Did you know that bilingual people with Alzheimer’s live an extra 4-5 years without symptoms? This is a good reason to start learning languages.
Apart from the health benefits, learning a new language opens up many opportunities. You can get a better job, travel more easily, make new friends and even find a soul mate.
Today we present a guide to the most common Russian words and phrases for everyday use. This guide will help you communicate effectively in Russian.
Whether you are travelling, working or just curious about the language, these phrases are essential for basic conversations.
With this guide, you will be able to greet people, introduce yourself, get around town, order and buy food, and hold simple conversations.
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Приветствия - Greetings
Most conversations start with greetings, so knowing them will help you be polite. To make a good impression, it is important to learn basic greetings.
- Привет – Privet (Hi!)
Привет, как дела? – Privet, kak dela? (Hi, how are you?) - Здравствуйте – Zdravstvuyte (Hello)
Здравствуйте, меня зовут Анна. – Zdravstvuyte, menya zovut Anna. (Hello, my name is Anna.) - Доброе утро – Dobroe utro (Good morning)
Доброе утро, как спалось? – Dobroe utro, kak spalost? (Good morning, how did you sleep?) - Добрый день – Dobryy den’ (Good afternoon)
Добрый день, коллеги! – Dobryy den’, kollegi! (Good afternoon, colleagues!) - Добрый вечер – Dobryy vecher (Good evening)
Добрый вечер, как прошел день? – Dobryy vecher, kak proshel den’? (Good evening, how was your day?) - Спокойной ночи – Spokoynoy nochi (Good night)
Спокойной ночи, до завтра! – Spokoynoy nochi, do zavtra! (Good night, see you tomorrow!) - Пока – Poka (Bye)
Пока, увидимся завтра. – Poka, uvidimsya zavtra. (Bye, see you tomorrow.) - До свидания – Do svidaniya (Goodbye)
До свидания, было приятно познакомиться. – Do svidaniya, bylo priyatno poznakomitsya. (Goodbye, it was nice to meet you.) - До встречи – Do vstrechi (See you)
До встречи на следующей неделе. – Do vstrechi na sleduyushchey nedele. (See you next week.) - Как тебя зовут? – Kak tebya zovut? (What is your name?)
Как тебя зовут? Меня зовут Сергей. – Kak tebya zovut? Menya zovut Sergey. (What is your name? My name is Sergey.) - Меня зовут – Menya zovut (My name is)
Меня зовут Ольга. – Menya zovut Olga. (My name is Olga.) - Рад познакомиться – Rad poznakomitsya (Nice to meet you)
Рад познакомиться, я Андрей. – Rad poznakomitsya, ya Andrey. (Nice to meet you, I am Andrey.) - Как дела? – Kak dela? (How are you?)
Привет, как дела? – Privet, kak dela? (Hello, how are you?) - Всё хорошо – Vsyo khorosho (Everything is good)
Всё хорошо, спасибо. – Vsyo khorosho, spasibo. (Everything is good, thank you.) - Увидимся позже – Uvidimsya pozhe (See you later)
Увидимся позже, пока! – Uvidimsya pozhe, poka! (See you later, bye!)
These basic greetings will help you start conversations with Russian speakers with confidence. Knowing these phrases will help you make a good impression and engage politely.
Want to learn a new language and don’t know how? Here my guides:
Хочу представиться - May I introduce myself
It is important to know how to present yourself. Here are 15 basic Russian phrases that can help you describe yourself when meeting new people in Russian-speaking countries.
- Я – Ya (I)
Я из России. – Ya iz Rossii. (I am from Russia.) - Кто – Kto (Who)
Кто вы? – Kto vy? (Who are you?) - Откуда – Otkuda (From where)
Откуда вы? – Otkuda vy? (Where are you from?) - Жить – Zhit’ (To live)
Я живу в Москве. – Ya zhivu v Moskve. (I live in Moscow.) - Родиться – Rodit’sya (To be born)
Я родился в Иваново. – Ya rodilsya v Ivanovo. (I was born in Ivanovo.) - Работать – Rabotat’ (To work)
Я работаю учителем. – Ya rabotayu uchitelem. (I work as a teacher.) - Пожалуйста – Pozhaluysta (Please)
Пожалуйста, проходите. – Pozhaluysta, prokhodite. (Please, come in.) - Лет – Let (years old)
Мне 25 лет. – Mne 25 let. (I’m 25 years old.) - Учиться – Uchit’sya (To study)
Я учусь в университете. – Ya uchus’ v universitete. (I’m studying at the university.) - Хобби – Hobby
Мое хобби – это плавание. – Moye hobbi – eto plavanie. (Swimming is my hobby.) - Домашнее животное – Domashneye zhivotnoye (Pet)
У тебя есть домашнее животное? – U teba yest’ domashneye zhivotnoye? (Do you have a pet?) - Образование – Obrazovaniye (Education)
Я учитель по образованию. – Ya uchitel’ po obrazovaniyu. (I’m a teacher by education.) - Профессия – Professiya (Occupation)
Моя профессия – ракетостроитель. – Moya professiya – raketostroitel’. (My occupation is rocket scientist.) - Язык – Yazyk (Language)
Я говорю на 6 языках. – Ya govoryu na 6 yazykakh. (I speak 6 languages.) - Блогер – Bloger (Blogger)
Я блогер по дэйтингу. – Ya bloger po deytingu. (I’m a dating blogger.)
You can definitely learn these phrases. They will help you talk about things like your job, hometown, hobbies, and education.
Семья - Family
In case you want to talk about family in Russian, we have selected the 15 most important words for you. So you can describe your family tree or talk about your relatives really easily.
- Семья – Sem’ya (Family)
Моя семья большая. – Moya sem’ya bol’shaya. (My family is big.) - Мама – Mama (Mom)
Моя мама работает в школе. – Moya mama rabotayet v shkole. (My mom works at school.) - Папа – Papa (Dad)
Мой папа любит читать книги. – Moy papa lyubit chitat’ knigi. (My dad likes to read books.) - Брат – Brat (Brother)
У меня есть младший брат. – U menya yest’ mladshiy brat. (I have a younger brother.) - Сестра – Sestra (Sister)
Моя сестра учится в университете. – Moya sestra uchitsya v universitete. (My sister studies at university.) - Родители – Roditeli (Parents)
Мои родители живут в Москве. – Moi roditeli zhivut v Moskve. (My parents live in Moscow.) - Дедушка – Dedushka (Grandfather)
Дедушка рассказывает интересные истории. – Dedushka rasskazyvayet interesnyye istorii. (Grandfather tells interesting stories.) - Бабушка – Babushka (Grandmother)
Бабушка готовит вкусные блюда. – Babushka gotovit vkusnyye blyuda. (Grandmother cooks delicious dishes.) - Дядя – Dya (Uncle)
Мой дядя работает врачом. – Moy dya rabotayet vrachom. (My uncle works as a doctor.) - Тётя – Tyotya (Aunt)
Тётя живёт в другом городе. – Tyotya zhivyot v drugom gorode. (Aunt lives in another city.) - Кузен – Kuzen (Cousin, male)
Мой кузен играет на гитаре. – Moy kuzen igrayet na gitare. (My cousin plays the guitar.) - Кузина – Kuzina (Cousin, female)
Моя кузина любит рисовать. – Moya kuzina lyubit risovat’. (My cousin likes to draw.) - Семейный – Semeynyy (Family, adjective)
Мы проводим семейные вечера вместе. – My provodim semeynyye vechera vmeste. (We have family evenings together.) - Муж – Muzh (Husband)
Мой муж работает в офисе. – Moy muzh rabotayet v ofise. (My husband works in an office.) - Жена – Zhena (Wife)
Моя жена занимается спортом. – Moya zhena zanimayetsya sportom. (My wife practices sports.)
Equip yourself with these phrases and you will find it easy to understand how to talk about your family in Russian.
Любовь это - Love is
If you’re looking for love with a Russian person or just want to understand how love works in Russia, we can help. From hugs and kisses to happiness and care, our guide has got you covered.
- Любовь – Lyubov’ (Love)
Любовь – это красиво. – Lyubov’ – eto krasivo. (Love is beautiful.) - Сердце – Serdtse (Heart)
Моё сердце бьётся быстрее. – Moyo serdtse byotsya bystree. (My heart beats faster.) - Дорогой – Dorogoy (Dear, addressing someone)
Ты для меня очень дорогой. – Ty dlya menya ochen’ dorogoy. (You are very dear to me.) - Цветы – Tsvety (Flowers)
Я подарил ей цветы. – Ya podaril yey tsvety. (I gave her flowers.) - Объятие – Ob’yatiye (Hug)
Объятие делает нас ближе. – Ob’yatiye delayet nas blizhye. (A hug brings us closer.) - Поцелуй – Potseluy (Kiss)
Поцелуй на прощание. – Potseluy na proshchaniye. (A kiss goodbye.) - Счастье – Schast’ye (Happiness)
Счастье быть с тобой. – Schast’ye byt’ s toboy. (Happiness is being with you.) - Романтика – Romantika (Romance)
Романтика в мелочах. – Romantika v melochakh. (Romance is in the little things.) - Забота – Zabota (Care)
Забота о тебе – это важно. – Zabota o tebe – eto vazhno. (Caring for you is important.) - Преданность – Predannost’ (Devotion)
Преданность укрепляет отношения. – Predannost’ ukreplyayet otnosheniya. (Devotion strengthens relationships.) - Нежность – Nezhnost’ (Tenderness)
Нежность выражается в словах. – Nezhnost’ vyrazhayetsya v slovakh. (Tenderness is expressed in words.) - Дружба – Druzhba (Friendship)
Дружба может перерасти в любовь. – Druzhba mozhet pererasti v lyubov’. (Friendship can turn into love.) - Смысл – Smysl (Meaning)
Любовь придаёт смысл жизни. – Lyubov’ pridayot smysl zhizni. (Love gives meaning to life.) - Пара – Para (Couple)
Мы счастливая пара. – My schastlivaya para. (We are a happy couple.) - Взаимность – Vzaimnost’ (Mutual feeling)
Взаимность делает любовь крепче. – Vzaimnost’ delayet lyubov’ kreptche. (Mutual feelings make love stronger.)
If you’re looking for ways to talk about romantic films or express your romantic feelings in Russian, these words could really help.
Покупки в супермаркете - Shopping at the supermarket
This section gives you all the essential vocabulary you need for shopping. These words will be really useful whether you’re buying groceries or other items.
- Продукты – Produkty (Groceries)
Я купил продукты в магазине. – Ya kupil produkty v magazine. (I bought groceries at the store.) - Кассир – Kassir (Cashier)
Где находится кассир? – Gde nakhoditsya kassir? (Where is the cashier?) - Магазин – Magazin (Store)
Мы идем в магазин. – My idyom v magazin. (We are going to the store.) - Сумка – Sumka (Bag)
У вас есть сумка? – U vas yest’ sumka? (Do you have a bag?) - Корзина – Korzina (Basket)
Мне нужна корзина для покупок. – Mne nuzhna korzina dlya pokupok. (I need a shopping basket.) - Покупка – Pokupka (Purchase)
Моя покупка стоит 20 рублей. – Moya pokupka stoit 20 rubley. (My purchase costs 20 rubles.) - Цена – Tsena (Price)
Какова цена этого товара? – Kakova tsena etogo tovara? (What is the price of this item?) - Скидка – Skidka (Discount)
Есть ли скидка на этот продукт? – Yest’ li skidka na etot produkt? (Is there a discount on this product?) - Купон – Kupon (Coupon)
У меня есть купон на скидку. – U menya yest’ kupon na skidku. (I have a discount coupon.) - Оплата – Oplata (Payment)
Как можно оплатить покупку? – Kak mozhno oplatit’ pokupku? (How can I pay for the purchase?) - Счёт – Schyot (Receipt)
Можно посмотреть счёт? – Mozhno posmotret’ schyot? (Can I see the receipt?) - Молоко – Moloko (Milk)
Я куплю молоко. – Ya kuplyu moloko. (I will buy milk.) - Хлеб – Khleb (Bread)
Где находится хлеб? – Gde nakhoditsya khleb? (Where is the bread?) - Фрукты – Frukty (Fruits)
Я ищу фрукты. – Ya ishchu frukty. (I’m looking for fruits.) - Овощи – Ovoschi (Vegetables)
Мне нужны свежие овощи. – Mne nuzhny svezhiye ovozhchi. (I need fresh vegetables.)
So, with these words, you’ll be all set for shopping in Russian-speaking countries. They’ll help you buy bread, meat, drinks and more, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty.
В ресторане - At the restaurant
This section is designed to help you enjoy your dining experience at a Russian restaurant. You’ll learn how to reserve a table, order dishes and desserts, and find out about the restaurant’s special offers.
- Меню – Menyu (Menu)
Могу я посмотреть меню? – Mogu ya posmotret’ menyu? (Can I see the menu?) - Счёт – Schyot (Bill)
Можно принести счёт? – Mozhno prinesti schyot? (Can you bring the bill?) - Столик – Stolik (Table)
У нас забронирован столик на двоих. – U nas zabronirovan stolik na dvoikh. (We have a table reserved for two.) - Официант – Ofitsiant (Waiter/Waitress)
Извините, официант! – Izvinite, ofitsiant! (Excuse me, waiter!) - Блюдо – Blyudo (Dish)
Какое блюдо вы рекомендуете? – Kakoye blyudo vy rekomenduyete? (Which dish do you recommend?) - Напитки – Napitki (Drinks)
Какие напитки у вас есть? – Kakiye napitki u vas yest’? (What drinks do you have?) - Сливки – Slivki (Cream)
Мне нужны сливки для кофе. – Mne nuzhny slivki dlya kofe. (I need cream for my coffee.) - Салат – Salat (Salad)
Я бы хотел заказать салат. – Ya by khotel zakazat’ salat. (I would like to order a salad.) - Суп – Sup (Soup)
Можно мне суп, пожалуйста? – Mozhno mne sup, pozhaluysta? (Can I have the soup, please?) - Основное блюдо – Osnovnoye blyudo (Main course)
Что в качестве основного блюда? – Chto v kachestve osnovnogo blyuda? (What is the main course?) - Десерт – Desert (Dessert)
Мы бы хотели посмотреть десерты. – My by khoteli posmotret’ deserty. (We would like to see the desserts.) - Сервис – Servis (Service)
Какой сервис включён в счёт? – Kakoy servis vkluchyon v schyot? (What service is included in the bill?) - Специальное предложение – Spetsial’noye predlozheniye (Special offer)
Есть ли у вас специальные предложения? – Yest’ li u vas spetsial’nyye predlozheniya? (Do you have any special offers?) - Вегетарианец – Vegetarianets (Vegetarian)
У вас есть вегетарианские блюда? – U vas yest’ vegetarian’skiye blyuda? (Do you have vegetarian dishes?) - Острая еда – Ostraя yeda (Spicy food)
Мне нравится острая еда. – Mne nravitsya ostraя yeda. (I like spicy food.)
If you know these words, you’ll find it easy to talk to the restaurant staff and you won’t have any problems making a reservation, ordering food and drinks, or anything like that.
Календарь: Дни, Недели, Годы - Calendar: Days, Weeks, Years
Planning is a big part of our lives, and if you’re learning a language, it’s important to remember words related to the calendar. In this section, we’ve put together a list of words for days, weeks and years to help you manage your schedule
- День – Den’ (Day)
Сегодня хороший день. – Segodnya khoroshiy den’. (Today is a good day.) - Неделя – Nedelya (Week)
Что ты делаешь на следующей неделе? – Chto ty delayesh’ na sleduyushchey nedelye? (What are you doing next week?) - Год – God (Year)
С Новым годом! – S Novym godom! (Happy New Year!) - Понедельник – Ponedel’nik (Monday)
В понедельник я иду в спортзал. – V ponedel’nik ya idu v sportzal. (On Monday, I go to the gym.) - Вторник – Vtornik (Tuesday)
Во вторник у меня встреча. – Vo vtornik u menya vstrecha. (I have a meeting on Tuesday.) - Среда – Sreda (Wednesday)
Среда – середина недели. – Sreda – seredina nedeli. (Wednesday is the middle of the week.) - Четверг – Chetverg (Thursday)
В четверг мы идем в кино. – V chetverg my idyom v kino. (On Thursday, we are going to the movies.) - Пятница – Pyatnitsa (Friday)
Пятница – конец рабочей недели. – Pyatnitsa – kontses rabochey nedeli. (Friday is the end of the workweek.) - Суббота – Subbota (Saturday)
В субботу я отдыхаю. – V subbotu ya otdykhayu. (I rest on Saturday.) - Воскресенье – Voskresen’ye (Sunday)
В воскресенье я сплю долго. – V voskresen’ye ya splyu dolgo. (On Sunday, I sleep in.) - Вчера – Vchera (Yesterday)
Вчера был дождливый день. – Vchera byl dozhdlivyy den’. (Yesterday was a rainy day.) - Сегодня – Segodnya (Today)
Сегодня солнечно. – Segodnya solnechno. (Today is sunny.) - Завтра – Zavtra (Tomorrow)
Завтра я поеду в Москву. – Zavtra ya poedu v Moskvu. (Tomorrow I will go to Moscow.) - Выходные – Vykhodnye (Weekend)
Какие планы на выходные? – Kakiye plany na vykhodnye? (What are your plans for the weekend?) - Праздник – Prazdnik (Holiday)
Праздник был очень веселым. – Prazdnik byl ochen’ veselym. (The holiday was very fun.)
If you know these words, you’ll be able to make plans, set goals and understand week-related conversations in Russian.
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Календарь: Месяцы - Calendar: Months
This section includes words and phrases related to the months. You maybe find them useful when you’re planning your trip to Russia or organising events in Russian-speaking countries.
- Январь – Yanvar’ (January)
Январь холодный месяц. – Yanvar’ kholodnyy mesyats. (January is a cold month.) - Февраль – Fevral’ (February)
Февраль самый короткий месяц. – Fevral’ samyy korotkiy mesyats. (February is the shortest month.) - Март – Mart (March)
В марте начинается весна. – V marte nachinayetsya vesna. (Spring starts in March.) - Апрель – Aprel’ (April)
В апреле цветут деревья. – V aprele tsvetut derev’ya. (Trees bloom in April.) - Май – May (May)
В мае празднуют День Труда. – V maye prazdnuyut Den’ Truda. (Labor Day is celebrated in May.) - Июнь – Iyun’ (June)
В июне дети уходят на каникулы. – V iyune deti ukhodyat na kanikuly. (Children go on vacation in June.) - Июль – Iul’ (July)
В июле я поеду на море. – V iyule ya poedu na more. (I will go to the sea in July.) - Август – Avgust (August)
Август – месяц урожая. – Avgust – mesyats urozhaya. (August is the harvest month.) - Сентябрь – Sentyabr’ (September)
В сентябре начинается учебный год. – V sentyabre nachinayetsya uchebnyy god. (The school year starts in September.) - Октябрь – Oktyabr’ (October)
Октябрь – месяц Хэллоуина. – Oktyabr’ – mesyats Khellouina. (October is the month of Halloween.) - Ноябрь – Noyabr’ (November)
В ноябре часто идёт дождь. – V noyabre chasto idyot dozhd’. (It often rains in November.) - Декабрь – Dekabr’ (December)
В декабре празднуют Новый Год. – V dekabre prazdnuyut Novyy God. (New Year is celebrated in December.) - Месяц – Mesyats (Month)
В году двенадцать месяцев. – V godu dvenadtsat’ mesyatsyev. (There are twelve months in a year.) - Календарь – Kalendar’ (Calendar)
Этот календарь на 2024 год. – Etot kalendar’ na 2024 god. (This calendar is for the year 2024.) - Дата – Data (Date)
Какое сегодня число? – Kakoye segodnya chislo? (What is the date today?)
Once you’ve got these words down, you’ll be able to make or discuss your annual or monthly plans in Russian with more confidence.
Время и Даты - Times and Dates
If you want to fully understand how to make and discuss plans and set appointments in Russian, it’s important to know some key words related to time and dates. We’ve put together a list of key vocabulary to help you get through these conversations with ease.
- Вечеринка – Vecherinka (Party)
Когда вечеринка начинается? – Kakda vecherinka nachinayetsya? (When does the party start?) - Событие – Sobytiye (Event)
Это важное событие. – Eto vazhnoye sobytiye. (This is an important event.) - Встреча – Vstrecha (Meeting)
У нас встреча в три часа. – U nas vstrecha v tri chasa. (We have a meeting at three o’clock.) - Минутка – Minutka (Moment)
Дай мне минутку. – Day mne minutku. (Give me a moment.) - График – Grafik (Schedule)
У меня плотный график. – U menya plotnyy grafik. (I have a busy schedule.) - Праздник – Prazdnik (Holiday)
Какой сегодня праздник? – Kakoy segodnya prazdnik? (What holiday is it today?) - Век – Vek (Century)
Этот дом построен в прошлом веке. – Etot dom postroen v proshlom veke. (This house was built last century.) - Декада – Dekada (Decade)
Прошло уже два десятилетия. – Proshlo uzhe dva desyatiletiya. (Two decades have already passed.) - Выходные – Vykhodnyye (Weekend)
Что ты делаешь на выходных? – Chto ty delayesh’ na vykhodnykh? (What are you doing on the weekend?) - Отпуск – Ottpusk (Vacation)
В свой отпуск я поеду на море. – V svoy otpusk ya poedu na more. (I will go to the sea on my vacation.) - Полдень – Poldne (Noon)
Встретимся в полдень. – Vstretemsya v poldne. (Let’s meet at noon.) - Полночь – Polnoch’ (Midnight)
Я лег спать в полночь. – Ya leg spat’ v polnoch’. (I went to bed at midnight.) - Сутки – Sutki (Day and night)
Работать нужно сутки напролёт. – Rabotat’ nuzhno sutki napryolyot. (You need to work day and night.) - Раньше – Ranshe (Earlier)
Он пришёл раньше всех. – On prishol ranshe vsekh. (He arrived earlier than everyone.) - Позже – Pozhe (Later)
Мы увидимся позже. – My uvidimsya pozhe. (We’ll see each other later.)
Once you’ve got to hand some of these words, you’ll be able to make appointments and chat about the latest plans with Russian speakers with total confidence.
В городе - In the city
When you’re travelling, it’s a good idea to know how to get around the city and how to find the places you want to visit or need to find. Here’s a quick overview of the most common objects you’ll find in a city.
- Город – Gorod (City)
Мой город очень красивый. – Moy gorod ochen’ krasivyy. (My city is very beautiful.) - Улица – Ulitsa (Street)
Эта улица очень шумная. – Eta ulitsa ochen’ shumnaya. (This street is very noisy.) - Площадь – Ploshchad’ (Square)
Встретимся на площади вечером. – Vstretemsya na ploshchadi vecherom. (Let’s meet at the square in the evening.) - Парк – Park (Park)
В этом парке много детей играет. – V etom parke mnogo detey igrayet. (Many children play in this park.) - Кафе – Kafе (Café)
Давай встретимся в кафе завтра? – Davay vstretemsya v kafe zavtra? (Let’s meet at the café tomorrow?) - Библиотека – Biblioteka (Library)
Моя сестра работает в библиотеке. – Moya sestra rabotayet v biblioteke. (My sister works at the library.) - Вокзал – Vokzal (Station)
Где находится вокзал? – Gde nakhoditsya vokzal? (Where is the train station?) - Музей – Muzey (Museum)
Этот музей открыт сегодня? – Etot muzey otkryt segodnya? (Is this museum open today?) - Больница – Bol’nitsa (Hospital)
Где ближайшая больница? – Gde blizhayshaya bol’nitsa? (Where is the nearest hospital?) - Школа – Shkola (School)
Мой брат ходит в школу. – Moy brat khodit v shkolu. (My brother goes to school.) - Банк – Bank (Bank)
Я хочу сходить в банк. – Ya khochu skhodit’ v bank. (I want to go to the bank.) - Театр – Teatr (Theater)
Мы идем в театр сегодня вечером. – My idyom v teatr segodnya vecherom. (We are going to the theater this evening.) - Аптека – Apteka (Pharmacy)
В этом районе есть аптека? – V etom rayone yest’ apteka? (Is there a pharmacy in this area?) - Пляж – Plyazh (Beach)
Я люблю проводить время на пляже. – Ya lyublyu provodit’ vremya na plyazhe. (I love spending time at the beach.) - Зоопарк – Zoopark (Zoo)
Мы посетили зоопарк на выходных. – My posetili zoopark na vykhodnykh. (We visited the zoo last weekend.)
Get to know these key words and phrases to help you get around cities in Russian-speaking countries with ease. These terms will help you communicate effectively when you move around urban areas, find key locations or ask for directions.
Еда и Напитки - Eating and drinking
In this section, we’ll go over some key Russian words and phrases related to food and drink. These words and phrases are useful for discussing meals, drinks, and different types of food.
- Закуска – Zakuska (Snack)
Я возьму закуску перед ужином. – Ya voz’mu zakusku pered uzhinom. (I’ll have a snack before dinner.) - Каша – Kasha (Porridge)
На завтрак я предпочитаю кашу. – Na zavtrak ya predpochitayu kashu. (For breakfast, I prefer porridge.) - Омлет – Omlet (Omelette)
Я хотел бы заказать омлет. – Ya khotel by zakazat’ omlet. (I would like to order an omelette.) - Йогурт – Yogurt (Yogurt)
Мне нужен йогурт для десерта. – Mne nuzhen yogurt dlya deserta. (I need yogurt for dessert.) - Мороженое – Morozhenoe (Ice cream)
Можно мне порцию мороженого? – Mozhno mne portsiyu morozhenogo? (Can I have a serving of ice cream?) - Тост – Tost (Toast)
Пожалуйста, поджарьте тост. – Pozhaluysta, podzhart’ye tost. (Please toast the bread.) - Сыр – Syr (Cheese)
Какой сыр у вас есть? – Kakoy syr u vas yest’? (What types of cheese do you have?) - Сок – Sok (Juice)
Я выпью стакан апельсинового сока. – Ya vyp’yu stakan apelsinovogo soka. (I’ll have a glass of orange juice.) - Пирог – Pirog (Pie)
Мы попробуем домашний пирог. – My poprobuyem domashniy pirog. (We will try the homemade pie.) - Выпечка – Vypechka (Pastry)
Я купил свежую выпечку. – Ya kupil svezhuyu vypechku. (I bought fresh pastries.) - Пицца – Pitstsa (Pizza)
Закажем пиццу на ужин. – Zakazhem pitstsu na uzhin. (Let’s order pizza for dinner.) - Кофе – Kofe (Coffee)
Я предпочитаю черный кофе. – Ya predpochitayu chernyy kofe. (I prefer black coffee.) - Сахар – Sakhar (Sugar)
Сколько сахара вы добавляете в чай? – Skol’ko sakhara vy dobavlyayete v chay? (How much sugar do you add to tea?) - Мёд – Myod (Honey)
Можно добавить немного мёда в чай? – Mozhno dobavit’ nemnogo myoda v chay? (Can I add some honey to the tea?) - Вафли – Vafli (Waffles)
Я возьму вафли с ягодами. – Ya voz’mu vafli s yagodami. (I’ll have waffles with berries.)
If you learn these key words, you’ll find it easier to get through a meal and join in with conversations about food. It’s a great help when eating out and interacting in Russian-speaking environments.
Внешность - Human appearance
These phrases are great for describing someone’s appearance in Russian. You can use them to talk about a person’s height, eye colour, and hair colour, or even share your thoughts on their looks.
- Высокий – Vysokiy (Tall)
Он высокий. – On vysokiy. (He is tall.) - Низкий – Nizkiy (Short, in height)
Она низкая. – Ona nizkaya. (She is short.) - Старый – Staryy (Old)
Мой дедушка старый. – Moy dedushka staryy. (My grandfather is old.) - Молодой – Molodoy (Young)
Этот парень молодой. – Etot paren’ molodoy. (This guy is young.) - Худой – Khudoy (Thin)
Она худой и стройный. – Ona khudoy i stroy’nyy. (She is thin and slim.) - Полный – Polnyy (Full or overweight)
Он полный и здоровый. – On polnyy i zdorovyy. (He is overweight and healthy.) - Светлый – Svetlyy (Light, color)
У него светлые волосы. – U nego svetlye volosy. (He has light hair.) - Тёмный – Tyomnyy (Dark, color)
У неё тёмные глаза. – U neyo tyomnyye glaza. (She has dark eyes.) - Красивая – Krasivaya (Beautiful)
Она очень красивая. – Ona ochen’ krasivaya. (She is very beautiful.) - Удобный – Udobnyy (Comfortable, often referring to clothing)
Это удобная одежда. – Eto udobnaya odezhda. (This is comfortable clothing.) - Прямой – Pryamoy (Straight, hair)
У него прямые волосы. – U nego pryamye volosy. (He has straight hair.) - Кудрявый – Kudryavy (Curly, hair)
У неё кудрявые волосы. – U neyo kudryavyye volosy. (She has curly hair.) - Лицо – Litso (Face)
У него приятное лицо. – U nego priyatnoye litso. (He has a pleasant face.) - Лысый – Lysyy (Bald)
Он лысый. – On lysyy. (He is bald.) - Седой – Sedoy (Gray-haired)
Мой отец седой. – Moy otets sedoy. (My father is gray-haired.)
If you need to give a compliment or simply describe someone, these phrases will help you communicate effectively in Russian.
ᐅ Личные местоимения - Personal pronouns
It’s really important to know the Russian personal pronouns if you want to be able to have a conversation in Russian. These words are really important because they help you refer to people in different contexts. You’ll use them in every aspect of your life when communicating with others.
- Я – Ya (I)
Я учусь говорить по-русски. – Ya uchus’ govorit’ po-russki. (I am learning to speak Russian.) - Ты – Ty (You, singular, informal)
Ты понимаешь меня? – Ty ponimayesh’ menya? (Do you understand me?) - Он – On (He)
Он мой друг. – On moy drug. (He is my friend.) - Она – Ona (She)
Она живет в Москве. – Ona zhivyot v Moskve. (She lives in Moscow.) - Оно – Ono (It)
Оно мое. – Ono moye. (It is mine.) - Мы – My (We)
Мы идем в кино. – My idyom v kino. (We are going to the cinema.) - Вы – Vy (You, plural, formal)
Вы говорите по-английски? – Vy govorite po-angliyski? (Do you speak English?) - Они – Oni (They)
Они работают вместе. – Oni rabotayut vmeste. (They work together.) - Мой – Moy (My, masculine)
Это мой телефон. – Eto moy telefon. (This is my phone.) - Моя – Moya (My, feminine)
Моя сестра учится в школе. – Moya sestra uchitsya v shkole. (My sister goes to school.) - Моё – Moy (My, neuter)
Моё имя Анна. – Moye imya Anna. (My name is Anna.) - Наш – Nash (Our, masculine)
Наш дом большой. – Nash dom bol’shoy. (Our house is big.) - Наша – Nasha (Our, feminine)
Наша мама очень добрая. – Nasha mama ochen’ dobraya. (Our mom is very kind.) - Наше – Nashe (Our, neuter)
Наше кафе рядом. – Nashe kafe ryadom. (Our cafe is nearby.) - Их – Ikh (Their)
Это их книга. – Eto ikh kniga. (This is their book.)
Once you’ve got a handle on personal pronouns, you’ll be able to express yourself more clearly in Russian. These words are the building blocks of meaningful conversations and connections.
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My Tip: Three Language Learning Apps For Everyday Conversation
I grew up speaking both Russian and Ukrainian, which are pretty tough languages to learn. I consider myself lucky to know them as my native languages. Russian has a huge vocabulary, lots of synonyms, different word formations and a clear syntax.
If you’re looking to learn Russian, you’re in luck! There are so many great apps to choose from. Each one is unique, with different structures, learning methods, prices, and features. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect one for you!
Let me help you find the right app for learning Russian!
For more information about language learning apps read my articles listed below:
#1. Mondly
Mondly, which was created in Romania in 2014, is all about everyday situations. It’s got all the usual features like vocabulary trainers and grammar tables, with short daily lessons that are fun and motivating. Mondly also has monthly challenges where you can compare your progress with others.
The goal is to quickly and correctly understand and repeat everyday sentences. Mondly has different versions: Mondly, Mondly Kids, Mondly AR, and Mondly VR, which cater to various language skills, age groups, and learning goals. Companies can use MondlyWORKS for their language training needs.
The app offers free beginner courses, with access to each new lesson unlocking the next day. On weekends, there’s a quiz to test the learner’s current level.
#2. Babbel
Babbel is a leading app for language learning, with 13 languages in addition to Russian. Over 150 language experts developed Babbel, so you can quickly express yourself in a new language. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediate learners, with interactive exercises to teach vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills.
The app starts with the fundamentals, like the alphabet, personal pronouns, and simple phrases, and gradually builds up your knowledge. The design isn’t particularly colorful, but there’s a good variety of exercises, enough to keep you engaged.
Babbel gets great reviews in customer satisfaction surveys. People love its user-friendly interface and effective learning methods. It’s not as useful for advanced learners, though. Some people have criticized Babbel for introducing gender-specific language options in some languages, saying it leads to incorrect translations.
#3. Memrise
Memrise has a unique learning method that focuses on real spoken language and mnemonic techniques. The app helps you learn words, phrases, and expressions by showing you a new word in Russian with its English translation and a picture.
You can watch over a thousand videos featuring native speakers in real-life situations, which makes the learning process feel very authentic. The app helps you learn practical Russian phrases, games, and exercises.
It’s great for beginners and intermediate learners, helping you learn the basics of Russian in a fun way. You can set daily goals, collect points, and share your progress with others for motivation.
However, if you’re already advanced in Russian, the app might feel limited. It doesn’t focus much on grammar but excels in teaching vocabulary.
If you enjoyed my article, please feel free to share it. Have any questions? Don't hesitate to email me!
Disclaimer: I select and review independently. If you buy through affiliate links, I may earn commissions that help support my testing at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
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