Russian, a Slavic language, is the most widely spoken language of Eurasia and the most widespread of the Slavic languages. Learning Russian can open up a vast cultural and geographical landscape for exploration, from literature to travel in Russia and beyond. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Russian, including transliterations for pronunciation help, to facilitate various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “Привет” (Privet – informal) / “Здравствуйте” (Zdravstvuyte – formal)
• Good morning – “Доброе утро” (Dobroye utro)
• Good afternoon – “Добрый день” (Dobryy den)
• Good evening – “Добрый вечер” (Dobryy vecher)
• Goodbye – “До свидания” (Do svidaniya – formal) / “Пока” (Poka – informal)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Меня зовут [name].” (Menya zovut [name].)
• This is [name]. – “Это [name].” (Eto [name].)
• I am from [country]. – “Я из [country].” (Ya iz [country].)
• I live in [city/place]. – “Я живу в [city/place].” (Ya zhivu v [city/place].)

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Где [place]?” (Gde [place]?)
• How do I get to [place]? – “Как мне добраться до [place]?” (Kak mne dobratsya do [place]?)
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Это путь к [place]?” (Eto put’ k [place]?)
• Can you show me on the map? – “Вы можете показать мне на карте?” (Vy mozhete pokazat’ mne na karte?)

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Извините, я не понимаю.” (Izvinite, ya ne ponimayu.)
• Can you please repeat that? – “Вы можете повторить это?” (Vy mozhete povtorit’ eto?)
• I mean… – “Я имею в виду…” (Ya imeyu v vidu…)
• What does [word] mean? – “Что означает [word]?” (Chto oznachayet [word]?)

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Увидимся позже” (Uvidimsya pozhe)
• Take care – “Береги себя” (Beregi sebya)
• Have a good day – “Хорошего дня” (Khoroshego dnya)

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Я хотел бы забронировать номер.” (Ya hotel by zabronirovat’ nomer.)
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Можно мне меню, пожалуйста?” (Mozhno mne menyu, pozhaluysta?)
• I am vegetarian. – “Я вегетарианец/вегетарианка.” (Ya vegetariyanets/vegetarianka.)
• The bill, please. – “Счет, пожалуйста.” (Schet, pozhaluysta.)

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Сколько это стоит?” (Skol’ko eto stoit?)
• Do you have this in another size? – “У вас есть это в другом размере?” (U vas yest’ eto v drugom razmere?)
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Я просто смотрю, спасибо.” (Ya prosto smotryu, spasibo.)
• Can I pay by card? – “Могу ли я заплатить картой?” (Mogu li ya zaplatit’ kartoy?)

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Ты выглядишь прекрасно.” (Ty vyglyadish’ prekrasno) / “Ты выглядишь красиво.” (Ty vyglyadish’ krasivo)
• I miss you. – “Я скучаю по тебе.” (Ya skuchayu po tebe)
• I love you. – “Я тебя люблю.” (Ya tebya lyublyu)
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Ты не хочешь сходить со мной куда-нибудь?” (Ty ne khochesh’ skhodit’ so mnoy kuda-nibud’?)

Emergencies

• Help! – “Помогите!” (Pomogite!)
• Call the police! – “Вызовите полицию!” (Vyzovite politsiyu!)
• I need a doctor. – “Мне нужен врач.” (Mne nuzhen vrach)
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Где ближайшая больница?” (Gde blizhayshaya bol’nitsa?)

These phrases offer a solid foundation for basic communication in Russian. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Russian media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of the Russian language.