Russian Language Tips

Russian Language Tips

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Last updated:
22.07.2019

Knowing a few essential words in the local language before traveling to your chosen country is not only useful but also fun. This article introduces several most popular words and phrases that will spice up your Russian trip.

Russian Language

The great and mighty Russian is the most widespread language over Eurasia. More than 230 million people boast that they can speak the language, and about 160 million consider it to be their native. The Russian language is believed to be one of the richest and nuanced languages in the world, it's just as challenging to master it as Hindi or Thai.

Even though learning Russian is not a piece of cake, knowing the language opens several doors, such as being able to truly appreciate the beauty of Russian literature or having a chance to be an astronaut. Yes, you read it right. Nowadays, both Russian and English are considered to be the languages of space, and all foreign astronauts have to be able to speak Russian at least at an Intermediate-High level to participate in missions to the International Space Station.

russian hello

Of course, there is no need to achieve this level of fluency before your Russia getaway, many Russians understand English, although the majority of them aren't fluent speakers. So, taking the effort to learn a few Russian words can be very rewarding. Here are a couple of phrases to get you started:

Hello – Privet

Yes – Da

No – Nyet

How much – Skolko

Please - Pozhalusta

Thank you – Spacibo

My name is - Menya zovut

It's a pleasure to meet you – Ochen' priyatno poznakomitsya

This meal is delicious – Ochen' vkusno

Facts about Russian Language:

  • Russian alphabet: Cyrillic script
  • Number of letters in alphabet: 33
  • Number of words: 200,000
  • Total speakers worlwide: over 258 million
  • Language of space: Astronauts are required to learn Russian because they have to ride the Soyuz spacecraft whose controls are in Russian

Don't be shy to say a few Russian words; locals will feel pleased to hear it, no matter if you would pronounce it not very correctly! Taking an effort to say it, you show your appreciation for local culture. Plus, it might be useful in smaller Russian towns.