Russian Greetings and Basic Phrases

How to ask “How are you?” in Russian, and more!

Simple yet commonly used questions and phrases can be the trickiest to grasp, and even more so when it comes to Russian. Don’t worry – although Russian is a tricky language, it is very possible to learn!

Looking for authentic ways to improve the general flow of a conversation? Here’s what you can do to master all the small talk expressions you’ll ever need to know:

1. Use this breakdown of greetings based on the occasion.
2. Become familiar with Russian pronunciation and vocabulary using Lingvist’s Russian course.
3. Don’t be afraid to use “Прошу прощения?” if you get stuck.

Formality Guide

Below are the levels of formality we’ll be referring to throughout our ultimate guide to basic Russian phrases:

Initial Greetings

There are certain do’s and don’ts to starting a conversation, and Russian culture is no exception.

So, what are the most common ways – from formal to slang – to spark some small talk in Russian?

A little politeness goes a long way – Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Introductions and Welcomes

Now that you know the most common Russian words to start a conversation, you’ll naturally want to learn how to reply. Let’s have a closer look at introductions and welcoming words!

Start speaking Russian fluently, fast.

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Secondary Greeting / Checking In

Next, we’re going to zoom in on how to continue a conversation after greeting someone. Sure, “How are you?” is the first thing that springs to mind, but are there better ways to let someone know you hope they have a good day in Russian?

Let’s find out!

Note: Please mind the letter ё – especially if you’re just starting out. The golden rule of beginner’s Russian is not to forget the ё. Always keep in mind that any e you see might actually be ё.

Departing

Our guide wouldn’t be complete without teaching you the smart ways to say goodbye in Russian.

Remember to study the Cyrillic alphabet first! – Photo by Polina Zimmerman

Answering the Phone

Next, we’ll focus on the must-know phrases for receiving calls in Russian.

Written Letters or Emails

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Holiday Greetings

Here’s a brief overview of the most common holiday greetings.

Congratulations! You’ve now got the beginning and end of the conversation covered. Do you want to learn more? Check out Lingvist’s Russian course!