Written by Jaden Parker

Happy Russian Language Day!

In 2010, the United Nations (UN) decided to celebrate cultural diversity and represent the six official languages of the group—Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish—by dedicating a day to each. Today, June 6th, is nationally recognized as Russian Language Day. Whether you’re traveling to Latvia, Sunny Isles in Florida, Lithuania or even New York (we’re looking at you Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay!) and/or are just one of those people who are curious about the language, we’ve gathered a list of the “need to know” phrases—along with a few of our favorites—that will get you far with Russian-language speakers.

(Russian word – pronunciation – English translation)

1. Да – da – Yes
2. Нет – nyet – No
3. Пожалуйста – pah-ZHA-loo-sta – Please
4. Спасибо – spa-SEE-bah – Thank you.
5. Не за что. – nee zha shto – You’re welcome.
6. Прошу прощения. – pro-SHU pro-SHCHE-niya – I’m sorry.
7. Извините. – iz-vi-NI-tuh – Excuse me.
8. Я не понимаю – YA ne po-ni-MAI-yu – I don’t understand.
9. Я не говорю по-Русски. – YA ne go-vory-U poh RUS-skeh – I don’t speak Russian.
10. вы говорите по-Английски? – vi govo-RI-te poh ang-LIY-skeh? – Do you speak English?
11. Помогите, пожалуйста. – po-mo-GEE-tuh po-ZHA-loo-sta – Help me, please.
12. Где туалет? – gde tua-LET – Where is the bathroom?
13. Как вас/тебя зовут? – kak vas/te-BYE zo-VUT? – What’s your (formal/informal) name?
14. Меня зовут… – mee-NYA zo-VUT – My name is…
15. Приятно познакомиться. – pri-YAT-no poz-na-KO-meet-sa – It’s nice to meet you.

Bonus:

1. Счастье – SHEH-stee-eh – happiness
2. Вдохновение – vdoh-no-VEE-nyeh – inspiration
3. Выдающийся – vi-DAY-yu-SHI-sa – outstanding
4. Лапочка – LA-poch-ka – cutie or honey

Interested in learning more about Russian Language Day? Check out this link.

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