UN Russian Language Day: Useful phrases every traveler must know
What's the story
UN Russian Language Day is a yearly celebration established by UNESCO on June 6.
It's a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this language.
If you are planning a trip to Russia or are just interested in the culture, learning a few key phrases can make your experience even more memorable.
Equip yourself with these phrases to confidently travel through this captivating country.
Information
Several countries speak the language
Besides Russia and Ukraine, many other countries speak the Russian language like Belarus, Tajikistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and more. If you happen to travel to any of these destinations for work or pleasure, knowing a little spoken Russian might come in handy.
Thank you
Спасибо (Spasibo)
One of the most common and important Russian travel phrases is "Спасибо" (Spasibo), meaning "Thank you."
This versatile phrase can be used in both formal and informal situations.
For instance, you can say "Spasibo za pomoshch" to express gratitude for someone's help.
"Spasibo za priglashenie" conveys appreciation for an invitation.
To express deep gratitude, you can say "Spasibo bol'shoe."
Transport
Как доехать до...? (Kak doyekhat' do...?)
If you are in Russia and need directions, you must know "Как доехать до...?" (Kak doyekhat' do...?), which means "How do I get to...?"
For instance, if you are in Moscow and want to reach Red Square, you can ask, "Kak doyekhat' do Krasnoy ploshchadi?"
Similarly, if you need to find the nearest metro station, you can ask, "Kak doyekhat' do blizhayshego metro?"
Accommodation
Какой тип номеров у вас есть? (Kakoy tip nomerov u vas yest?)
If you are looking for accommodation, ask "Какой тип номеров у вас есть?" (Kakoy tip nomerov u vas yest?) meaning "What type of rooms do you have?"
For example, you can ask, "Kakoy tip nomerov u vas yest' dlya odnogo cheloveka" to inquire about rooms for single occupancy.
If you desire a sea view, ask, "Kakoy u vas nomer s vidom na more?"
Language
Вы говорите по-английски? (Vy govorite po-angliyski?)
When you are unsure if someone speaks English, it's useful to ask "Вы говорите по-английски?" (Vy govorite po-angliyski?), which translates to, "Do you speak English?"
For instance, if you are dining at a restaurant and prefer an English menu, you can politely speak, "Vy govorite po-angliyski? Mozhno li poluchit' menyu na angliyskom?" to inquire if an English menu is available.
Slow speech
я не понимаю (yah nee puh-nee-mah-yooh)
You will often stumble upon people who are speaking to you in rapid-fire Russian.
So, in that case, don't let confusion set in, simply say "я не понимаю" (yah nee puh-nee-mah-yooh), meaning "I don't understand."
Or, if you want them to speak slowly, say, "yah nee puh-nee-mah-yooh, mozhesh' govorit' medlenneye?", meaning "I don't understand. Can you speak more slowly?"