Phrasebook

Russian phrasebook

Ready-to-use Russian phrases grouped by situation. Press play, repeat aloud, and save your favourites for review.

Greetings and farewells

Приве́т!

Hi!

IPA /prʲɪˈvʲet/

Say it prih-VYET!

Informal, and only for people you already know: friends, family, children, people your own age in a relaxed setting. Never use it with an official, a doctor or a stranger.

informal greetings register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Привет!

Здра́вствуйте!

Hello!

IPA /ˈzdrastvʲɪtʲə/

Say it ZDRAH-stvuy-tyuh!

The safe default with any adult you do not know. The first в is silent, so the word is shorter than it looks: [ˈzdrastvʲɪtʲə].

formal greetings politeness register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Здравствуйте!

До́брое у́тро!

Good morning!

IPA /ˈdobrəjə ˈutrə/

Say it DOH-bruh-yuh OO-truh!

neutral greetings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Доброе утро!

До́брый день!

Good afternoon!

IPA /ˈdobrɨj ˈdʲenʲ/

Say it DOH-briy DYEN!

Also the standard greeting in shops and offices at any time after midday — it is not restricted to the afternoon.

neutral greetings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Добрый день!

До́брый ве́чер!

Good evening!

IPA /ˈdobrɨj ˈvʲetɕɪr/

Say it DOH-briy VYEH-chihr!

neutral greetings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Добрый вечер!

До свида́ния!

Goodbye!

IPA /də svʲɪˈdanʲɪjə/

Say it duh svih-DAH-nih-yuh!

Literally "until the meeting". Neutral and always correct; a stranger would not expect Пока from you.

neutral greetings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: До свидания!

Пока́!

Bye!

IPA /pɐˈka/

Say it puh-KAH!

Informal only, like Привет. With someone you address as вы, say До свидания.

informal greetings register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Пока!

До за́втра!

See you tomorrow!

IPA /də ˈzaftrə/

Say it duh ZAHF-truh!

neutral greetings time
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: До завтра!

Споко́йной но́чи!

Good night!

IPA /spɐˈkojnəj ˈnotɕɪ/

Say it spuh-KOY-nuy NOH-chih!

neutral greetings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Спокойной ночи!

Как дела́?

How are things?

IPA /ˈkak dʲɪˈla/

Say it KAHK dih-LAH?

Informal, because it uses no вы form at all. The formal equivalent is Как ваши дела? — and either way Russians expect a short answer, not a full report.

informal greetings questions register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Как дела?

Как ва́ши дела́?

How are you?

IPA /ˈkak ˈvaʂɨ dʲɪˈla/

Say it KAHK VAH-shih dih-LAH?

The polite version of Как дела? Use it with anyone you address as вы.

formal greetings questions register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Как ваши дела?

Хорошо́, спа́сибо. А у вас?

Fine, thanks. And you?

IPA /xərɐˈʂo ˈspasʲɪbə ˈa ʊ ˈvas/

Say it khuh-ruh-SHOH, SPAH-sih-buh. AH oo VAHS?

Literally "and at you?" — Russian asks after someone's state with у + genitive, not with a repeated Как вы?

neutral greetings politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Хорошо, спасибо. А у вас?

Рад вас ви́деть!

Good to see you!

IPA /ˈrat ˈvas ˈvʲidʲɪtʲ/

Say it RAHT VAHS VEE-dit!

A man says рад; a woman says рада. The word for "glad" agrees with the speaker, never with the person being greeted.

polite greetings politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Рад вас видеть!

Давно́ не ви́делись!

Long time no see!

IPA /dɐvˈno ˈnʲe ˈvʲidʲɪlʲɪsʲ/

Say it duv-NOH NYEH VEE-dih-lis!

Literally "we have not seen each other for a long time". The reflexive -сь is what makes it mutual; видеть alone would mean you failed to see something.

informal greetings beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Давно не виделись!

Добро́ пожа́ловать!

Welcome!

IPA /dɐˈbro pɐˈʐaləvətʲ/

Say it duh-BROH puh-ZHAH-luh-vyut!

A fixed greeting to a guest or an arrival. It is not the answer to спасибо — that is Пожалуйста or Не за что.

neutral greetings politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Добро пожаловать!

Introductions

Меня́ зову́т А́нна.

My name is Anna.

IPA /mʲɪˈnʲa zɐˈvut ˈanə/

Say it mih-NYAH zuh-VOOT AH-nuh.

Literally "they call me Anna". Меня is the accusative of я and Анна stays in the nominative — the construction has no subject "I" in it at all.

neutral introductions name
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Меня зовут Анна.

Как вас зову́т?

What is your name?

IPA /ˈkak ˈvas zɐˈvut/

Say it KAHK VAHS zuh-VOOT?

The вы form. Ask it of any adult you have just met.

formal introductions questions register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Как вас зовут?

Как тебя́ зову́т?

What's your name?

IPA /ˈkak tʲɪˈbʲa zɐˈvut/

Say it KAHK tih-BYAH zuh-VOOT?

The ты form, for children and for people who have offered to switch.

informal introductions questions register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Как тебя зовут?

О́чень прия́тно!

Pleased to meet you!

IPA /ˈotɕɪnʲ prʲɪˈjatnə/

Say it OH-chin prih-YAHT-nuh!

Literally "very pleasant". Said once, right after names are exchanged.

polite introductions politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Очень приятно!

Я из А́нглии.

I am from England.

IPA /ˈja ɪz ˈanɡlʲɪɪ/

Say it YAH iz AHN-glih-ih.

The country goes in the genitive after из: из Англии, из России, из Италии. The "am" is simply absent, which is normal in the present tense.

neutral introductions geography
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я из Англии.

Отку́да вы?

Where are you from?

IPA /ɐtˈkudə ˈvɨ/

Say it ut-KOO-duh VIH?

Откуда asks about origin; где asks about location. Mixing them up is the most common beginner mistake here.

formal introductions questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Откуда вы?

Где вы живёте?

Where do you live?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈvɨ ʐɨˈvʲotʲə/

Say it guh-DYEH VIH zhih-VYOH-tyuh?

formal introductions questions place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где вы живёте?

Я живу́ в Ло́ндоне.

I live in London.

IPA /ˈja ʐɨˈvu v ˈlondənʲə/

Say it YAH zhih-VOO v LOHN-duh-nyuh.

After в meaning "in", a city takes the prepositional case: в Лондоне, в Москве. The nominative is a hard error.

neutral introductions place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я живу в Лондоне.

Ско́лько вам лет?

How old are you?

IPA /ˈskolʲkə ˈvam ˈlʲet/

Say it SKOHL-kuh VAHM LYET?

Literally "how many years to you?". Age is something a person HAS (dative + лет), never something they ARE.

formal introductions questions numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сколько вам лет?

Мне два́дцать пять лет.

I am twenty-five.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈdvatsɨtʲ ˈpʲatʲ ˈlʲet/

Say it muh-NYEH DVAH-tsit PYAT LYET.

Literally "to me twenty-five years". The number governs the noun: 1 год, 2–4 года, 5 and above лет. The verb "to be" does not appear.

neutral introductions numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне двадцать пять лет.

Я не говорю́ по-ру́сски.

I do not speak Russian.

IPA /ˈja ˈnʲe ɡəvɐˈrʲu pɐˈruskʲɪ/

Say it YAH NYEH guh-vuh-RYOO puh-ROO-skih.

The adverb is по-русски, with a final -и. Russian does not need "the Russian language" here, though я не говорю по-русски and я не говорю на русском are both heard.

neutral introductions languages negation
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я не говорю по-русски.

Я немно́го говорю́ по-ру́сски.

I speak a little Russian.

IPA /ˈja nʲɪmˈnoɡə ɡəvɐˈrʲu pɐˈruskʲɪ/

Say it YAH nim-NOH-guh guh-vuh-RYOO puh-ROO-skih.

A much better opener than an apology: it invites the other person to slow down rather than switch to English.

neutral introductions languages
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я немного говорю по-русски.

Кто вы по профе́ссии?

What do you do for a living?

IPA /ˈxto ˈvɨ pə prɐˈfʲesɪɪ/

Say it KHTOH VIH puh pruh-FYEH-sih-ih?

Literally "who are you by profession?". The answer is a noun in the nominative: Я врач, Я учитель.

formal introductions professions questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Кто вы по профессии?

Чем вы занима́етесь?

What do you do?

IPA /ˈtɕem ˈvɨ zənʲɪˈmajɪtʲɪsʲ/

Say it CHEM VIH zuh-nih-MAH-yih-tis?

The -ся verb means "occupy yourself with"; чем is the instrumental of что, so the literal sense is "with what do you occupy yourself?".

formal introductions work questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Чем вы занимаетесь?

Politeness

Спа́сибо!

Thank you!

IPA /ˈspasʲɪbə/

Say it SPAH-sih-buh!

neutral politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Спасибо!

Большо́е спа́сибо!

Thank you very much!

IPA /bɐlʲˈʂojə ˈspasʲɪbə/

Say it bul-SHOH-yuh SPAH-sih-buh!

neutral politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Большое спасибо!

Пожа́луйста.

Please. / You're welcome.

IPA /pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

One word does both jobs: "please" after a request and "you're welcome" after спасибо. Which one it is depends entirely on where it sits.

neutral politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Пожалуйста.

Не за что!

Don't mention it.

IPA /ˈnʲe zə ˈʂto/

Say it NYEH zuh SHTOH!

Literally "nothing for". Warm and slightly casual; in a formal exchange say Пожалуйста instead.

informal politeness register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Не за что!

Извини́те.

Excuse me. / Sorry.

IPA /ɪzvʲɪˈnʲitʲə/

Say it ih-zvih-NEE-tyuh.

Covers both "sorry" and "excuse me, could you…". The ты form is Извини.

formal politeness register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Извините.

Прости́те, пожа́луйста.

I'm sorry.

IPA /prɐsʲˈtʲitʲə pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it pruh-STEE-tyuh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

Stronger than Извините; add пожалуйста for a real apology rather than a nudge past someone in the metro.

formal politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Простите, пожалуйста.

Извини́.

Sorry.

IPA /ɪzvʲɪˈnʲi/

Say it ih-zvih-NEE.

Only to someone you address as ты.

informal politeness register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Извини.

Прошу́ проще́ния.

I beg your pardon.

IPA /prɐˈʂu prɐˈɕːenʲɪjə/

Say it pruh-SHOO pruh-SHCHEH-nih-yuh.

The most formal apology available, and the right one after bumping into a stranger or interrupting.

formal politeness beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Прошу прощения.

Бу́дьте добры́.

Could you kindly…

IPA /ˈbutʲtʲə dɐˈbrɨ/

Say it BOO-tyuh duh-BRIH.

Literally "be so good". Placed before or after a request: Будьте добры, чашку чая. It is warm without being familiar.

formal politeness beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Будьте добры.

Бу́дьте любе́зны.

Would you be so kind.

IPA /ˈbutʲtʲə lʲʊˈbʲeznɨ/

Say it BOO-tyuh lyoo-BYEH-znih.

A shade more official than Будьте добры — the register of a reception desk or a written request.

formal politeness beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Будьте любезны.

Не могли́ бы вы мне помо́чь?

Could you help me?

IPA /ˈnʲe mɐˈɡlʲi ˈbɨ ˈvɨ ˈmnʲe pɐˈmotɕ/

Say it NYEH muh-GLEE BIH VIH muh-NYEH puh-MOHCH?

The бы makes it a request rather than a question about ability. Without бы, Не могли вы мне помочь? sounds like an accusation.

polite politeness questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Не могли бы вы мне помочь?

Скажи́те, пожа́луйста.

Excuse me… (before a question)

IPA /skɐˈʐitʲə pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it skuh-ZHIH-tyuh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

The standard way to stop a stranger in the street. It is always the вы imperative; Скажи is for children.

polite politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Скажите, пожалуйста.

Мо́жно?

May I?

IPA /ˈmoʐnə/

Say it MOHZH-nuh?

One word for "may I?", "is it allowed?", "can I come in?". Answer with Можно or Нельзя.

neutral politeness questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Можно?

Благодарю́ вас.

I thank you.

IPA /bləɡədɐˈrʲu ˈvas/

Say it bluh-guh-duh-RYOO VAHS.

A formal, slightly written alternative to Спасибо, common in service exchanges and in letters.

formal politeness beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Благодарю вас.

Everyday expressions

Да, коне́чно.

Yes, of course.

IPA /ˈda kɐˈnʲeʂnə/

Say it DAH, kuh-NYESH-nuh.

neutral everyday opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Да, конечно.

Нет, спа́сибо.

No, thank you.

IPA /ˈnʲet ˈspasʲɪbə/

Say it NYET, SPAH-sih-buh.

The polite refusal. Plain Нет on its own is not rude, but it is blunt.

neutral everyday politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Нет, спасибо.

Коне́чно!

Of course!

IPA /kɐˈnʲeʂnə/

Say it kuh-NYESH-nuh!

neutral everyday opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Конечно!

Мо́жет быть.

Maybe.

IPA /ˈmoʐɨt ˈbɨtʲ/

Say it MOH-zhit BIHT.

Literally "it may be". Impersonal, so the verb never agrees with anything.

neutral everyday opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Может быть.

Ничего́ стра́шного.

It doesn't matter. / No worries.

IPA /nʲɪtɕɪˈvo ˈstraʂnəvə/

Say it nih-chih-VOH STRAHSH-nuh-vuh.

Literally "nothing terrible". The standard reply when someone apologises for something small.

neutral everyday
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Ничего страшного.

Всё равно́.

It makes no difference.

IPA /ˈfsʲo rɐvˈno/

Say it FSYOH ruv-NOH.

Also used as a discourse connector, "anyway". Print the ё: все равно without it means "everyone equally".

neutral everyday opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Всё равно.

Так себе́.

So-so.

IPA /ˈtak sʲɪˈbʲe/

Say it TAHK sih-BYEH.

The honest answer to Как дела? when things are mediocre.

informal everyday feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Так себе.

Что но́вого?

What's new?

IPA /ˈʂto ˈnovəvə/

Say it SHTOH NOH-vuh-vuh?

informal everyday questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Что нового?

Я не зна́ю.

I do not know.

IPA /ˈja ˈnʲe ˈznajʊ/

Say it YAH NYEH ZNAH-yoo.

не goes immediately before the verb and never merges with it.

neutral everyday negation
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я не знаю.

Я понима́ю.

I understand.

IPA /ˈja pənʲɪˈmajʊ/

Say it YAH puh-nih-MAH-yoo.

neutral everyday communication
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я понимаю.

Всё в поря́дке.

Everything is fine.

IPA /ˈfsʲo f pɐˈrʲatkʲə/

Say it FSYOH f puh-RYAHT-kyuh.

Literally "everything is in order". The commonest reassurance there is.

neutral everyday
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Всё в порядке.

Пра́вда?

Really?

IPA /ˈpravdə/

Say it PRAHV-duh?

neutral everyday questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Правда?

Наве́рное.

Probably.

IPA /nɐˈvʲernəjə/

Say it nuh-VYEH-rnuh-yuh.

neutral everyday opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Наверное.

Не ва́жно.

It doesn't matter.

IPA /ˈnʲe ˈvaʐnə/

Say it NYEH VAHZH-nuh.

neutral everyday
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Не важно.

Мне пора́.

I have to go.

IPA /ˈmnʲe pɐˈra/

Say it muh-NYEH puh-RAH.

Literally "it is time for me" — an impersonal construction with the dative. The polite way to leave a conversation.

neutral everyday time
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне пора.

Questions and clarification

Кто э́то?

Who is this?

IPA /ˈxto ˈɛtə/

Say it KHTOH EH-tuh?

Кто always takes a masculine singular verb or adjective, whatever the person's gender: Кто это пришла? is wrong; Кто это пришёл? is right.

neutral questions pointing
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Кто это?

Что э́то?

What is this?

IPA /ˈʂto ˈɛtə/

Say it SHTOH EH-tuh?

neutral questions pointing
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Что это?

Где э́то?

Where is that?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈɛtə/

Say it guh-DYEH EH-tuh?

Где asks where something is. For where something is going, use Куда.

neutral questions place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где это?

Куда́ вы идёте?

Where are you going?

IPA /kʊˈda ˈvɨ ɪˈdʲotʲə/

Say it koo-DAH VIH ih-DYOH-tyuh?

Куда is the accusative of motion, где the prepositional of rest. This pair is the single most useful distinction in Russian place words.

neutral questions motion
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Куда вы идёте?

Когда́?

When?

IPA /kɐɡˈda/

Say it kug-DAH?

neutral questions time
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Когда?

Почему́?

Why?

IPA /pətɕɪˈmu/

Say it puh-chih-MOO?

neutral questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Почему?

Ско́лько э́то сто́ит?

How much is this?

IPA /ˈskolʲkə ˈɛtə ˈstoɪt/

Say it SKOHL-kuh EH-tuh STOH-it?

A fixed chunk — learn it whole. Сколько governs the genitive: сколько времени, сколько рублей, сколько человек.

neutral questions numbers shopping
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сколько это стоит?

Вы говори́те по-англи́йски?

Do you speak English?

IPA /ˈvɨ ɡəvɐˈrʲitʲə pəɐnˈɡlʲijskʲɪ/

Say it VIH guh-vuh-REE-tyuh puh-un-GLEE-skih?

A yes/no question uses exactly the same words as the statement. Only the intonation rises, sharply, on the stressed syllable.

neutral questions languages
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Вы говорите по-английски?

Э́то свобо́дно?

Is this free?

IPA /ˈɛtə svɐˈbodnə/

Say it EH-tuh svuh-BOHD-nuh?

Asked about a seat, a table or a taxi. Свободно is the neuter short form, so it needs no noun to agree with.

neutral questions everyday
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это свободно?

Не могли́ бы вы повтори́ть?

Could you say that again?

IPA /ˈnʲe mɐˈɡlʲi ˈbɨ ˈvɨ pəftɐˈrʲitʲ/

Say it NYEH muh-GLEE BIH VIH puh-ftuh-REET?

The formal clarification request, and the one worth memorising first: it works with anyone.

polite questions politeness communication
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Не могли бы вы повторить?

Повтори́, пожа́луйста.

Say that again, please.

IPA /pəftɐˈrʲi pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it puh-ftuh-REE, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

The ты imperative. Use only with children or close acquaintances.

informal questions communication register
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Повтори, пожалуйста.

Как э́то бу́дет по-ру́сски?

How do you say this in Russian?

IPA /ˈkak ˈɛtə ˈbudʲɪt pɐˈruskʲɪ/

Say it KAHK EH-tuh BOO-dit puh-ROO-skih?

Literally "how will this be in Russian?". The future tense is idiomatic here; the present would sound like a question about a fact.

neutral questions languages communication
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Как это будет по-русски?

Что зна́чит э́то сло́во?

What does this word mean?

IPA /ˈʂto ˈznatɕɪt ˈɛtə ˈslovə/

Say it SHTOH ZNAH-chit EH-tuh SLOH-vuh?

значит is the fixed third-person form used in definitions; it does not agree with the word being defined.

neutral questions definitions communication
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Что значит это слово?

Вы меня́ понима́ете?

Do you understand me?

IPA /ˈvɨ mʲɪˈnʲa pənʲɪˈmajɪtʲə/

Say it VIH mih-NYAH puh-nih-MAH-yih-tyuh?

меня is the accusative of я. Note that "I understand you" would be Я вас понимаю — the pronoun changes case, the verb does not.

neutral questions communication
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Вы меня понимаете?

Вы не подска́жете, где метро́?

Could you tell me where the metro is?

IPA /ˈvɨ ˈnʲe pɐtsˈkaʐɨtʲə ˈɡdʲe mʲɪˈtro/

Say it VIH NYEH put-SKAH-zhih-tyuh, guh-DYEH mih-TROH?

A negative yes/no question is the polite Russian request form, and the subordinate clause keeps statement word order: где метро, not где находится метро ли.

polite questions politeness place beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Вы не подскажете, где метро?

Мо́жно спроси́ть?

May I ask?

IPA /ˈmoʐnə sprɐˈsʲitʲ/

Say it MOHZH-nuh spruh-SEET?

The impersonal можно plus an infinitive is how Russian asks permission without naming who is allowed.

polite questions politeness beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Можно спросить?

Numbers and money

Оди́н, два, три, четы́ре, пять.

One, two, three, four, five.

IPA /ɐˈdʲin ˈdva ˈtrʲi tɕɪˈtɨrʲə ˈpʲatʲ/

Say it uh-DEEN, DVAH, TREE, chih-TIH-ryuh, PYAT.

один has three gender forms — один (m), одна (f), одно (n) — and they must agree with the noun being counted.

neutral numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Один, два, три, четыре, пять.

Шесть, семь, во́семь, де́вять, де́сять.

Six, seven, eight, nine, ten.

IPA /ˈʂɛsʲtʲ ˈsʲemʲ ˈvosʲɪmʲ ˈdʲevʲɪtʲ ˈdʲesʲɪtʲ/

Say it SHEST, SYEM, VOH-sim, DYEH-vyut, DYEH-syut.

neutral numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Шесть, семь, восемь, девять, десять.

Два́дцать, три́дцать, пятьдеся́т, сто.

Twenty, thirty, fifty, a hundred.

IPA /ˈdvatsɨtʲ ˈtrʲitsɨtʲ pʲɪdʲɪˈsat ˈsto/

Say it DVAH-tsit, TREE-tsit, pyuh-dih-SAHT, STOH.

Note the soft sign inside the teens and the tens: двадцать, тридцать, пятьдесят. It marks the original two words, "two tens", "five tens".

neutral numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Двадцать, тридцать, пятьдесят, сто.

Ты́сяча рубле́й.

A thousand roubles.

IPA /ˈtɨsʲɪtɕə rʊˈblʲej/

Say it TIH-syuh-chuh roo-BLEY.

After 5 and above, and after тысяча, the counted noun goes in the genitive plural: пять рублей, тысяча рублей.

neutral numbers shopping
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Тысяча рублей.

Ско́лько сто́ит биле́т?

How much is a ticket?

IPA /ˈskolʲkə ˈstoɪt bʲɪˈlʲet/

Say it SKOHL-kuh STOH-it bih-LYET?

neutral numbers questions shopping travel
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сколько стоит билет?

Два ко́фе, пожа́луйста.

Two coffees, please.

IPA /ˈdva ˈkofʲə pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it DVAH KOH-fyuh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

два governs the genitive singular, so it is два кофе, not два кофев. кофе is indeclinable and stays the same in every case.

neutral numbers food
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Два кофе, пожалуйста.

Пять биле́тов, пожа́луйста.

Five tickets, please.

IPA /ˈpʲatʲ bʲɪˈlʲetəf pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it PYAT bih-LYEH-tuf, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

Five and above take the genitive plural: пять билетов. Contrast два билета, три билета — the ending changes with the number, not the noun.

neutral numbers shopping travel
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Пять билетов, пожалуйста.

Э́то до́рого.

That's expensive.

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈdorəɡə/

Say it EH-tuh DOH-ruh-guh.

neutral numbers shopping opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это дорого.

Э́то дёшево.

That's cheap.

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈdʲoʂɨvə/

Say it EH-tuh DYOH-shih-vuh.

Always print the ё. дешево would be read as "dye-SHO-vo" by a learner and looks like a typo to a Russian.

neutral numbers shopping opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это дёшево.

Я пла́чу ка́ртой.

I am paying by card.

IPA /ˈja ˈplatɕʊ ˈkartəj/

Say it YAH PLAH-choo KAHR-tuy.

The instrumental answers "by what means": картой, наличными, переводом.

neutral numbers shopping
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я плачу картой.

У меня́ нет нали́чных.

I don't have any cash.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ˈnʲet nɐˈlʲitɕnɨx/

Say it oo mih-NYAH NYET nuh-LEE-chnikh.

Negated possession is у + genitive + нет, never я не имею. деньги and наличные have no singular.

neutral numbers shopping negation
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня нет наличных.

Да́йте, пожа́луйста, чек.

The receipt, please.

IPA /ˈdajtʲə pɐˈʐalʊjstə ˈtɕek/

Say it DAY-tyuh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh, CHEK.

дайте is the вы imperative of дать, a suppletive perfective verb: дам, дашь, даст, дадим, дадите, дадут.

neutral numbers shopping
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Дайте, пожалуйста, чек.

Сда́чи не на́до.

Keep the change.

IPA /ˈzdatɕɪ ˈnʲe ˈnadə/

Say it ZDAH-chih NYEH NAH-duh.

Literally "no change is needed". не надо is the impersonal way to say something is not wanted; it never changes form.

neutral numbers shopping
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сдачи не надо.

Ско́лько с меня́?

How much do I owe you?

IPA /ˈskolʲkə s mʲɪˈnʲa/

Say it SKOHL-kuh s mih-NYAH?

Literally "how much from me?", with the genitive after с. Very idiomatic at a market stall or in a taxi.

neutral numbers shopping questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сколько с меня?

Time and dates

Кото́рый час?

What time is it?

IPA /kɐˈtorɨj ˈtɕas/

Say it kuh-TOH-riy CHAHS?

Literally "which hour?". The other, equally common form is Сколько сейчас времени?

neutral time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Который час?

Ско́лько сейча́с вре́мени?

What's the time?

IPA /ˈskolʲkə sʲɪjˈtɕas ˈvrʲemʲɪnʲɪ/

Say it SKOHL-kuh siy-CHAHS VRYEH-mih-nih?

времени is the genitive of время, a neuter noun of the -мя type: время, времени, временем, о времени.

neutral time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сколько сейчас времени?

Сейча́с полови́на тре́тьего.

It's half past two.

IPA /sʲɪjˈtɕas pəlɐˈvʲinə ˈtrʲetʲəvə/

Say it siy-CHAHS puh-luh-VEE-nuh TRYEH-tyuh-vuh.

Literally "half of the third". Russian halves point forward to the next hour, so половина третьего is 2.30, never 3.30.

neutral time numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сейчас половина третьего.

В три часа́.

At three o'clock.

IPA /f ˈtrʲi tɕɪˈsa/

Say it f TREE chuh-SAH.

Clock time uses в + accusative, and the numeral decides the noun: в три часа, в пять часов. The hour word is час, not время.

neutral time numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: В три часа.

В кото́ром часу́?

At what time?

IPA /f kɐˈtorəm tɕɪˈsu/

Say it f kuh-TOH-rum chuh-SOO?

The rare locative form часу, used only with в when asking the time of an event. В котором час? would be wrong.

neutral time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: В котором часу?

Како́й сего́дня день?

What day is it today?

IPA /kɐˈkoj sʲɪˈvodʲnʲə ˈdʲenʲ/

Say it kuh-KOY sih-VOHD-nyuh DYEN?

Literally "what day is today?", asking for the day of the week.

neutral time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Какой сегодня день?

Сего́дня понеде́льник.

Today is Monday.

IPA /sʲɪˈvodʲnʲə pənʲɪˈdʲelʲnʲɪk/

Say it sih-VOHD-nyuh puh-nih-DYEL-nik.

Days of the week are not capitalised in Russian, and the copula is absent: Сегодня понедельник, literally "today Monday".

neutral time
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сегодня понедельник.

Сего́дня пя́тое ма́я.

Today is the fifth of May.

IPA /sʲɪˈvodʲnʲə ˈpʲatəjə ˈmajə/

Say it sih-VOHD-nyuh PYAH-tuh-yuh MAH-yuh.

A date is an ordinal in the nominative neuter plus the month in the genitive: пятое мая, первое января. The month never takes a preposition.

neutral time numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сегодня пятое мая.

У́тром, днём, ве́чером, но́чью.

In the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, at night.

IPA /ˈutrəm ˈdnʲom ˈvʲetɕɪrəm ˈnotɕjʊ/

Say it OO-trum, duh-NYOHM, VYEH-chih-rum, NOH-choo.

These four are frozen instrumental forms functioning as adverbs. English "in the morning" has no preposition in Russian at all.

neutral time
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Утром, днём, вечером, ночью.

Ка́ждый день.

Every day.

IPA /ˈkaʐdɨj ˈdʲenʲ/

Say it KAH-zhdiy DYEN.

каждый agrees with the noun and the noun stays singular: каждый день, каждая неделя.

neutral time
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Каждый день.

Че́рез неде́лю.

In a week.

IPA /ˈtɕerʲɪz nʲɪˈdʲelʲʊ/

Say it CHEH-ris nih-DYEH-lyoo.

через + accusative means "in" for a point in the future: через час, через две недели.

neutral time numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Через неделю.

С понеде́льника по пя́тницу.

Monday to Friday.

IPA /s pənʲɪˈdʲelʲnʲɪkə pə ˈpʲatnʲɪtsʊ/

Say it s puh-nih-DYEL-nih-kuh puh PYAHT-nih-tsoo.

с + genitive and по + accusative frame a period: from… through to… inclusive.

neutral time work
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: С понедельника по пятницу.

У меня́ нет вре́мени.

I have no time.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ˈnʲet ˈvrʲemʲɪnʲɪ/

Say it oo mih-NYAH NYET VRYEH-mih-nih.

Literally "at me there is no time". Note the genitive времени after нет.

neutral time negation
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня нет времени.

Сейча́с и́ли пото́м?

Now or later?

IPA /sʲɪjˈtɕas ˈilʲɪ pɐˈtom/

Say it siy-CHAHS EE-lih puh-TOHM?

neutral time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сейчас или потом?

Family and people

Э́то моя́ семья́.

This is my family.

IPA /ˈɛtə mɐˈja sʲɪmʲˈja/

Say it EH-tuh muh-YAH sih-MYAH.

семья is a feminine noun of the -ья type, so the possessive is моя, not мой.

neutral family
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это моя семья.

У меня́ есть брат и сестра́.

I have a brother and a sister.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ˈjesʲtʲ ˈbrat ˈi sʲɪˈstra/

Say it oo mih-NYAH YEST BRAHT EE sih-STRAH.

Russian possession is "at me there is": у + genitive + есть. The verb agrees with what is possessed, not with the speaker.

neutral family
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня есть брат и сестра.

Э́то мой муж.

This is my husband.

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈmoj ˈmuʂ/

Say it EH-tuh MOY MOOSH.

neutral family
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это мой муж.

Э́то моя́ жена́.

This is my wife.

IPA /ˈɛtə mɐˈja ʐɨˈna/

Say it EH-tuh muh-YAH zhih-NAH.

neutral family
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это моя жена.

У меня́ дво́е дете́й.

I have two children.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ˈdvojə dʲɪˈtʲej/

Say it oo mih-NYAH DVOH-yuh dih-TEY.

Collective numerals — двое, трое, четверо — are used with дети and with plural-only nouns, and they take the genitive plural.

neutral family numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня двое детей.

Э́то мои́ роди́тели.

These are my parents.

IPA /ˈɛtə mɐˈi rɐˈdʲitʲɪlʲɪ/

Say it EH-tuh muh-EE ruh-DEE-tih-lih.

With a plural noun the possessive is мои and the copula disappears, so the whole sentence is just a pointing word and two nouns.

neutral family beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это мои родители.

Э́то мой деду́шка и моя́ ба́бушка.

This is my grandfather and my grandmother.

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈmoj dʲɪˈduʂkə ˈi mɐˈja ˈbabʊʂkə/

Say it EH-tuh MOY dih-DOO-shkuh EE muh-YAH BAH-boo-shkuh.

дедушка ends in -а and is grammatically masculine even though it means a woman's or a man's grandfather, so it takes мой.

neutral family
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это мой дедушка и моя бабушка.

У вас есть де́ти?

Do you have children?

IPA /ʊ ˈvas ˈjesʲtʲ ˈdʲetʲɪ/

Say it oo VAHS YEST DYEH-tih?

neutral family questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У вас есть дети?

У меня́ нет дете́й.

I don't have children.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ˈnʲet dʲɪˈtʲej/

Say it oo mih-NYAH NYET dih-TEY.

Negating possession drops есть and puts the possessed noun in the genitive plural: нет детей.

neutral family negation
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня нет детей.

Э́то мой друг.

This is my friend (a man).

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈmoj ˈdruk/

Say it EH-tuh MOY DROOKH.

neutral family people
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это мой друг.

Э́то моя́ подру́га.

This is my friend (a woman).

IPA /ˈɛtə mɐˈja pɐˈdruɡə/

Say it EH-tuh muh-YAH puh-DROO-guh.

подруга can mean a female friend or a girlfriend; the context decides. друг is normally male, though a mixed group is друзья.

neutral family people
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это моя подруга.

Ско́лько челове́к в ва́шей семье́?

How many people are in your family?

IPA /ˈskolʲkə tɕɪlɐˈvʲek v ˈvaʂɨj sʲɪmʲˈje/

Say it SKOHL-kuh chih-luh-VYEK v VAH-shiy sih-MYEH?

After сколько the noun is genitive plural, and человек has the irregular genitive plural человек, not человеков.

neutral family numbers questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сколько человек в вашей семье?

Мой сын — студе́нт.

My son is a student.

IPA /ˈmoj ˈsɨn stʊˈdʲent/

Say it MOY SIHN — stoo-DYENT.

The em dash appears when both subject and predicate are nouns in the nominative and there is no verb between them.

neutral family professions study
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мой сын — студент.

Э́то моя́ тётя.

This is my aunt.

IPA /ˈɛtə mɐˈja ˈtʲotʲə/

Say it EH-tuh muh-YAH TYOH-tyuh.

Always print the ё: тетя without it looks like a typo and would be read as "tye-tya".

neutral family
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это моя тётя.

Food and drink

Я хочу́ пить.

I am thirsty.

IPA /ˈja xɐˈtɕu ˈpʲitʲ/

Say it YAH khuh-CHOO PEET.

Literally "I want to drink". Russian has no single verb for being thirsty or hungry.

neutral food feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я хочу пить.

Я хочу́ есть.

I am hungry.

IPA /ˈja xɐˈtɕu ˈjesʲtʲ/

Say it YAH khuh-CHOO YEST.

Literally "I want to eat". The same verb есть means both "to eat" and "there is" — only the position tells them apart.

neutral food feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я хочу есть.

Что вы хоти́те?

What would you like?

IPA /ˈʂto ˈvɨ xɐˈtʲitʲə/

Say it SHTOH VIH khuh-TEE-tyuh?

хотеть is irregular in the plural: мы хотим, вы хотите, but я хочу, они хотят.

neutral food questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Что вы хотите?

Чай и́ли ко́фе?

Tea or coffee?

IPA /ˈtɕaj ˈilʲɪ ˈkofʲə/

Say it CHAY EE-lih KOH-fyuh?

кофе is masculine despite ending in -е, so it is этот кофе, хороший кофе.

neutral food questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Чай или кофе?

Да́йте, пожа́луйста, воды́.

Some water, please.

IPA /ˈdajtʲə pɐˈʐalʊjstə vɐˈdɨ/

Say it DAY-tyuh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh, vuh-DIH.

The partitive genitive воды after a request implies "some of it"; accusative воду would mean one specific quantity of water.

neutral food politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Дайте, пожалуйста, воды.

Без са́хара, пожа́луйста.

Without sugar, please.

IPA /bʲɪs ˈsaxərə pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it bis SAH-khuh-ruh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

без always takes the genitive: без сахара, без молока, без льда.

neutral food
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Без сахара, пожалуйста.

Я не ем мя́со.

I don't eat meat.

IPA /ˈja ˈnʲe ˈjem ˈmʲasə/

Say it YAH NYEH YEM MYAH-suh.

The direct object stays accusative after a negated verb of eating and drinking; the genitive (я не ем мяса) is also correct but more formal.

neutral food negation
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я не ем мясо.

Я люблю́ чай с лимо́ном.

I like tea with lemon.

IPA /ˈja lʲʊˈblʲu ˈtɕaj s lʲɪˈmonəm/

Say it YAH lyoo-BLYOO CHAY s lih-MOH-num.

с meaning "with" takes the instrumental: с лимоном, с молоком, с сахаром.

neutral food hobbies
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я люблю чай с лимоном.

Э́то вку́сно!

This is delicious!

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈfkusnə/

Say it EH-tuh FKOO-snuh!

вкусно is the short neuter predicative; it says nothing about any noun and so never agrees.

neutral food opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это вкусно!

Э́то сли́шком сла́дко.

This is too sweet.

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈslʲiʂkəm ˈslatkə/

Say it EH-tuh SLEE-shkum SLAHT-kuh.

слишком + short adjective is the standard way to complain politely about food.

neutral food opinions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это слишком сладко.

Соль и пе́рец, пожа́луйста.

Salt and pepper, please.

IPA /ˈsolʲ ˈi ˈpʲerʲɪts pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it SYOL EE PYEH-rits, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

A noun on its own with пожалуйста is a complete order in a café; no verb is needed.

neutral food objects
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Соль и перец, пожалуйста.

Ещё одну́ ча́шку ча́я, пожа́луйста.

Another cup of tea, please.

IPA /jɪˈɕːo ɐdˈnu ˈtɕaʂkʊ ˈtɕajə pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it yih-SHCHOH ud-NOO CHAH-shkoo CHAH-yuh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

Two genitives in a row: чашку чая, "a cup of tea". The container is accusative after ещё одну, the contents genitive.

neutral food numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Ещё одну чашку чая, пожалуйста.

Мне нра́вится ру́сская ку́хня.

I like Russian food.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈnravʲɪtsə ˈruskəjə ˈkuxnʲə/

Say it muh-NYEH NRAH-vih-tsyuh ROO-skuh-yuh KOOKH-nyuh.

нравиться takes a dative subject and a nominative object: the food pleases me. Literally "to me Russian cuisine is pleasing".

neutral food opinions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нравится русская кухня.

А что э́то за блю́до?

And what kind of dish is this?

IPA /ˈa ˈʂto ˈɛtə zə ˈblʲudə/

Say it AH SHTOH EH-tuh zuh BLYOO-duh?

что это за + nominative is the fixed frame for "what sort of…". The за is not a preposition here and never changes.

neutral food questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: А что это за блюдо?

In a restaurant

Сто́лик на дво́их, пожа́луйста.

A table for two, please.

IPA /ˈstolʲɪk nə ˈdvoɪx pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it STOH-lik nuh DVOH-ikh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

на + accusative expresses capacity: на двоих, на четверых. The genitive forms двоих, четверых only appear with these collective numerals.

restaurant food politeness numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Столик на двоих, пожалуйста.

У вас есть свобо́дные сто́лики?

Do you have any free tables?

IPA /ʊ ˈvas ˈjesʲtʲ svɐˈbodnɨjə ˈstolʲɪkʲɪ/

Say it oo VAHS YEST svuh-BOHD-nih-yuh STOH-lih-kih?

restaurant food questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У вас есть свободные столики?

Меню́, пожа́луйста.

The menu, please.

IPA /mʲɪˈnʲu pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it mih-NYOO, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

меню is indeclinable and neuter, so it is the same in every case and number.

restaurant food politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Меню, пожалуйста.

Мы гото́вы заказа́ть.

We are ready to order.

IPA /ˈmɨ ɡɐˈtovɨ zəkɐˈzatʲ/

Say it MIH guh-TOH-vih zuh-kuh-ZYAT.

The short adjective готовы goes with the infinitive; the full form готовые would need a noun to modify.

restaurant food
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мы готовы заказать.

Что вы посове́туете?

What do you recommend?

IPA /ˈʂto ˈvɨ pəsɐˈvʲetʊjɪtʲə/

Say it SHTOH VIH puh-suh-VYEH-too-yih-tyuh?

посоветовать is perfective, so the form is future in shape but present in meaning: it asks for one recommendation now.

restaurant food questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Что вы посоветуете?

Я бу́ду суп и сала́т.

I will have the soup and a salad.

IPA /ˈja ˈbudʊ ˈsup ˈi sɐˈlat/

Say it YAH BOO-doo SOOP EE suh-LAHT.

Using буду with a noun in the accusative is the standard way to order; it is not a future-tense statement about yourself.

restaurant food
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я буду суп и салат.

Принеси́те, пожа́луйста, ви́лку.

Could you bring a fork, please?

IPA /prʲɪnʲɪˈsʲitʲə pɐˈʐalʊjstə ˈvʲilkʊ/

Say it prih-nih-SEE-tyuh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh, VEEL-koo.

restaurant food objects politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Принесите, пожалуйста, вилку.

Ещё одну́ буты́лку воды́, пожа́луйста.

Another bottle of water, please.

IPA /jɪˈɕːo ɐdˈnu bʊˈtɨlkʊ vɐˈdɨ pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it yih-SHCHOH ud-NOO boo-TIHL-koo vuh-DIH, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

restaurant food numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Ещё одну бутылку воды, пожалуйста.

Э́то бы́ло о́чень вку́сно.

That was delicious.

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈbɨlə ˈotɕɪnʲ ˈfkusnə/

Say it EH-tuh BIH-luh OH-chin FKOO-snuh.

The past tense needs было here because вкусно is a predicative, not an adjective: literally "it was very tasty".

restaurant food opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это было очень вкусно.

В э́том блю́де есть оре́хи?

Are there nuts in this dish?

IPA /v ˈɛtəm ˈblʲudʲə ˈjesʲtʲ ɐˈrʲexʲɪ/

Say it v EH-tum BLYOO-dyuh YEST uh-RYEH-khih?

The prepositional case after в answers "in what?": в блюде, в супе, в соусе.

restaurant food questions health
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: В этом блюде есть орехи?

Счёт, пожа́луйста.

The bill, please.

IPA /ˈɕːot pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it SHCHOHT, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

Print the ё: счёт is "the bill", счет is not a word. American "check" is чек, which in Russia means the printed receipt.

restaurant food numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Счёт, пожалуйста.

Мо́жно оплати́ть ка́ртой?

Can I pay by card?

IPA /ˈmoʐnə əplɐˈtʲitʲ ˈkartəj/

Say it MOHZH-nuh uh-pluh-TEET KAHR-tuy?

restaurant food numbers questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Можно оплатить картой?

Обслужи́вание включено́ в счёт?

Is service included?

IPA /əpslʊˈʐivənʲɪjə fklʲʊtɕɪˈno f ˈɕːot/

Say it up-sloo-ZHIH-vuh-nih-yuh fuh-klyoo-chih-NOH f SHCHOHT?

включено is the short neuter form, agreeing with обслуживание.

restaurant food numbers questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Обслуживание включено в счёт?

Позови́те официа́нта, пожа́луйста.

Could you call the waiter, please?

IPA /pəzɐˈvʲitʲə əfʲɪtsɨˈantə pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it puh-zuh-VEE-tyuh uh-fih-tsih-AHN-tuh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

позвать takes the animate accusative, which for a masculine person equals the genitive: официа+нта, not официант.

restaurant food professions politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Позовите официанта, пожалуйста.

Shopping

Ско́лько сто́ит э́та су́мка?

How much is this bag?

IPA /ˈskolʲkə ˈstoɪt ˈɛtə ˈsumkə/

Say it SKOHL-kuh STOH-it EH-tuh SOOM-kuh?

The demonstrative agrees with the noun: эта сумка, этот телефон, это пальто.

neutral shopping numbers questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сколько стоит эта сумка?

Како́й э́то разме́р?

What size is this?

IPA /kɐˈkoj ˈɛtə rɐzˈmʲer/

Say it kuh-KOY EH-tuh ruh-ZMYER?

neutral shopping questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Какой это размер?

У вас есть тако́й же, но бо́льше?

Do you have the same but bigger?

IPA /ʊ ˈvas ˈjesʲtʲ tɐˈkoj ˈʐe ˈno ˈbolʲʂə/

Say it oo VAHS YEST tuh-KOY ZHEH, NOH BOHL-shih?

такой же means "the same", and больше is the comparative of большой. A comparative never takes a case ending, so it is больше, not *большего.

neutral shopping adjectives beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У вас есть такой же, но больше?

Где приме́рочная?

Where is the fitting room?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe prʲɪˈmʲerətɕnəjə/

Say it guh-DYEH prih-MYEH-ruh-chnuh-yuh?

приме́рочная is an adjective used as a noun, so it takes the feminine ending to agree with the understood комната.

neutral shopping place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где примерочная?

Мо́жно приме́рить?

Can I try it on?

IPA /ˈmoʐnə prʲɪˈmʲerʲɪtʲ/

Say it MOHZH-nuh prih-MYEH-rit?

neutral shopping questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Можно примерить?

Э́то мне ма́ло.

It is too small for me.

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈmnʲe ˈmalə/

Say it EH-tuh muh-NYEH MAH-luh.

Literally "this is small to me", with the dative. The same frame gives это мне велико, "it is too big for me".

neutral shopping feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это мне мало.

Э́то сли́шком до́рого.

That is too expensive.

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈslʲiʂkəm ˈdorəɡə/

Say it EH-tuh SLEE-shkum DOH-ruh-guh.

дорого is the short neuter adverb, stressed on the first syllable — so the г here is a real [ɡ], not the [v] of the adjective ending -ого.

neutral shopping opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это слишком дорого.

Я беру́ э́то.

I will take it.

IPA /ˈja bʲɪˈru ˈɛtə/

Say it YAH bih-ROO EH-tuh.

The imperfective present беру does the work of English "I'll take": aspect, not tense, carries the decision.

neutral shopping
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я беру это.

Где ка́сса?

Where is the till?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈkasə/

Say it guh-DYEH KAH-suh?

neutral shopping place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где касса?

Вы принима́ете ка́рты?

Do you take cards?

IPA /ˈvɨ prʲɪnʲɪˈmajɪtʲə ˈkartɨ/

Say it VIH prih-nih-MAH-yih-tyuh KAHR-tih?

neutral shopping questions numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Вы принимаете карты?

Да́йте, пожа́луйста, паке́т.

A bag, please.

IPA /ˈdajtʲə pɐˈʐalʊjstə pɐˈkʲet/

Say it DAY-tyuh, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh, puh-KYET.

neutral shopping objects
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Дайте, пожалуйста, пакет.

Мне ну́жен чек.

I need a receipt.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈnuʐɨn ˈtɕek/

Say it muh-NYEH NOO-zhin CHEK.

нужен is the short adjective and agrees with the thing needed: нужен чек, нужна помощь, нужно время, нужны билеты.

neutral shopping objects
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нужен чек.

Мо́жно верну́ть э́то?

Can I return this?

IPA /ˈmoʐnə vʲɪrˈnutʲ ˈɛtə/

Say it MOHZH-nuh vih-RNYUT EH-tuh?

neutral shopping questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Можно вернуть это?

До кото́рого ча́са вы рабо́таете?

What time do you close?

IPA /də kɐˈtorəvə ˈtɕasə ˈvɨ rɐˈbotəjɪtʲə/

Say it duh kuh-TOH-ruh-vuh CHAH-suh VIH ruh-BOH-tuh-yih-tyuh?

Literally "until which hour do you work?". до + genitive, and часа is the genitive of час.

neutral shopping time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: До которого часа вы работаете?

Transport

Где остано́вка авто́буса?

Where is the bus stop?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe əstɐˈnofkə ɐfˈtobʊsə/

Say it guh-DYEH uh-stuh-NOH-fkuh uh-FTOH-boo-suh?

The vehicle goes in the genitive after the place: остановка автобуса, станция метро, аэропорт города.

travel transport place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где остановка автобуса?

Како́й авто́бус идёт в центр?

Which bus goes to the centre?

IPA /kɐˈkoj ɐfˈtobʊs ɪˈdʲot f ˈtsentr/

Say it kuh-KOY uh-FTOH-boos ih-DYOHT f TSENTR?

идти is for going on foot or by any vehicle seen as moving along a route; a bus and a train both "go", they do not "ride".

travel transport questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Какой автобус идёт в центр?

Э́тот авто́бус идёт до вокза́ла?

Does this bus go to the station?

IPA /ˈɛtət ɐfˈtobʊs ɪˈdʲot də vɐɡˈzalə/

Say it EH-tut uh-FTOH-boos ih-DYOHT duh vug-ZAH-luh?

до + genitive marks the end point of a journey: до вокзала, до аэропорта.

travel transport questions place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Этот автобус идёт до вокзала?

Оди́н биле́т, пожа́луйста.

One ticket, please.

IPA /ɐˈdʲin bʲɪˈlʲet pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it uh-DEEN bih-LYET, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

один agrees in gender with the noun: один билет, одна минута, одно место.

travel transport numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Один билет, пожалуйста.

Биле́т до Москвы́, пожа́луйста.

A ticket to Moscow, please.

IPA /bʲɪˈlʲet də mɐˈskvɨ pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it bih-LYET duh muh-SKVIH, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

A ticket TO a place uses до + genitive, not в + accusative: билет до Москвы. This is a fixed government and beginners get it wrong every time.

travel transport travel numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Билет до Москвы, пожалуйста.

Ско́лько сто́ит прое́зд?

How much is the fare?

IPA /ˈskolʲkə ˈstoɪt prɐˈjezt/

Say it SKOHL-kuh STOH-it pruh-YEST?

travel transport numbers questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сколько стоит проезд?

Когда́ отправля́ется по́езд?

When does the train leave?

IPA /kɐɡˈda ətprɐˈvlʲajɪtsə ˈpojɪzt/

Say it kug-DAH ut-pruh-VLYAH-yih-tsyuh POH-yist?

The reflexive -ся here is not passive but intransitive: the train departs itself, so to speak. отправлять without -ся means "to send something".

travel transport time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Когда отправляется поезд?

С како́й платфо́рмы?

From which platform?

IPA /s kɐˈkoj plɐtˈformɨ/

Say it s kuh-KOY plut-FOHR-mih?

с + genitive is the counterpart of на + prepositional for platforms and stops: поезд с первой платформы.

travel transport questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: С какой платформы?

Где ста́нция метро́?

Where is the metro station?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈstantsɨjə mʲɪˈtro/

Say it guh-DYEH STAHN-tsih-yuh mih-TROH?

метро is indeclinable, so it never changes form and never takes a preposition of its own here.

travel transport place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где станция метро?

Мне ну́жно вы́йти на сле́дующей остано́вке.

I need to get off at the next stop.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈnuʐnə ˈvɨjtʲɪ nə ˈslʲedʊjʊɕːɪj əstɐˈnofkʲə/

Say it muh-NYEH NOOZH-nuh VIY-tih nuh SLYEH-doo-yoo-shchiy uh-stuh-NOH-fkyuh.

After a verb of stepping off, the stop is prepositional with на: выйти на остановке. The perfective выйти is required because it is one completed action.

travel transport place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нужно выйти на следующей остановке.

Вы́зовите мне такси́, пожа́луйста.

Could you call me a taxi, please?

IPA /ˈvɨzəvʲɪtʲə ˈmnʲe tɐkˈsʲi pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it VIH-zuh-vih-tyuh muh-NYEH tuh-KSEE, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

travel transport politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Вызовите мне такси, пожалуйста.

Останови́те здесь, пожа́луйста.

Stop here, please.

IPA /əstənɐˈvʲitʲə ˈzʲdʲesʲ pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it uh-stuh-nuh-VEE-tyuh ZDYES, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

Said from the back seat. The perfective остановите means "bring it to a stop", which is exactly what you want.

travel transport politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Остановите здесь, пожалуйста.

Э́то ме́сто свобо́дно?

Is this seat free?

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈmʲestə svɐˈbodnə/

Say it EH-tuh MYEH-stuh svuh-BOHD-nuh?

travel transport questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это место свободно?

По́езд опа́здывает?

Is the train late?

IPA /ˈpojɪzt ɐˈpazdɨvəjɪt/

Say it POH-yist uh-PAH-zdih-vuh-yit?

опаздывать is imperfective and asks about a state of affairs; the perfective опоздать would ask whether it has already missed its slot.

travel transport time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Поезд опаздывает?

Asking the way

Как пройти́ к музе́ю?

How do I get to the museum?

IPA /ˈkak prɐjˈtʲi k mʊˈzʲejʊ/

Say it KAHK pruy-TEE k moo-ZYEH-yoo?

The dative after к marks movement towards: к музею, к вокзалу, к врачу.

neutral directions place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Как пройти к музею?

Где нахо́дится вокза́л?

Where is the station?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe nɐˈxodʲɪtsə vɐɡˈzal/

Say it guh-DYEH nuh-KHOH-dih-tsyuh vug-ZAHL?

находиться literally means "find itself" and is the neutral way to ask where something is situated.

neutral directions place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где находится вокзал?

Иди́те пря́мо.

Go straight ahead.

IPA /ɪˈdʲitʲə ˈprʲamə/

Say it ih-DEE-tyuh PRYAH-muh.

The imperative of идти is irregular: иди (ты), идите (вы). There is no "*идьте".

neutral directions motion
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Идите прямо.

Поверни́те напра́во.

Turn right.

IPA /pəvʲɪrˈnʲitʲə nɐˈpravə/

Say it puh-vih-RNEE-tyuh nuh-PRAH-vuh.

neutral directions motion
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Поверните направо.

Поверни́те нале́во.

Turn left.

IPA /pəvʲɪrˈnʲitʲə nɐˈlʲevə/

Say it puh-vih-RNEE-tyuh nuh-LYEH-vuh.

направо and налево are adverbs, so they are invariable; правый and левый are the adjectives and do agree.

neutral directions motion
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Поверните налево.

Э́то далеко́?

Is it far?

IPA /ˈɛtə dəlʲɪˈko/

Say it EH-tuh duh-lih-KOH?

neutral directions questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это далеко?

Э́то совсе́м бли́зко.

It is really close.

IPA /ˈɛtə sɐfˈsʲem ˈblʲiskə/

Say it EH-tuh suh-FSYEM BLEE-skuh.

neutral directions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это совсем близко.

Иди́те до перекрёстка.

Go as far as the crossroads.

IPA /ɪˈdʲitʲə də pʲɪrʲɪˈkrʲostkə/

Say it ih-DEE-tyuh duh pih-rih-KRYOHST-kuh.

до + genitive marks the limit: до перекрёстка, до угла, до конца улицы.

neutral directions motion city
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Идите до перекрёстка.

На светофо́ре поверни́те напра́во.

Turn right at the traffic lights.

IPA /nə svʲɪtɐˈforʲə pəvʲɪrˈnʲitʲə nɐˈpravə/

Say it nuh svih-tuh-FOH-ryuh puh-vih-RNEE-tyuh nuh-PRAH-vuh.

A point where something happens takes на + prepositional: на светофоре, на остановке, на углу.

neutral directions city
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: На светофоре поверните направо.

Где пешехо́дный перехо́д?

Where is the pedestrian crossing?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe pʲɪʂɨˈxodnɨj pʲɪrʲɪˈxot/

Say it guh-DYEH pih-shih-KHOHD-niy pih-rih-KHOHT?

neutral directions city beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где пешеходный переход?

Э́то за у́глом.

It is round the corner.

IPA /ˈɛtə zə ˈuɡləm/

Say it EH-tuh zuh OO-glum.

за + instrumental here means "just beyond": за углом, за домом, за парком.

neutral directions place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это за углом.

Ря́дом с ба́нком.

Next to the bank.

IPA /ˈrʲadəm z ˈbankəm/

Say it RYAH-dum z BAHN-kum.

рядом с always takes the instrumental, so the bank becomes банком.

neutral directions place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Рядом с банком.

Дойди́те до конца́ у́лицы.

Go to the end of the street.

IPA /dɐjˈdʲitʲə də kɐnˈtsa ˈulʲɪtsɨ/

Say it duy-DEE-tyuh duh kun-TSAH OO-lih-tsih.

дойти is the perfective of идти with до-, and it means "reach on foot". Two genitives stack up: конца улицы.

neutral directions motion
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Дойдите до конца улицы.

Вы не могли́ бы показа́ть на ка́рте?

Could you show me on the map?

IPA /ˈvɨ ˈnʲe mɐˈɡlʲi ˈbɨ pəkɐˈzatʲ nə ˈkartʲə/

Say it VIH NYEH muh-GLEE BIH puh-kuh-ZYAT nuh KAHR-tyuh?

показать is perfective; the imperfective показывать would suggest showing repeatedly or for a while.

polite directions politeness objects beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Вы не могли бы показать на карте?

Places in the city

Я ищу́ апте́ку.

I am looking for a pharmacy.

IPA /ˈja ɪˈɕːu ɐpˈtʲekʊ/

Say it YAH ih-SHCHOO up-TYEH-koo.

искать takes the accusative for a concrete thing (аптеку) but the genitive for something abstract or unspecified (помощи, работы).

neutral city place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я ищу аптеку.

Где здесь туале́т?

Where is the toilet here?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈzʲdʲesʲ tʊɐˈlʲet/

Say it guh-DYEH ZDYES too-uh-LYET?

здесь softens the question — without it, Где туалет? is perfectly correct but very blunt.

neutral city place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где здесь туалет?

Где ближа́йший банкома́т?

Where is the nearest cash machine?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe blʲɪˈʐajʂɨj bənkɐˈmat/

Say it guh-DYEH blih-ZHAY-shiy bun-kuh-MAHT?

neutral city place questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где ближайший банкомат?

Где по́чта?

Where is the post office?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈpotɕtə/

Say it guh-DYEH POH-chtuh?

почта is one of the few feminine places that take на, not в: на почте for where it is, на почту for where you are going. В почте is a hard error.

neutral city place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где почта?

Где банк?

Where is the bank?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈbank/

Say it guh-DYEH BAHNK?

neutral city place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где банк?

Здесь есть супермарке́т?

Is there a supermarket here?

IPA /ˈzʲdʲesʲ ˈjesʲtʲ sʊpʲɪrmɐrˈkʲet/

Say it ZDYES YEST soo-pihr-muhr-KYET?

neutral city place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Здесь есть супермаркет?

Музе́й откры́т в понеде́льник?

Is the museum open on Monday?

IPA /mʊˈzʲej ɐtˈkrɨt f pənʲɪˈdʲelʲnʲɪk/

Say it moo-ZEY ut-KRIHT f puh-nih-DYEL-nik?

Days of the week take в + accusative: в понедельник, в субботу. The short form открыт is invariable, so it works for any gender.

neutral city time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Музей открыт в понедельник?

Во ско́лько закрыва́ется музе́й?

What time does the museum close?

IPA /və ˈskolʲkə zəkrɨˈvajɪtsə mʊˈzʲej/

Say it vuh SKOHL-kuh zuh-krih-VAH-yih-tsyuh moo-ZEY?

во rather than в before ско-, and the reflexive -ся makes the verb intransitive: the museum closes itself.

neutral city time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Во сколько закрывается музей?

Где вход?

Where is the entrance?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈfxot/

Say it guh-DYEH fuh-KHOHT?

neutral city place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где вход?

Где вы́ход?

Where is the exit?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈvɨxət/

Say it guh-DYEH VIH-khut?

вход and выход differ only by prefix, and the prefix carries the whole meaning: в- "in", вы- "out".

neutral city place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где выход?

Э́то центр го́рода?

Is this the city centre?

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈtsentr ˈɡorədə/

Say it EH-tuh TSENTR GOH-ruh-duh?

neutral city place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это центр города?

Где мо́жно купи́ть воду́?

Where can I buy some water?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈmoʐnə kʊˈpʲitʲ vɐˈdu/

Say it guh-DYEH MOHZH-nuh koo-PEET vuh-DOO?

neutral city shopping questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где можно купить воду?

Где парк?

Where is the park?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈpark/

Say it guh-DYEH PAHRK?

neutral city place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где парк?

Каки́е достопримеча́тельности здесь есть?

What sights are there here?

IPA /kɐˈkʲijə dəstəprʲɪmʲɪˈtɕatʲɪlʲnəsʲtʲɪ ˈzʲdʲesʲ ˈjesʲtʲ/

Say it kuh-KEE-yuh duh-stuh-prih-mih-CHAH-til-nuh-stih ZDYES YEST?

A long word but a regular one: the stress stays on the second -а- in every form of достопримечательность.

neutral city questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Какие достопримечательности здесь есть?

In a hotel

У вас есть свобо́дные но́мера?

Do you have any rooms free?

IPA /ʊ ˈvas ˈjesʲtʲ svɐˈbodnɨjə ˈnomʲɪrə/

Say it oo VAHS YEST svuh-BOHD-nih-yuh NOH-mih-ruh?

номер is stressed on the ending in the plural: номера́, not но́мера.

travel travel questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У вас есть свободные номера?

У меня́ бронь на и́мя Смит.

I have a reservation in the name of Smith.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ˈbronʲ nə ˈimʲə ˈsmʲit/

Say it oo mih-NYAH BRYON nuh EE-myuh SMEET.

на + accusative gives the name a booking is held under. Foreign names are normally left undeclined.

travel travel name
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня бронь на имя Смит.

Но́мер на одну́ ночь, пожа́луйста.

A room for one night, please.

IPA /ˈnomʲɪr nə ɐdˈnu ˈnotɕ pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it NOH-mihr nuh ud-NOO NOHCH, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

ночь is a third-declension feminine noun, so the genitive plural is ночей: на три ночи, пять ночей.

travel travel numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Номер на одну ночь, пожалуйста.

Ско́лько сто́ит но́мер за ночь?

How much is a room per night?

IPA /ˈskolʲkə ˈstoɪt ˈnomʲɪr zə ˈnotɕ/

Say it SKOHL-kuh STOH-it NOH-mihr zuh NOHCH?

travel travel numbers questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Сколько стоит номер за ночь?

Мне ну́жен двухме́стный но́мер.

I need a double room.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈnuʐɨn dvʊxˈmʲestnɨj ˈnomʲɪr/

Say it muh-NYEH NOO-zhin dvookh-MYEST-niy NOH-mihr.

двухместный is literally "two-place"; a single room is одноместный номер.

travel travel beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нужен двухместный номер.

За́втрак включён?

Is breakfast included?

IPA /ˈzaftrək fklʲʊˈtɕon/

Say it ZAHF-truk fuh-klyoo-CHOHN?

включён is the short masculine form and agrees with завтрак; with a feminine noun it would be включена.

travel travel food questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Завтрак включён?

Во ско́лько за́втрак?

What time is breakfast?

IPA /və ˈskolʲkə ˈzaftrək/

Say it vuh SKOHL-kuh ZAHF-truk?

travel travel time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Во сколько завтрак?

Мой но́мер на како́м этаже́?

What floor is my room on?

IPA /ˈmoj ˈnomʲɪr nə kɐˈkom ɪtɐˈʐe/

Say it MOY NOH-mihr nuh kuh-KOHM ih-tuh-ZHEH?

этаж takes на + prepositional for the floor something is on: на третьем этаже.

travel travel place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мой номер на каком этаже?

Да́йте мне ключ, пожа́луйста.

Could I have the key, please?

IPA /ˈdajtʲə ˈmnʲe ˈklʲutɕ pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it DAY-tyuh muh-NYEH KLYOOCH, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

travel travel objects politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Дайте мне ключ, пожалуйста.

В но́мере нет горя́чей воды́.

There is no hot water in the room.

IPA /v ˈnomʲɪrʲə ˈnʲet ɡɐˈrʲatɕɪj vɐˈdɨ/

Say it v NOH-mih-ryuh NYET guh-RYAH-chiy vuh-DIH.

Negated existence puts the noun in the genitive, and the adjective follows it: нет горячей воды, not нет горячую воду.

travel travel negation beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: В номере нет горячей воды.

Кондицио́нер не рабо́тает.

The air conditioning is not working.

IPA /kəndʲɪtsɨˈonʲɪr ˈnʲe rɐˈbotəjɪt/

Say it kun-dih-tsih-OH-nihr NYEH ruh-BOH-tuh-yit.

не работает is the universal complaint formula: the lift, the shower and the internet all use it.

travel travel negation beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Кондиционер не работает.

Мо́жно поменя́ть но́мер?

Can I change rooms?

IPA /ˈmoʐnə pəmʲɪˈnʲatʲ ˈnomʲɪr/

Say it MOHZH-nuh puh-mih-NYAT NOH-mihr?

travel travel questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Можно поменять номер?

Во ско́лько вы́езд?

What time is check-out?

IPA /və ˈskolʲkə ˈvɨjɪzt/

Say it vuh SKOHL-kuh VIH-yist?

выезд is the noun from выехать; the opposite, check-in, is заселение or simply заезд.

travel travel time questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Во сколько выезд?

Мо́жно оста́вить ба́гаж до ве́чера?

Can I leave my luggage until the evening?

IPA /ˈmoʐnə ɐsˈtavʲɪtʲ ˈbaɡəʂ də ˈvʲetɕɪrə/

Say it MOHZH-nuh uh-STAH-vit BAH-gush duh VYEH-chih-ruh?

багаж is masculine and singular only, however many bags you have: мой багаж, два места багажа.

travel travel questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Можно оставить багаж до вечера?

Travel and borders

Где аэропо́рт?

Where is the airport?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe əɪrɐˈport/

Say it guh-DYEH uh-ih-ruh-POHRT?

travel travel place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где аэропорт?

Мне ну́жен биле́т до Санкт-Петербу́рга.

I need a ticket to Saint Petersburg.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈnuʐɨn bʲɪˈlʲet də sənktpʲɪtʲɪrˈburɡə/

Say it muh-NYEH NOO-zhin bih-LYET duh sunkt-pih-tihr-BOOR-guh.

A ticket to a city is билет до + genitive, not билет в. The city name keeps the stress on its final syllable in every case form.

travel travel numbers geography
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нужен билет до Санкт-Петербурга.

Э́тот по́езд идёт в Москву́?

Does this train go to Moscow?

IPA /ˈɛtət ˈpojɪzt ɪˈdʲot v mɐˈskvu/

Say it EH-tut POH-yist ih-DYOHT v muh-SKVOO?

Here the destination takes в + accusative, because the verb is one of motion. Contrast билет до Москвы, where the noun, not the verb, governs the case.

travel travel transport questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Этот поезд идёт в Москву?

Рейс заде́рживается?

Is the flight delayed?

IPA /ˈrʲejs zɐˈdʲerʐɨvəjɪtsə/

Say it REYS zuh-DYER-zhih-vuh-yih-tsyuh?

The -ся makes it reflexive: the flight delays itself. Russian does not use a passive here.

travel travel time questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Рейс задерживается?

Где регистра́ция на рейс?

Where is check-in?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe rʲɪɡʲɪˈstratsɨjə nə ˈrʲejs/

Say it guh-DYEH rih-gih-STRAH-tsih-yuh nuh REYS?

на + accusative after регистрация names what you are checking in for.

travel travel place questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где регистрация на рейс?

Како́й вы́ход на поса́дку?

Which gate?

IPA /kɐˈkoj ˈvɨxət nə pɐˈsatkʊ/

Say it kuh-KOY VIH-khut nuh puh-SAHT-koo?

Literally "which exit for boarding". The word for gate at an airport is not ворота.

travel travel questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Какой выход на посадку?

У меня́ два ме́ста бага́жа.

I have two pieces of luggage.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ˈdva ˈmʲestə bɐˈɡaʐə/

Say it oo mih-NYAH DVAH MYEH-stuh buh-GAH-zhih.

место is the counting word for a piece of luggage, and after два it takes the genitive singular: два места, but пять мест.

travel travel numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня два места багажа.

Э́то ручна́я кладь.

This is hand luggage.

IPA /ˈɛtə rʊtɕˈnajə ˈklatʲ/

Say it EH-tuh roo-CHNAH-yuh KLYAT.

A fixed phrase: кладь is a feminine noun you will otherwise never meet.

travel travel beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это ручная кладь.

Где выда́ча бага́жа?

Where is baggage reclaim?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe vɨˈdatɕə bɐˈɡaʐə/

Say it guh-DYEH vih-DAH-chuh buh-GAH-zhih?

travel travel place questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где выдача багажа?

Мой ба́гаж потеря́лся.

My luggage has gone missing.

IPA /ˈmoj ˈbaɡəʂ pətʲɪˈrʲalsʲə/

Say it MOY BAH-gush puh-tih-RYAHL-syuh.

The reflexive -ся avoids saying who lost it. Я потерял багаж would put the blame on you.

travel travel
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мой багаж потерялся.

Вот мой па́спорт.

Here is my passport.

IPA /ˈvot ˈmoj ˈpaspərt/

Say it VOHT MOY PAH-spuhrt.

вот presents something you are actually holding out; это identifies something.

travel travel objects
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Вот мой паспорт.

У меня́ есть ви́за.

I have a visa.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ˈjesʲtʲ ˈvʲizə/

Say it oo mih-NYAH YEST VEE-zuh.

travel travel
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня есть виза.

Где тамо́жня?

Where is customs?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe tɐˈmoʐnʲə/

Say it guh-DYEH tuh-MOHZH-nyuh?

таможня is feminine and has no plural in this sense; the officer is таможенник.

travel travel place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где таможня?

Я здесь в о́тпуске.

I am here on holiday.

IPA /ˈja ˈzʲdʲesʲ v ˈotpʊskʲə/

Say it YAH ZDYES v OHT-poo-skyuh.

в отпуске is a fixed locative phrase. A business trip is в командировке.

travel travel work
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я здесь в отпуске.

Health

Мне пло́хо.

I feel ill.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈploxə/

Say it muh-NYEH PLOH-khuh.

The impersonal construction: the state is expressed by an adverb and the person who feels it goes in the dative. Literally "to me it is bad".

emergency health feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне плохо.

У меня́ боли́т голова́.

I have a headache.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa bɐˈlʲit ɡəlɐˈva/

Say it oo mih-NYAH buh-LEET guh-luh-VAH.

Literally "at me the head aches". The thing that hurts is the grammatical subject, so it stays nominative and the verb agrees with it.

neutral health
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня болит голова.

У меня́ боли́т го́рло.

I have a sore throat.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa bɐˈlʲit ˈɡorlə/

Say it oo mih-NYAH buh-LEET GOH-rluh.

neutral health
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня болит горло.

У меня́ боли́т живо́т.

I have a stomach ache.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa bɐˈlʲit ʐɨˈvot/

Say it oo mih-NYAH buh-LEET zhih-VOHT.

живот means both "stomach" and "life" in older usage; in a pharmacy it will be understood as the stomach.

neutral health
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня болит живот.

У меня́ боли́т зуб.

I have toothache.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa bɐˈlʲit ˈzup/

Say it oo mih-NYAH buh-LEET ZOOP.

For several teeth the verb goes plural: болят зубы.

neutral health
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня болит зуб.

У меня́ температу́ра.

I have a temperature.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa tʲɪmpʲɪrɐˈturə/

Say it oo mih-NYAH tim-pih-ruh-TOO-ruh.

On its own this always means a fever; no word for "high" is needed.

neutral health
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня температура.

Мне нездоро́вится.

I do not feel well.

IPA /ˈmnʲe nʲɪzdɐˈrovʲɪtsə/

Say it muh-NYEH nih-zduh-ROH-vih-tsyuh.

An impersonal reflexive with a dative subject: literally "it is not being well to me". Like мне плохо, it says nothing about who is doing anything.

neutral health feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нездоровится.

Мне ну́жен врач.

I need a doctor.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈnuʐɨn ˈvratɕ/

Say it muh-NYEH NOO-zhin VRAHCH.

нужен agrees with врач because врач is masculine, even when the doctor is a woman.

neutral health professions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нужен врач.

Вы́зовите врача́, пожа́луйста.

Call a doctor, please.

IPA /ˈvɨzəvʲɪtʲə vrɐˈtɕa pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it VIH-zuh-vih-tyuh vruh-CHAH, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

Animate masculine nouns take the genitive in the accusative slot: врача, not врач.

emergency health professions politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Вызовите врача, пожалуйста.

Где здесь больни́ца?

Where is the hospital here?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe ˈzʲdʲesʲ bɐlʲˈnʲitsə/

Say it guh-DYEH ZDYES bul-NEE-tsih?

neutral health place questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где здесь больница?

Мне ну́жно в больни́цу.

I need to get to hospital.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈnuʐnə v bɐlʲˈnʲitsʊ/

Say it muh-NYEH NOOZH-nuh v bul-NEE-tsoo.

The accusative after в shows direction: в больницу. Compare в больнице, "inside the hospital".

neutral health place
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нужно в больницу.

Мне ну́жно лека́рство от головно́й бо́ли.

I need something for a headache.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈnuʐnə lʲɪˈkarstvə əd ɡəlɐvˈnoj ˈbolʲɪ/

Say it muh-NYEH NOOZH-nuh lih-KAHR-stvuh ud guh-luv-NOY BOH-lih.

от + genitive names what a medicine is for: от кашля, от боли, от аллергии. Literally "a medicine against a headache".

neutral health objects beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нужно лекарство от головной боли.

У меня́ алле́ргия на лека́рства.

I am allergic to medicines.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ɐˈlʲerʲɡʲɪjə nə lʲɪˈkarstvə/

Say it oo mih-NYAH uh-LYER-gih-yuh nuh lih-KAHR-stvuh.

аллергия на + accusative is the fixed government, and it is the same for anything you react to.

neutral health beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня аллергия на лекарства.

Э́то сро́чно.

It is urgent.

IPA /ˈɛtə ˈsrotɕnə/

Say it EH-tuh SROH-chnuh.

emergency health emergency
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Это срочно.

Emergencies

Помоги́те!

Help!

IPA /pəmɐˈɡʲitʲə/

Say it puh-muh-GEE-tyuh!

The вы imperative, which is also the form you shout at a crowd. Помогите! alone is a complete, standard call for help.

emergency emergency politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Помогите!

Помоги́те мне, пожа́луйста.

Help me, please.

IPA /pəmɐˈɡʲitʲə ˈmnʲe pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it puh-muh-GEE-tyuh muh-NYEH, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

помогать and помочь take the dative: помогите мне, помоги мне.

emergency emergency politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Помогите мне, пожалуйста.

Мне нужна́ по́мощь.

I need help.

IPA /ˈmnʲe nʊʐˈna ˈpoməɕː/

Say it muh-NYEH noozh-NAH POH-mushch.

нужна is the feminine short form, agreeing with помощь. The word order is fixed in practice: Мне нужна помощь.

emergency emergency
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нужна помощь.

Вы́зовите поли́цию!

Call the police!

IPA /ˈvɨzəvʲɪtʲə pɐˈlʲitsɨjʊ/

Say it VIH-zuh-vih-tyuh puh-LEE-tsih-yoo!

полиция is feminine and takes the accusative here: вызовите полицию, вызовите скорую.

emergency emergency
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Вызовите полицию!

Вы́зовите скору́ю!

Call an ambulance!

IPA /ˈvɨzəvʲɪtʲə skɐˈrujʊ/

Say it VIH-zuh-vih-tyuh skuh-ROO-yoo!

The full term is скорая помощь, "fast help"; everyone shortens it to скорая and the adjective keeps the feminine ending.

emergency emergency
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Вызовите скорую!

Пожа́р!

Fire!

IPA /pɐˈʐar/

Say it puh-ZHAHR!

Shouted as a bare noun. The fire service is пожарная охрана or, in speech, пожарные.

emergency emergency
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Пожар!

Осторо́жно!

Careful!

IPA /əstɐˈroʐnə/

Say it uh-stuh-ROHZH-nuh!

Also the word printed on tram and metro doors. It is an adverb used as an exclamation, so it never changes form.

emergency emergency
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Осторожно!

Я потеря́лся.

I am lost.

IPA /ˈja pətʲɪˈrʲalsʲə/

Say it YAH puh-tih-RYAHL-syuh.

A man says потерялся; a woman must say потерялась. The past tense of a reflexive verb still agrees with the subject in gender.

emergency emergency
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я потерялся.

Мой па́спорт пропа́л.

My passport has gone missing.

IPA /ˈmoj ˈpaspərt prɐˈpal/

Say it MOY PAH-spuhrt pruh-PAHL.

пропасть means to disappear of its own accord. Я потерял паспорт admits that you lost it yourself.

emergency emergency objects
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мой паспорт пропал.

У меня́ укра́ли кошелёк.

My wallet has been stolen.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ʊˈkralʲɪ kəʂɨˈlʲok/

Say it oo mih-NYAH oo-KRAH-lih kuh-shih-LYOHK.

Literally "at me they stole the wallet". The doer is the indefinite third person plural and is never named.

emergency emergency beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня украли кошелёк.

У меня́ алле́ргия на оре́хи.

I am allergic to nuts.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ɐˈlʲerʲɡʲɪjə nə ɐˈrʲexʲɪ/

Say it oo mih-NYAH uh-LYER-gih-yuh nuh uh-RYEH-khih.

Say this before ordering, not after. на + accusative names the trigger: на орехи, на молоко, на penicillin.

emergency emergency health food
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня аллергия на орехи.

Здесь ну́жен врач.

A doctor is needed here.

IPA /ˈzʲdʲesʲ ˈnuʐɨn ˈvratɕ/

Say it ZDYES NOO-zhin VRAHCH.

emergency emergency health
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Здесь нужен врач.

Ребёнок потеря́лся.

A child is lost.

IPA /rʲɪˈbʲonək pətʲɪˈrʲalsʲə/

Say it rih-BYOH-nuk puh-tih-RYAHL-syuh.

ре- is written with ё and the stress falls there; a child is masculine grammatically, so the verb is потерялся.

emergency emergency family beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Ребёнок потерялся.

Где ближа́йшее посо́льство?

Where is the nearest embassy?

IPA /ˈɡdʲe blʲɪˈʐajʂɨjə pɐˈsolʲstvə/

Say it guh-DYEH blih-ZHAY-shih-yuh puh-SOHL-stvuh?

посольство is neuter, so the adjective is ближайшее. A consulate is консульство.

emergency emergency place questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Где ближайшее посольство?

Phone and internet

Алло́!

Hello? (on the phone)

IPA /ɐˈlo/

Say it uh-LOH!

Said by the person answering. Привет is not used on the telephone with someone you do not know well.

neutral communication phone
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Алло!

Кто говори́т?

Who is speaking?

IPA /ˈxto ɡəvɐˈrʲit/

Say it KHTOH guh-vuh-REET?

Literally "who speaks?". On the telephone Russian asks кто, not "what", when establishing who is calling.

neutral communication questions phone
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Кто говорит?

Мо́жно А́нну?

Can I speak to Anna, please?

IPA /ˈmoʐnə ˈanʊ/

Say it MOHZH-nuh AH-noo?

Just the name in the accusative, with no verb: this is the normal, idiomatic way to ask for someone.

neutral communication phone questions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Можно Анну?

Я вас не слы́шу.

I can't hear you.

IPA /ˈja ˈvas ˈnʲe ˈslɨʂʊ/

Say it YAH VAHS NYEH SLIH-shoo.

слышать is a state, so the imperfective present is used even for what is happening now.

neutral communication negation phone
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я вас не слышу.

Плоха́я связь.

The connection is bad.

IPA /plɐˈxajə ˈsvʲasʲ/

Say it pluh-KHAH-yuh SVYAS.

связь is feminine and third declension, so the adjective is плохая.

neutral communication phone beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Плохая связь.

Перезвони́те по́зже.

Call back later.

IPA /pʲɪrʲɪzvɐˈnʲitʲə ˈpoʐːə/

Say it pih-rih-zvuh-NEE-tyuh POH-zhih.

пере- is the prefix that turns "call" into "call back", exactly as переписать turns "write" into "rewrite".

neutral communication phone beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Перезвоните позже.

Я вам позвоню́.

I will call you.

IPA /ˈja ˈvam pəzvɐˈnʲu/

Say it YAH VAHM puh-zvuh-NYOO.

позвонить is perfective, so the future is a single word. The stress is on the ending throughout: позвоню́, позвони́т — never зво́нит.

neutral communication phone future
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я вам позвоню.

Позвони́те мне, пожа́луйста.

Give me a call, please.

IPA /pəzvɐˈnʲitʲə ˈmnʲe pɐˈʐalʊjstə/

Say it puh-zvuh-NEE-tyuh muh-NYEH, puh-ZHAH-luy-stuh.

звонить takes the dative: позвоните мне, позвоните врачу.

neutral communication phone politeness
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Позвоните мне, пожалуйста.

Како́й у вас но́мер телефо́на?

What is your phone number?

IPA /kɐˈkoj ʊ ˈvas ˈnomʲɪr tʲɪlʲɪˈfonə/

Say it kuh-KOY oo VAHS NOH-mihr tih-lih-FOH-nuh?

neutral communication phone questions numbers
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Какой у вас номер телефона?

Запиши́те мой но́мер.

Write down my number.

IPA /zəpʲɪˈʂitʲə ˈmoj ˈnomʲɪr/

Say it zuh-pih-SHIH-tyuh MOY NOH-mihr.

записать is perfective and means "write down once, completely"; писать alone would be the open-ended activity of writing.

neutral communication phone beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Запишите мой номер.

Отпра́вьте мне сообще́ние.

Send me a message.

IPA /ɐtˈprafʲtʲə ˈmnʲe səɐpˈɕːenʲɪjə/

Say it ut-PRAH-ftyuh muh-NYEH suh-up-SHCHEH-nih-yuh.

отправить takes two objects without a preposition: the message accusative and the recipient dative.

neutral communication phone
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Отправьте мне сообщение.

У меня́ нет интерне́та.

I have no internet.

IPA /ʊ mʲɪˈnʲa ˈnʲet ɪntʲɪrˈnʲetə/

Say it oo mih-NYAH NYET in-tih-RNYEH-tuh.

нет governs the genitive, hence интернета.

neutral communication negation
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: У меня нет интернета.

Здесь есть вай-фа́й?

Is there Wi-Fi here?

IPA /ˈzʲdʲesʲ ˈjesʲtʲ vɐjˈfaj/

Say it ZDYES YEST vuy-FAY?

The loanword is hyphenated and stressed on the second half: вай-фа́й.

neutral communication beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Здесь есть вай-фай?

Како́й паро́ль?

What is the password?

IPA /kɐˈkoj pɐˈrolʲ/

Say it kuh-KOY puh-RYOL?

neutral communication questions beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Какой пароль?

Мо́жно заря́дить телефо́н?

Can I charge my phone?

IPA /ˈmoʐnə zɐˈrʲadʲɪtʲ tʲɪlʲɪˈfon/

Say it MOHZH-nuh zuh-RYAH-dit tih-lih-FOHN?

neutral communication objects beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Можно зарядить телефон?

Feelings and opinions

Я ду́маю, что э́то интере́сно.

I think this is interesting.

IPA /ˈja ˈduməjʊ ˈʂto ˈɛtə ɪntʲɪˈrʲesnə/

Say it YAH DOO-muh-yoo, SHTOH EH-tuh in-tih-RYEH-snuh.

что introduces the clause and keeps statement word order after it: что это интересно, never *что это интересно ли.

neutral opinions connectors
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я думаю, что это интересно.

Мне ка́жется, вы правы́.

I think you are right.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈkaʐɨtsə ˈvɨ prɐˈvɨ/

Say it muh-NYEH KAH-zhih-tsyuh, VIH pruh-VIH.

Literally "it seems to me". казаться is impersonal here and the person goes in the dative — a softer way to give an opinion than я думаю.

neutral opinions feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне кажется, вы правы.

По-мо́ему, э́то сли́шком до́рого.

In my opinion that is too expensive.

IPA /pɐˈmojɪmʊ ˈɛtə ˈslʲiʂkəm ˈdorəɡə/

Say it puh-MOH-yih-moo, EH-tuh SLEE-shkum DOH-ruh-guh.

по-моему is an adverb built from the possessive, and it never changes form. Compare по-вашему, по-твоему.

neutral opinions shopping
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: По-моему, это слишком дорого.

Я согла́сен.

I agree.

IPA /ˈja sɐˈɡlasʲɪn/

Say it YAH suh-GLAH-sin.

A man says согласен, a woman согласна. The short form has no verb "to be" with it.

neutral opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я согласен.

Я не согла́сен.

I do not agree.

IPA /ˈja ˈnʲe sɐˈɡlasʲɪn/

Say it YAH NYEH suh-GLAH-sin.

A woman says не согласна. не comes directly before the word it negates.

neutral opinions negation
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я не согласен.

Мне нра́вится.

I like it.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈnravʲɪtsə/

Say it muh-NYEH NRAH-vih-tsyuh.

The subject of the sentence is the thing liked, not you: мне нравится чай, "tea is pleasing to me". With a plural it is нравятся: мне нравятся эти книги.

neutral feelings opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне нравится.

Мне не нра́вится.

I do not like it.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈnʲe ˈnravʲɪtsə/

Say it muh-NYEH NYEH NRAH-vih-tsyuh.

neutral feelings opinions negation
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне не нравится.

Мне всё равно́.

I don't mind.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈfsʲo rɐvˈno/

Say it muh-NYEH FSYOH ruv-NOH.

Literally "everything is the same to me". It is neutral, not dismissive, but tone matters: said flatly it can sound rude.

neutral feelings opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне всё равно.

Я рад!

I am glad!

IPA /ˈja ˈrat/

Say it YAH RAHT!

рад is a short adjective and does not change for a man; a woman says я рада. рад + dative names what you are glad about: я рад вашему приезду.

neutral feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я рад!

Мне ве́село.

I am having a good time.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈvʲesʲɪlə/

Say it muh-NYEH VYEH-sih-luh.

One of the family of impersonal state words: весело, скучно, грустно, интересно. All of them take a dative person and never a subject.

neutral feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне весело.

Мне ску́чно.

I am bored.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈskuʂnə/

Say it muh-NYEH SKOOSH-nuh.

Note that this is the opposite of весело in structure too: nothing agrees, so the form is fixed.

neutral feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне скучно.

Я о́чень уста́л.

I am very tired.

IPA /ˈja ˈotɕɪnʲ ʊsˈtal/

Say it YAH OH-chin oo-STAHL.

A woman says я очень устала: the past tense of a verb always marks the subject's gender, even where the present tense does not.

neutral feelings
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я очень устал.

Мне хо́лодно.

I am cold.

IPA /ˈmnʲe ˈxolədnə/

Say it muh-NYEH KHOH-lud-nuh.

This is about you being cold. Холодно on its own, without мне, describes the weather.

neutral feelings weather
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Мне холодно.

К сожале́нию, нет.

Unfortunately, no.

IPA /k səʐɐˈlʲenʲɪjʊ ˈnʲet/

Say it k suh-zhuh-LYEH-nih-yoo, NYET.

A fixed prepositional phrase, literally "to regret". It softens a refusal considerably.

neutral opinions politeness beyond-course
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: К сожалению, нет.

Я люблю́ э́тот го́род.

I love this city.

IPA /ˈja lʲʊˈblʲu ˈɛtət ˈɡorət/

Say it YAH lyoo-BLYOO EH-tut GOH-rut.

любить is a second-conjugation verb: люблю, любишь, любит, любим, любите, любят — note the shift of stress onto the ending.

neutral feelings opinions
Listen in Russian: Slow in Russian: Я люблю этот город.