Every country has its own language, but this shouldn't be an obstacle to your travel dreams. However, it's wise to familiarize yourself with the language at a basic level to manage in case of difficulty. Here are some essential notions about the Russian language to know.

This article will simply help you gain some basic knowledge of Russian so you can find your way or ask for help, for example. Russian is often said to be one of the hardest languages to learn, but with a little courage and patience, it's possible to retain some easy and useful words.

Linguistic Diversity in Russia

Russian is not the only language used in this vast nation, even though it is the sole official language. The republics of the Russian Federation, districts, and autonomous oblasts are actually allowed to establish their own local official language.

Beyond Russian, there are 15 languages with official status, 37 state languages, and numerous minority languages. Tatar, Ukrainian, Yiddish, Ossetian, and Chechen are among the most well-known.

The Russian Alphabet

First, remember that Russian is written in the Cyrillic alphabet. Having some knowledge of this alphabet will help you decipher road signs, shop signs in buses, metros, and stores... Since most signage is written solely in Cyrillic.

Here is the Cyrillic alphabet with its 33 letters:

Even if it seems daunting at first, it's simply a matter of practice to master a new alphabet. Also know that many French words have been adopted by Russians (notably thanks to Pushkin), so you'll recognize quite a few.

Basic Expressions to Remember

It's also useful to retain a few basic expressions that will surely help during your stay in Russia.

Essential Vocabulary

This article isn't meant to help you have full conversations with locals, but we simply encourage you to remember a few useful words that will aid you during your visit.

In Russian, to greet someone, you say Zdrastvouitie. A bit difficult to pronounce, admittedly. You can replace it with Dobri dien during the day or Dobri Vietcher in the evening.

To introduce yourself, for example, say: Minia zavout and then your name (e.g., Minia zavout Charles).

Ya anglichanin/anglichanka (I am English-speaking) allows you to explain where you come from.

Know that Russian is a language with cases like Latin and German, and it has three genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter, determined by the final syllable. Here, anglichanka is the feminine form of anglichanin.

During your walks, if you want to address someone in the street, the words Izvinitie or Pajalousta (excuse me / please) will be useful. Sorry is also translated as Prostite.

If someone offers you something and you're not interested, politely respond with Niet Spassiba: no thank you. To accept, simply say "Da": yes.

For Shopping

The expression "Skolko eta stoit ?" should be used if you want to ask the price of something. If you're just browsing, you can say "Ya tolko smotriou".

If you want to say something is too expensive, say "slihskom dorogo".

For Transportation

Here are the names of transportation you can use during your trip to Russia: Airplane: samolet, train: poezd, boat: lodka, taxi: taxi, bus: avtobous, motorcycle: mototsikl, car: machina, bicycle: velik.

You may need to ask where to buy a ticket, "gde mojno kupit bilet ?", or where to rent something, "gde mojno vziat v arendu... ?". Where is the stop is said as "gde ostanovka ?".

At the Table or in Restaurants

Hosts will be delighted if you say "Priatnovo apetita"* (bon appétit) before starting your meal.

If you're invited for a drink, don't forget the "Za zdrovia!" (Cheers!). By the way, during a Russian meal, it's the guests who raise their glasses first. You can also say "za vas" (to you), "za drujba" (to friendship), or "za mira" (to peace).

If you want to compliment whoever prepared the meal, say: "Eto bil otchen vkousni !": it was delicious.

In restaurants, servers only bring the bill when you ask for it. You'll need to say "Stchet pajalousta": the bill, please.

In Case of Emergency

The expressions "Pozvonite doctor" (call a doctor) or "Mne noujno doctor" (I need a doctor) can always be useful. "Mne ploho" means "I don't feel well".

In the worst case, shout "Pamaguite" (help me!) when you need assistance.