to sound
Yes / No
[ DA / NET ]

Да / нет

Note! Russians often use the phrase "da net, navernaye / да нет, наверное" (yes no, probably).
In Russian it means - "most likely not".

Link to sound
I think so (yes) / I think no (not)
[ DUMAYU DA ] - I think so

[ DUMAYU NET ] - I think no

Думаю - да / Думаю - нет

Link to sound
Today / Now
Today
[ SEVODNYA ]

СЕГОДНЯ

Now
[ SEYCHAS ]

СЕЙЧАС

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

FOR EXAMPLE:

Come today (now)
[ PRIKHADI SEVODNYA (SEYCHAS) ]

ПРИХОДИ СЕГОДНЯ (СЕЙЧАС)

LINK TO SOUND
Let`s have a drink! Want a drink?
[ DAVAY VYP`YEM ! ]

[ VYP`YEM ? ] - (interrogative form)

Link to names of drinks in Russian

Давай выпьем! / Выпьем?

Link to sound
What would you like to drink?
[ SHTO BUDESH PIT` ? ]

Link to names of drinks in Russian

Что будешь пить?

Link to sound
I would like to drink (+name of drink)
[ YA KHATEL BY VYPIT` ] (+name of drink)

Link to names of drinks in Russian

Я хотел бы выпить (+название напитка)

Link to sound
I WANT .. / I NEED ..
I want ..
[ YA KHACHU .. ]
Я ХОЧУ ..

I need ..
[ MNE NUZHNA .. ]
МНЕ НУЖНО ..

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND

SEE ALSO:
Where is & How to get to

If it is possible
[ YESLI ETA VAZMOZHNA ]

Если это возможно

Link to sound
Of course! / Sure!
[ KANESHNA ! ]

Конечно!

Link to sound
Ok! / Good!
[ KHARASHO ]

Хорошо

Link to sound
Bon appetit! / Have a nice meal!
[ PRIYATNAVA APPETITA ! ]

Приятного аппетита!

Link to sound
(very) delicious!
[ ( ochen` ) FKUSNA ! ]

(очень) вкусно!

Link to sound
How do you say it in.. (Russian)?
[ KAK ETA BUDET PA... RUSSKI ? ]

Как это будет по..(русски)?

Link to sound
I don't understand
[ YA NE PANIMAYU ]

Я не понимаю

Link to sound
I know / I don't know
[ YA ZNAYU ] - I know

[ YA NE ZNAYU ] - I don`t know

Я ЗНАЮ / Я НЕ ЗНАЮ

LINK TO SOUND
I like this place!
[ MNE ZDES` NRAVITSA ! ]

Мне здесь нравится!

Link to sound
Wonderful!
[ PREKRASNA ! ]

Прекрасно!

Link to sound
Sorry / Excuse me
Excuse me
[ IZVINITE ]

ИЗВИНИТЕ

Sorry
[ PRASTITE ]

ПРОСТИТЕ

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND

PAY ATTENTION! In fact, these are two expressions that are almost identical in meaning. It is not a mistake to use them in any situation incl vice versa. Depending on the context, this can be either an expression asking for forgiveness or a form of polite address before a question or a request to do something.

For example:

Sorry (Excuse me) for interrupting
[ PRASTITE (IZVINITE) SHTO PEREBIVAYU ]

ПРОСТИТЕ (ИЗВИНИТЕ) ЧТО ПЕРЕБИВАЮ

Sorry (Excuse me), could you help me?
[ IZVINITE (PRASTITE), NE MAGLI-BY VY PAMOCH MNE? ]

ИЗВИНИТЕ (ПРОСТИТЕ) НЕ МОГЛИ БЫ ВЫ ПОМОЧЬ МНЕ?

LINK TO SOUND
No problem!
[ NET PRABLEM ! ]

Нет проблем!

Link to sound
I'm fond of ...+ ( parties / music / dancing /...)
[ MNE NRAVITSA ] - I'm fond of + ...
Мне нравится + ...

[ TUSOFKI ] - parties - тусовки

[ MUZYKA ] - music - музыка

[ TANTSEVAT` ] - dancing - танцевать

Link to sound
Let's dance! Want a dance?
[ DAVAY PATANTSUYEM ! ]
or
[ PATANTSUYEM ? ] - interrogative form

Давай потанцуем! / Потанцуем?

Link to sound
(Excuse me) I don't dance
( izvinite ) [ YA NE TANTSUYU ]

(Извините) Я не танцую

Link to sound
With pleasure!
[ S UDAVOL`STVIYEM ! ]

С удовольствием!

Link to sound
Come with me!
[ PAYDYOM SA MNOY ! ]

Пойдём со мной!

Link to sound
You look great (wonderful) !
[ TY KLASNA VYGLYADISH ! ]
or
[ ATLICHNA VYGLYADISH ! ]

Ты классно выглядишь! / Отлично выглядишь!

Link to sound
You are charming!
[ TY ACHARAVATELNA ! ] - to woman

[ TY ACHARAVATELEN ! ] - to man

Ты очаровательна! / Ты очарователен!

Link to sound
You are cool!
[ TY KLASNAYA ! ] - to woman

[ TY KLASNYI ! ] - to man

Ты классная! / Ты классный!

Link to sound
I`ll be back soon
[ YA SKORA VERNUS` ]

Я скоро вернусь

Link to sound
Have you got any plans for tomorrow?
[ SHTO DELAYESH ZAFTRA ? ]

Что делаешь завтра?

Link to sound
Have you got any plans for tonight?
[ SHTO DELAYESH VECHERAM ? ]

Что делаешь вечером?

Link to sound
May I ask you out to ..? May I invite you to ..?
[ MOZHNA PRIGLASIT TEBYA ..? ] +
Можно пригласить тебя..? +

... to dinner (restaurant) - [ ... F RESTARAN ? ]
..в ресторан?

... to club - [ ... F KLUB ? ]
..в клуб?

... to me - [ ... KA MNE ? ]
..ко мне?

Link to sound
Thanks for the invitation!
[ SPASIBA ZA PRIGLASHENIYE ]

Спасибо за приглашение!

Link to sound
UNFORTUNATELY, ..
[ K SAZHALENIYU,.. ]
К СОЖАЛЕНИЮ,..
or
[ ZHAL`, NO.. ]
ЖАЛЬ, НО..

(RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

FOR EXAMPLE:
Unfortunately, I`ve to leave
[ K SAZHALENIYU, MNE PARA ]

К СОЖАЛЕНИЮ, МНЕ ПОРА

LINK TO SOUND
It's for а keepsake!
[ ETA NA PAMYAT`! ]

Это на память!

Link to sound
Here's my address and phone number
[ VOT MOY ADRES I TELEFON ]

Вот мой адрес и телефон

Link to sound
I'll call you
[ YA PAZVANYU ]

Я позвоню!

Link to sound
See you!
[ UVIDIMSYA ! ]
or
[ DA VSTRECHI ! ]

УВИДИМСЯ !
or
ДО ВСТРЕЧИ !

(RUS in Latin - transliterated / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SOUND

All expressions of parting are here
I love you!
[ YA TEBYA LYUBLYU ! ]
or
[ YA LYUBLYU TEBYA ! ]

Я тебя люблю! / Я люблю тебя!

Link to sound

UPDATED ON: SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | SEE ALSO:

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