INTEL 779

Here’s a basic overview of Russian customs along with some essential greetings and phrases translated from English to Russian, including pronunciation help.

Russian Customs

1. Greeting Etiquette:

• Handshakes are common, but if you’re greeting a woman, it’s polite to wait for her to extend her hand first.
• Maintain eye contact while greeting as it shows respect and sincerity.

1. Gift Giving:

• It’s customary to bring a small gift when invited to someone’s home (flowers, sweets, or a bottle of wine are popular choices).
• Avoid giving an even number of flowers; odd numbers are considered more auspicious.

1. Dining Etiquette:

• Wait for the host to start the meal or say “Приятного аппетита” (Priyatnogo appetita) meaning “Enjoy your meal.”
• It’s polite to toast before drinking.

1. Personal Space:

• Russians may stand closer during conversations than people from some other cultures, so don’t be alarmed.

Basic Greetings and Phrases

English	Russian	Pronunciation
Hello	Здравствуйте	Zdravstvuyte
Hi	Привет	Privet
How are you?	Как дела?	Kak dela?
Thank you	Спасибо	Spasibo
Please	Пожалуйста	Pozhaluysta
Yes	Да	Da
No	Нет	Nyet
Goodbye	До свидания	Do svidaniya
Excuse me	Извините	Izvinite
What is your name?	Как вас зовут?	Kak vas zovut?
My name is…	Меня зовут…	Menya zovut…
I don’t understand	Я не понимаю	Ya ne ponimayu
Do you speak English?	Вы говорите по-английски?	Vy govorite po-angliyski?
Where is…?	Где находится…?	Gde nakhoditsya…?

Additional Tips

• Practice: Try practicing these phrases aloud to get used to the pronunciation.
• Use of Formality: Russian has both formal and informal ways to address people. “Вы” (Vy) is formal, while “ты” (ty) is informal. Use “Вы” with strangers and elders.

Feel free to ask if you need more specific phrases or cultural insights!

Absolutely! Here are more Russian phrases along with additional customs and cultural tips.

More Common Phrases

English	Russian	Pronunciation
Good morning	Доброе утро	Dobroye utro
Good afternoon	Добрый день	Dobryy den’
Good evening	Добрый вечер	Dobryy vecher
Good night	Спокойной ночи	Spokoynoy nochi
How much does this cost?	Сколько это стоит?	Skol’ko eto stoit?
I would like…	Я хотел(а) бы…	Ya khotel(a) by… (male/female)
Can you help me?	Вы можете мне помочь?	Vy mozhete mne pomoch’?
I am lost	Я потерялся/потерялась	Ya poteryalsya (male)/poteryalas’ (female)
What time is it?	Который час?	Kotorый chas?
I’m sorry	Мне жаль	Mne zhal’
I love you	Я тебя люблю	Ya teba lyublyu
Where is the bathroom?	Где туалет?	Gde tualet?
I need a doctor	Мне нужен врач	Mne nuzhen vrach
Let’s go!	Пойдём!	Poydyom!
I’m hungry	Я голоден/голодна	Ya goloden (male)/golodna (female)
I’m thirsty	Я хочу пить	Ya khochu pit’

Additional Customs and Cultural Tips

1. Communication Style:

• Russians tend to be direct in conversation. Don’t be surprised by straightforwardness; it’s not considered rude.
• Silence can also be part of conversation, indicating thoughtfulness rather than discomfort.

1. Time and Punctuality:

• Arriving on time is appreciated, but it’s not uncommon for social gatherings to start later than scheduled.
• For formal meetings, punctuality is crucial.

1. Dress Code:

• Russians often dress well for social and formal occasions. Smart casual attire is typically the norm.
• In churches, dress modestly; women should cover their heads, and both men and women should avoid shorts.

1. Cultural References:

• Familiarity with Russian literature, music, and art can facilitate conversations. Mentioning famous figures like Dostoevsky or Tchaikovsky can be a great icebreaker.
• Russians value history and pride themselves on their national achievements, so be respectful when discussing historical events.

1. Celebrations:

• New Year’s (Новый Год, Novyy God) is the most significant holiday, often celebrated with family and friends.
• Victory Day (День Победы, Den’ Pobedy) on May 9th is another important holiday, commemorating the victory in WWII.

1. Toasting:

• If you are at a meal where toasts are made, it’s customary to look everyone in the eye and raise your glass to make a toast.
• The phrase “За здоровье!” (Za zdorovye!) meaning “To health!” is a common toast.

Basic Questions to Enhance Conversation

English	Russian	Pronunciation
What do you do?	Чем вы занимаетесь?	Chem vy zanimayetes’?
Where are you from?	Откуда вы?	Otkuda vy?
What are your hobbies?	Какие у вас хобби?	Kakie u vas khobbi?
Do you have any siblings?	У вас есть братья и сёстры?	U vas yest’ braty i syostry?
What do you like to eat?	Что вы любите есть?	Chto vy lyubite yest’?