Polite Russian Words
Ready to be on your best behavior? After this lesson you’ll be able to say thank you, excuse me, sorry, and use other polite Russian words and phrases with confidence. You’ll also know how to express your appreciation when someone is being helpful to you.
We want you to feel comfortable around native speakers right from the start, and a few courteous expressions can go a long way when you’re a beginner. We’ll show you the difference between formal and informal expressions, so you can be sure you’re using the right phrase for the situation.
Resources for further reading:
Listen carefully to the audio and practice saying the Russian phrases aloud – you’ll have these mastered in no time! Just as in your native language, speaking to Russian-speaking people in a polite manner will win you friends and gain you respect, so it’s worth making the effort!
Pronouncing polite Russian words
Practice Your Pronunciation With Rocket Record
Rocket Record lets you perfect your Russian pronunciation. Just listen to the native speaker audio and then use the microphone icon to record yourself. Once you’re done, you’ll get a score out of 100 on your pronunciation and can listen to your own audio playback. (Use a headset mic for best results.) Problems? Click here!
Извините, пожалуйста
Izvineeti, pazhalusta
Excuse me please (formal or plural)
Извини, пожалуйста
Izvinee, pazhalusta
Excuse me please (informal)
Извините
Izvineeti
Sorry (formal or plural)
Извини
Izvinee
Sorry (informal)
Спасибо за помощь
Spaseeba za pomashch’
Thanks for your help
Большое спасибо!
Bal’shoe spaseeba
Thanks a lot
Пожалуйста
Pazhalusta
You're welcome
Вы очень добры
Vy ochin’ dabry
You are very kind (formal or plural)
That’s it for this lesson.
If you want more on Russian words then checkout these Russian travel words!
До скорого! (da skorava)
Natalya Dubrov: Rocket Russian
Make It Stick With Rocket Reinforcement
Reinforce your learning from this lesson with the Rocket Reinforcement activities!