Language/Russian/Vocabulary/Be-Polite
Hi Russian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on how to be polite in Russian. It is always important to be polite in any language, as it can help you build positive relationships with others. Being polite can also earn you respect and admiration from native speakers.
To improve your Russian vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Let's get started! Don't forget to practice at the end of each section. 🚀
Polite Speech[edit | edit source]
In Russian culture, it is important to use polite speech with people you don't know or with elders. Using polite speech helps show respect and build a positive connection with others. In Russian, we have ways of addressing people formally or informally.
Here are some examples:
| Russian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Здравствуйте | Zdravstvuyte | Hello (formal) |
| Привет | Privet | Hi (informal) |
| Доброе утро | Dobroye utro | Good morning |
| Добрый день | Dobryy den' | Good afternoon |
| Добрый вечер | Dobryy vecher | Good evening |
| Спасибо | Spasibo | Thank you |
| Пожалуйста | Pozhaluysta | Please/You're welcome |
__Practice:__
- Person 1: Здравствуйте!
- Person 2: Здравствуйте!
- Person 1: Привет!
- Person 2: Привет!
- Person 1: Спасибо!
- Person 2: Пожалуйста!
Polite Requests[edit | edit source]
When making requests or asking for favors, it's important to use polite language. In Russian, there are several ways to make polite requests.
Here are some examples:
| Russian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Можно...? | Mozhno...? | May I...?/Is it okay to...? |
| Не могли бы вы...? | Ne mogli by vy...? | Could you (formal)...? |
| Не мог бы ты...? | Ne mog by ty...? | Could you (informal)...? |
| Будьте любезны... | Bud'te lyubezny... | Would you be so kind...? |
__Practice:__
- Person 1: Можно мне взять эту книгу? (May I take this book?)
- Person 2: Конечно, возьмите. (Of course, take it.)
- Person 1: Не могли бы вы подержать мою сумку? (Could you hold my bag?)
- Person 2: Да, конечно. (Yes, sure.)
Apologizing[edit | edit source]
When you make mistakes or unintentionally offend someone, apologize is a great way to show that you acknowledge their feelings and take responsibility for your actions. In Russian, it's important to use the correct way of apologizing depending on the situation.
Here are some examples:
| Russian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Извините | Izvinite | Excuse me/I'm sorry (formal) |
| Извини | Izvini | I'm sorry (informal) |
| Простите | Prostite | Forgive me/I apologize (formal) |
| Извините за [something] | Izvinite za [something] | Sorry for [something] (formal) |
__Practice:__
- Person 1: Извините, я опоздал на встречу. (Excuse me, I'm late for the meeting.)
- Person 2: Не беспокойтесь об этом, пожалуйста. (Don't worry about it, please.)
- Person 1: Простите, я случайно стер ваш файл. (I'm sorry, I accidentally deleted your file.)
- Person 2: Ничего страшного. (It's okay.)
Polite Expressions[edit | edit source]
In Russian, there are some polite expressions that you can use to show your respect towards others or to express gratitude.
Here are some examples:
| Russian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Как пожелаете | Kak pozhelaete | As you wish/Whatever you like |
| Благодарю вас | Blagodaryu vas | Thank you (formal) |
| Спасибо большое | Spasibo bol'shoye | Thank you very much |
| Пожалуйста, не за что | Pozhaluysta, ne za chto | You're welcome (formal) |
| Это очень любезно с вашей стороны | Eto ochen' lyubezno s vashye storony | It's very kind of you (formal) |
__Practice:__
- Person 1: Как пожелаете?
- Person 2: Я бы предпочел чай. (I would prefer tea.)
- Person 1: Благодарю вас за помощь. (Thank you for your help.)
- Person 2: Не за что. (You're welcome.)
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we have learned how to be polite in Russian, by looking at ways to use polite speech, make polite requests, apologize and use polite expressions.
Remember, the best way to improve your Russian is to practice, practice, practice! So don't hesitate to find native speakers and ask them any questions.
Keep up the good work! 😊
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Upon wrapping up this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Animal & Colors.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Polite Russian Words - Rocket Languages
- Russian Vocabulary - Be Polite
- Russian Phrases and Words for Travelers