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Greetings & Introductions in Russian
Russian greetings reflect the culture's warmth. These 25 essential phrases include Cyrillic script, romanization, and native audio to guide your pronunciation.
Each phrase includes native audio, an English translation, romanization, and cultural notes where relevant. Tap any play button to listen.
👋 Основные Приветствия — Basic Greetings
1.
Привет!
Privet!
Hi! (informal)
Informal only. Never use with strangers, elders, or in formal settings.
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2.
Здравствуйте!
Zdravstvuyte!
Hello! (formal)
The first 'в' is often silent in speech: 'ZDRA-stvuy-tye'. Formal — always safe to use.
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3.
Добрый день!
Dobryy den'!
Good day! / Good afternoon!
Safe in any daytime situation. Dobroe utro (morning) and Dobryy vecher (evening) are variants.
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4.
Спокойной ночи.
Spokoynoy nochi.
Good night.
Literally 'of peaceful night' — a warm bedtime farewell.
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5.
Как дела?
Kak dela?
How are you? / How are things?
Russians often answer honestly, not just 'fine' — be prepared for a real answer!
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🙋 Знакомство — Introductions
6.
Меня зовут Иван.
Menya zovut Ivan.
My name is Ivan.
Literally 'me they call...' — the standard self-introduction in Russian.
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7.
Как вас зовут?
Kak vas zovut?
What is your name? (formal)
Russians use first name + patronymic (father's name) in formal settings.
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8.
Очень приятно.
Ochen' priyatno.
Nice to meet you.
A firm handshake is standard when meeting in Russia. Women may offer their hand first.
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9.
Я из России.
Ya iz Rossii.
I'm from Russia.
'Из' requires genitive case. Country names change: Англия → из Англии.
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10.
Я немного говорю по-русски.
Ya nemnogo govoryu po-russki.
I speak a little Russian.
Russians are often pleasantly surprised when foreigners attempt their language.
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👋 Прощания — Farewells
11.
До свидания!
Do svidaniya!
Goodbye! (formal)
Formal. 'Пока!' (Poka!) is the common casual goodbye.
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12.
Пока!
Poka!
Bye! (casual)
Most common casual goodbye in everyday Russian — equivalent to 'bye' in English.
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13.
До завтра!
Do zavtra!
See you tomorrow!
'До' pattern: 'до скорого' (until soon), 'до встречи' (until we meet again).
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14.
Хорошего дня!
Khoroshego dnya!
Have a good day!
Genitive case is used in these wish phrases. 'Удачного дня!' = Good luck today!
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15.
Берегите себя!
Beregite sebya!
Take care! (formal)
Formal. Casual: 'Береги себя!' (Beregi sebya!)
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🤝 Фразы Вежливости — Courtesy Phrases
16.
Пожалуйста.
Pozhaluysta.
Please. / You're welcome.
'Пожалуйста' = please AND you're welcome. Context determines the meaning.
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17.
Спасибо!
Spasibo!
Thank you!
Historically means 'God save you.' Stronger: 'Большое спасибо' (thank you very much).
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18.
Не за что.
Ne za chto.
Don't mention it. / No problem.
Literally 'there's nothing to thank for.' Also: 'Пожалуйста' (pozhaluysta).
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19.
Извините.
Izvinite.
Excuse me. / I'm sorry. (formal)
Formal. Casual: 'Извини' (Izvini). Used for both attention and apologies.
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20.
Простите.
Prostite.
Forgive me. / I beg your pardon.
Slightly more heartfelt than 'Извините' — implies asking for forgiveness.
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💬 Языковая Помощь — Language Help
21.
Да.
Da.
Yes.
Repeating 'да-да' shows active listening — very common in Russian conversation.
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22.
Нет.
Net.
No.
Russians tend to be direct. 'Нет' said plainly is not considered impolite.
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23.
Я не понимаю.
Ya ne ponimayu.
I don't understand.
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24.
Говорите, пожалуйста, медленнее.
Govorite, pozhaluysta, medlennee.
Please speak more slowly.
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25.
Вы говорите по-английски?
Vy govorite po-angliyski?
Do you speak English?
Pattern: по-русски (Russian), по-французски (French), по-испански (Spanish).
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