Have you ever seen a Russian food video on TikTok and thought, “That looks… disgusting”? You’re not alone. Between the fermented dishes, unusual textures, and ingredients you’ve probably never tried, it’s easy to assume Russian food is weird or unappetizing especially if your first impression comes from short, dramatic clips online.
But once you actually taste the real thing, everything changes. Russian cuisine is warm, hearty, and deeply traditional. From soft, buttery blini to a comforting bowl of borscht with sour cream, many dishes are made to bring people together around the table. And yes, some people believe the secret to how healthy, energetic, and even stunning Russians look lies in the way they eat real food, simple ingredients, and recipes passed down through generations.
If you’re planning to explore the markets of Moscow, try homemade meals in the countryside, or just want to understand what’s on the menu at a local canteen, knowing some basic Russian food vocabulary can make a huge difference. It’ll help you avoid awkward surprises and maybe even help you discover your new favorite dish.
That’s where LangLandia comes in. We’ve created a fun, beginner-friendly way to learn the most useful Russian words for food, eating out, and travel so you can ask for exactly what you want, explain your preferences, and enjoy your meals without confusion.
Let’s jump into the essential Russian food vocabulary every traveler and curious foodie should know. Because sometimes, the food that looks the strangest… tastes the best.
Table of Contents
- Essential Russian Phrases Every Traveler Should Know
- Getting Around: Russian Phrases for Transportation
- Shopping in Russia: Phrases for Markets and Stores
- Eating Out: Russian Restaurant and Food Vocabulary
- How to Ask for Directions (and Understand the Answer)
- Russian Phrases for Emergencies and Unexpected Situations
- Flattering Locals: Compliments and Friendly Small Talk
- When You Don’t Speak Russian: Smart Phrases to Bridge the Gap
- Conclusion: Russian Survival Phrases that Make Travel Easier
Essential Russian Phrases Every Traveler Should Know
Let’s be honest traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language can feel intimidating. Maybe you’re scrolling through this article the night before your flight, hoping to grab a few basic Russian phrases that will help you get by. Or maybe you’ve already landed and you’re realizing how useful it would be to know how to say “thank you” or “excuse me.”
Whatever your situation, this guide is for you.
1. Спасибо (Spasibo) — Thank you
This is probably the most useful and appreciated word you can learn in any language. In Russia, a sincere “Спасибо” can warm people up to you almost instantly.
When to use it:
- Someone helps you carry your luggage.
- A cashier hands you your change.
- A stranger gives you directions.
Example:
Спасибо за помощь (Spasibo za pomoshch) — “Thank you for your help.”
Showing gratitude in Russian is more than polite it helps you connect.
2. Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta) — Please / You’re welcome
This word wears many hats. It can mean “please” when you’re asking for something, or “you’re welcome” when someone thanks you.
When to use it:
- Asking a local to move aside on a crowded train.
- Thanking someone and hearing it in response.
Example:
Пожалуйста, дайте пройти (Pozhaluysta, dayte proyti) — “Please, let me through.”
Learning this one word instantly doubles your politeness power.
3. Извините (Izvinite) — Excuse me / Sorry
Traveling means you’ll sometimes bump into people, make a mistake, or need someone’s attention. “Извините” is your go-to for all of those moments.
When to use it:
- Accidentally stepping on someone’s foot.
- Trying to ask a question in a store.
- Wanting to be polite when you interrupt.
Also useful:
Простите (Prostite) — another polite form of “Sorry”
Don’t worry if you get these mixed up Russians will understand either.
4. Привет (Privet) — Hi (informal)
This is how young people and friends say “hi.” If you’re meeting someone in a hostel, chatting with a tour guide your age, or greeting a friendly local, “Привет” works well.
When to use it:
- Greeting someone in a casual setting.
- Talking to someone your own age.
Formal alternative:
Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte) — Use this with older people or in professional settings.
This simple greeting can help you break the ice.
5. Пока (Poka) — Bye (informal)
Just like “hi,” this is the informal way to say goodbye. It’s friendly, light, and easy to say.
When to use it:
- Saying bye to someone you just met casually.
- Leaving a café or social setting with peers.
More formal version:
До свидания (Do svidaniya) — Use this with adults or in polite settings.
Learning both forms gives you the confidence to adapt to different situations.
6. Да (Da) — Yes
You’ll probably say this a lot, and it’s easy to remember. But knowing how to expand it a bit makes you sound more natural.
When to use it:
- Answering a question.
- Agreeing to something offered.
Add-ons to sound more natural:
Да, хорошо (Da, khorosho) — “Yes, okay”
Да, конечно (Da, konechno) — “Yes, of course”
This tiny word helps you say a big “yes” to your adventure.
7. Нет (Net) — No
Just as important as “yes.” But in Russian, being polite even when refusing is important.
When to use it:
- Turning down a street vendor.
- Saying no to something you don’t want.
Polite version:
Нет, спасибо (Net, spasibo) — “No, thank you”
Saying no respectfully can help you avoid pressure while staying friendly.
8. Вы не могли бы меня сфотографировать?
(Vy ne mogli by menya sfotografirovat’?) — Could you take a photo of me?
This might seem like a mouthful, but you don’t need perfect pronunciation. People will understand.
When to use it:
- You’re at Red Square and want a photo.
- You’re traveling solo and need a hand.
For group photos:
Вы не могли бы нас сфотографировать? — “Could you take a photo of us?”
One of the most practical travel phrases you’ll use.
9. Я не говорю по-русски (Ya ne govoryu po-russki) — I don’t speak Russian
This is your “lifeline” phrase. Even if you’re learning a bit, this sets expectations and can help reduce stress.
When to use it:
- Someone starts speaking quickly to you.
- You feel overwhelmed in a conversation.
This phrase lets you stay polite while gently asking for patience or help in English.
10. Хорошо (Khorosho) — Good
When something works out, when food tastes nice, or when you just want to agree with someone in a friendly way, this word comes in handy.
When to use it:
- Responding to a suggestion.
- Describing how something went.
Feeling even better?
Say: Отлично (Otlichno) — “Great!” or “Perfect!”
Use it often especially when things go right.
Getting Around: Russian Phrases for Transportation
Let’s be honest transportation can make or break a trip. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a bus map in a foreign language or wondering how to tell a taxi driver where to go, you know how frustrating it can get. In Russia, where English isn’t widely spoken outside of big cities, knowing a few key Russian travel phrases can make your experience smoother, safer, and a lot less stressful.
Whether you’re hopping into a cab in Moscow or trying to catch a local train in a small town, the phrases below will help you navigate with more confidence.
1. 🚕 Taxis: What You Should Know First
Yes, taxis are everywhere but don’t just flag one down off the street. In Russia, it’s much safer and cheaper to use a ride-hailing app like Yandex Go (similar to Uber and actually more common) or Uber itself in some areas. These apps give you fixed prices and avoid the risk of scams that sometimes happen with unofficial taxis.
Useful Phrases for Taxi Rides
- Мне нужно доехать до… (Mne nuzhno doyekhat’ do…) — “I need to get to… [place].”
- Остановите, пожалуйста…(Ostanovite, pozhaluysta…) — “Please stop at…”
- …у светофора (u svetofora) — “…by the traffic light.”
- …прямо здесь (pryamo zdes’) — “…right here.”
- …чуть подальше (chut’ podal’she) — “…a bit further.”
These phrases help you give directions like a local, which is especially useful if the driver doesn’t speak English.
2. 🚌 Buses, Trams, Trolleybuses, and the Metro
Russia’s public transport is affordable, reliable, and widely used—but the announcements and signage are usually in Russian only. Don’t worry, though. With a few helpful phrases, you’ll know where to get off and how to ask locals for help.
Key Questions to Ask
- На какой остановке мне выходить?
(Na kakoy ostanovke mne vykhodit’?) — “Which stop should I get off at?” - Сколько остановок до…?
(Skol’ko ostanovok do…?) — “How many stops until [place]?” - Подскажите, какая следующая остановка?
(Podskazhite, kakaya sleduyushchaya ostanovka?) — “Excuse me, what’s the next stop?”
Be a Courteous Rider
- Садитесь, пожалуйста (Sadites’, pozhaluysta) — “Please, take a seat.”
It’s polite to offer your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, or parents with small children. People really appreciate it, and it shows respect for local customs.
3. 🚐 What Is a “Маршрутка” (Marshrutka)?
If someone mentions a marshrutka, they’re talking about a small van or shared minibus that follows a set route, kind of like a hybrid between a taxi and a bus. It’s fast and cheap, but drivers don’t always stop unless asked.
To Get Off a Marshrutka:
- Остановите на следующей остановке, пожалуйста.
(Ostanovite na sleduyushchey ostanovke, pozhaluysta.) — “Please stop at the next stop.”
Speak clearly and loudly when it’s time to stop drivers don’t always see or hear you the first time.
4. 🚉 Suburban Trains (“Elektrichka”)
Want to explore smaller towns or do a day trip from Moscow or Saint Petersburg? Suburban trains called электричка (elektrichka) are a cheap and practical way to go.
Where to Buy Tickets
Usually, tickets are sold at kiosks or machines before you go through the turnstiles. In major stations, you can pay by card. In rural areas, bring cash just in case.
Key Phrases
- Сколько стоит билет до…? (Skol’ko stoit bilet do…?) — “How much is a ticket to…?”
- До…, пожалуйста. (Do…, pozhaluysta.) — “To [place], please.”
- Где я могу купить билет? (Gde ya mogu kupit’ bilet?) — “Where can I buy a ticket?”
5. 🚂 Long-Distance Trains (Sleeping Trains)
Russia is huge and sometimes, the best way to travel is to lie down and sleep your way across the country. Overnight trains are surprisingly comfortable and very Russian.
Types of Train Cars
- Плацкарт (Platskart) — Open coach with bunk beds (budget option)
- Купе (Kupe) — Shared compartment with four beds
- СВ (Es Ve) — Private compartment with two beds (most comfortable)
Useful Phrases Onboard
- Когда мы приедем? (Kogda my priyedem?) — “When do we arrive?”
- Это какая станция? (Eto kakaya stantsiya?) — “What station is this?”
- Сколько стоим? (Skol’ko stoim?) — “How long is the stop?”
Pro Tips
- Ask the проводник (provodnik) (train attendant) for help—like where the dining car is or how to order tea.
- You can say: Сколько стоит чай? (Skol’ko stoit chay?) — “How much is the tea?”
- Want green tea? Say зелёный чай (zelyonyy chay). Black tea? чёрный чай (chyornyy chay).
Shopping in Russia: Phrases for Markets and Stores
While you’re traveling in Russia, you may want to buy snacks, souvenirs, clothes, or local goods. To help you feel more confident while shopping, here are the most useful Russian phrases and tips you need to know.
Currency
Рубль (Rubl’) — Ruble
This is the official currency in Russia. All prices will be listed in rubles.
Asking About Prices and Discounts
Сколько это стоит? (Skol’ko eto stoit?)
How much does it cost?
This is the most important phrase to use when shopping.
Вы не могли бы сделать скидочку? (Vy ne mogli by sdelat’ skidochku?)
Could you give me a discount?
While haggling isn’t common in big stores, it might work in local markets or with small vendors.
Что посоветуете? (Chto posovetuyete?)
What would you recommend?
Useful when you’re not sure what to buy or want a local suggestion—especially helpful in souvenir shops.
Дайте, пожалуйста, это (Dayte, pozhaluysta, eto)
Give me this, please.
Use this phrase when pointing at something you want to buy.
Payment Methods
Картой можно оплатить? (Kartoy mozhno oplatit’?)
Can I pay by card?
In large cities, cards are widely accepted. In smaller towns or street markets, you might need cash.
Оплата наличными? (Oplata nalichnymi?)
Do I need to pay in cash?
A polite way to check what kind of payment the shop accepts.
Можете перевести на Сбербанк? (Mozhete perevesti na Sberbank?)
Can you transfer to Sberbank?
Sometimes vendors may ask for a direct bank transfer. Sberbank is the most popular bank in Russia.
Note: If you’re transferring from a foreign bank, fees may apply. Always check with your bank first.
Extra Tips
- Learn basic Russian numbers so you can understand prices more easily.
- Always ask for the price first, especially in small shops or outdoor stalls.
- Even if you plan to use a card, keep some cash just in case especially in rural areas.
Eating Out: Russian Restaurant and Food Vocabulary
Trying local food is one of the highlights of traveling, and Russian cuisine has plenty of traditional dishes worth tasting. Whether you’re a foodie or have dietary preferences, knowing a few key phrases can make dining out easier and more enjoyable.
Traditional Russian Food Vocabulary
- борщ (borshch) — beet soup
- пельмени (pel’meni) — meat dumplings
- блины (bliny) — thin pancakes / crepes
- щи (shchi) — cabbage soup
- окрошка (okroshka) — cold summer soup with vegetables and kvass
- оливье (olive) — Russian potato salad (Olivier salad)
- кисель (kisel’) — sweet berry drink/thick dessert
- солянка (solyanka) — spicy-sour soup with meat, pickles, and olives
- рассольник (rassol’nik) — soup with pickles, barley, and meat
- вареники (vareniki) — stuffed dumplings (sweet or savory)
- гречка (grechka) — buckwheat
- котлета (kotleta) — meat patty / cutlet
- голубцы (golubtsy) — cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat
- сельдь под шубой (sel’d pod shuboy) — layered salad with herring and beet
- жаркое (zharkoye) — hearty meat and potato stew
- квас (kvas) — fermented bread drink
- творог (tvorog) — farmer’s cheese / curd cheese
- холодец (kholodets) — meat jelly / aspic
- икра (ikra) — caviar
- щука фаршированная (shchuka farshirovannaya) — stuffed pike fish
- сметана (smetana) — sour cream
- пирожки (pirozhki) — stuffed buns (meat, cabbage, potatoes, etc.)
- кулебяка (kulebyaka) — Russian fish pie
- медовик (medovik) — honey cake
- пастила (pastila) — fruit leather-style sweet
- чай с вареньем (chai s varenyem) — tea with jam
- компот (kompot) — boiled fruit drink
- сбитень (sbiten’) — old-style hot honey drink
- каша (kasha) — porridge (often buckwheat or oats)
- зраза (zraza) — mashed potato roll with meat or mushroom filling
Ordering and Menu
Меню, пожалуйста (Menyu, pozhaluysta)
Bring the menu, please
Мне, пожалуйста, это (Mne, pozhaluysta, eto)
Give me this one, please
A great way to avoid pronouncing tricky dish names just point at the menu or the food.
Water and Drinks
Воду, пожалуйста (Vodu, pozhaluysta)
Water, please
Вода с газом (Voda s gazom) / Газированная вода (Gazirovannaya voda)
Sparkling water / Soda
Вода без газа (Voda bez gaza) / Негазированная вода (Negazirovannaya voda)
Still water
Beer Options
Пиво, пожалуйста (Pivo, pozhaluysta)
Beer, please
Светлое пиво (Svetloye pivo)
Light beer
Темное пиво (Tyomnoye pivo)
Dark beer
Нефильтрованное пиво (Nefil’trovannoye pivo)
Unfiltered beer
Крафтовое пиво (Kraftovoye pivo)
Craft beer
Dietary Preferences and Allergies
Я вегетарианец (Ya vegetarianets)
I’m a vegetarian
Я веган (Ya vegan)
I am vegan
Note: Many waiters might not know the difference, so double-check the ingredients.
Соус отдельно, пожалуйста (Sous otdel’no, pozhaluysta)
Bring the sauce separately, please
Я не ем мясо. Какие у вас блюда без мяса? (Ya ne yem myaso. Kakiye u vas blyuda bez myasa?)
I don’t eat meat. Which dishes are without meat?
У меня аллергия на… (U menya allergiya na…)
I’m allergic to…
Compliments and Payments
Это очень вкусно! (Eto ochen’ vkusno!)
It’s really tasty!
Официант! (Ofitsiant!)
Waiter!
Посчитайте, пожалуйста (Poschitayte pozhaluysta)
Bring the bill, please
This is a very local way to ask. Literally, it means “Count, please.”
Счет, пожалуйста (Shchot, pozhaluysta)
Bill, please
Оплата картой (Oplata kartoy)
Payment by card
Оплата наличными (Oplata nalichnymi)
Payment by cash
How to Ask for Directions (and Understand the Answer)
Getting lost in a foreign country can be stressfulespecially if your phone dies or you’re offline. These basic Russian phrases will help you ask for directions or understand what locals are saying. You can even print this out and keep it in your pocket.
Asking Where You Are
- Где я?
(Gde ya?) — Where am I? - Где находится…?
(Gde nakhoditsya…?) — Where is… [location] located? - Подскажите, пожалуйста, где ближайший туалет?
(Podskazhite, pozhaluysta, gde blizhayshiy tualet?) — Please, could you tell me where the nearest bathroom is? - Как мне дойти до…?
(Kak mne doyti do…?) — How can I get to… [location]?
Common Direction Words
- Идите…
(Idite…) — Go…- прямо (pryamo) — straight
- направо (napravo) — to the right
- налево (nalevo) — to the left
- туда (tuda) — that way
- сюда (syuda) — this way
Russian Phrases for Emergencies and Unexpected Situations
In case of an emergency during your trip to Russia, knowing just a few key Russian phrases could make a big difference. Whether it’s a medical situation, a lost item, or a fire, this guide has you covered. You can also call 112, the all-in-one Russian emergency number. The operator will connect you to:
- Police
- Ambulance
- Fire department
- Gas emergency
- Rescue services
It works from both mobile phones and landlines even without a SIM card.
General Emergency Phrases
- Помогите!
(Pomogite!) — Help me! - Спасите!
(Spasite!) — Save me! - Пожар!
(Pozhar!) — Fire! - Вызовите скорую!
(Vyzovite skoruyu!) — Call an ambulance! - Здесь есть доктор?
(Zdes’ yest’ doctor?) — Is there a doctor here?
Medical & Personal Emergencies
If you’re in pain or feeling unwell, these phrases can help you get medical attention or explain your problem:
- Мне плохо
(Mne plokho) — I feel sick / I’m not well. - У меня болит…
(U menya bolit…) — My [body part] hurts.
Example: У меня болит голова (U menya bolit golova) — I have a headache. - У меня аллергия на…
(U menya allergiya na…) — I’m allergic to… - У меня астма
(U menya astma) — I have asthma.
Lost or Stolen Items
Depending on your gender, use the appropriate version when reporting lost documents or belongings:
For men:
- Я потерял свой паспорт
(Ya poteryal svoy pasport) — I’ve lost my passport. - Я потерял свой кошелек
(Ya poteryal svoy koshelyok) — I’ve lost my wallet.
For women:
- Я потеряла свой паспорт
(Ya poteryala svoy pasport) — I’ve lost my passport. - Я потеряла свой кошелек
(Ya poteryala svoy koshelyok) — I’ve lost my wallet.
Talking to Authorities
- Я иностранец / иностранка
(Ya inostranets / inostranka) — I am a foreigner.
(Inostranets = male, Inostranka = female) - Я не говорю по-русски
(Ya ne govoryu po-russki) — I don’t speak Russian. - Вы говорите по-английски?
(Vy govorite po-angliyski?) — Do you speak English?
Flattering Locals: Compliments and Friendly Small Talk
Traveling in Russia isn’t just about sightseeing it’s also a great chance to meet people and make friends. Whether you’re chatting with someone at a café, a hostel, or during a local event, using a few friendly Russian phrases can help you leave a great first impression.
Friendly Phrases to Start a Conversation
- Мне нравятся русские
(Mne nravyatsya russkiye) — I like Russians. - Я люблю русскую еду
(Ya lyublyu russkuyu yedu) — I love Russian food. - Я люблю Россию
(Ya lyublyu Rossiyu) — I love Russia. - Я хочу быть твоим другом
(Ya khochu byt’ tvoim drugom) — I want to be your friend.
(Use “другом” for male friends. To speak to a female, you could also say: “твоей подругой” – tvoey podrugoy.)
Social Media and Staying in Touch
- У тебя есть Фейсбук или Инстаграм?
(U tebya yest’ Feysbuk ili Instagram?) — Do you have Facebook or Instagram? - Давай обменяемся контактами
(Davai obmenyayemsya kontaktami) — Let’s exchange contacts. - Напиши мне
(Napishee mne) — Message me. - Можно сфоткаться вместе?
(Mozhno sfotkatsya vmeste?) — Can we take a picture together?
Bonus: Say Goodbye Nicely
- Было приятно познакомиться
(Bylo priyatno poznakomitsya) — It was nice meeting you. - Увидимся позже
(Uvidimsya pozhe) — See you later. - До встречи
(Do vstrechi) — Until we meet again.
When You Don’t Speak Russian: Smart Phrases to Bridge the Gap
Even if you’ve practiced all the Russian phrases in the world, it’s totally normal to freeze or forget something when talking to a native speaker. If that happens, don’t panic. These phrases will help you handle any moment of confusion with confidence.
Asking About Language
- Вы говорите по-английски?
(Vy govorite po-angliyski?) — Do you speak English? - Я не говорю по-русски
(Ya ne govoryu po-russki) — I don’t speak Russian.
When You Don’t Understand
- Я не понимаю
(Ya ne ponimayu) — I don’t understand. - Вы не могли бы повторить?
(Vy ne mogli by povtorit’?) — Could you repeat, please? - Пожалуйста, говорите помедленнее
(Pozhaluysta, govorite pomedlenneye) — Please, speak more slowly.
When You Need Help With a Word
- Напишите это, пожалуйста
(Napishite eto, pozhaluysta) — Write it down, please. - Как это читается?
(Kak eto chitayetsya?) — How do you read this?
Conclusion: Russian Survival Phrases that Make Travel Easier
| in Russian | in English | S |
|---|---|---|
| борщ (borshch) | beet soup | |
| пельмени (pel’meni) | meat dumplings | |
| блины (bliny) | thin pancakes / crepes | |
| щи (shchi) | cabbage soup | |
| окрошка (okroshka) | cold summer soup with vegetables and kvass | |
| оливье (olive) | Russian potato salad | |
| кисель (kisel’) | sweet berry drink/thick dessert | |
| солянка (solyanka) | spicy-sour soup with meat, pickles, and olives | |
| рассольник (rassol’nik) | soup with pickles, barley, and meat | |
| вареники (vareniki) | stuffed dumplings | |
| гречка (grechka) | buckwheat | |
| котлета (kotleta) | meat patty / cutlet | |
| голубцы (golubtsy) | cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat | |
| сельдь под шубой (sel’d pod shuboy) | layered salad with herring and beet | |
| жаркое (zharkoye) | hearty meat and potato stew | |
| квас (kvas) | fermented bread drink | |
| творог (tvorog) | farmer’s cheese | |
| холодец (kholodets) | meat jelly | |
| икра (ikra) | caviar | |
| щука фаршированная (shchuka farshirovannaya) | stuffed pike fish | |
| сметана (smetana) | sour cream | |
| пирожки (pirozhki) | stuffed buns | |
| кулебяка (kulebyaka) | Russian fish pie | |
| медовик (medovik) | honey cake | |
| пастила (pastila) | fruit leather-style sweet | |
| чай с вареньем (chai s varenyem) | tea with jam | |
| компот (kompot) | boiled fruit drink | |
| сбитень (sbiten’) | old-style hot honey drink | |
| каша (kasha) | porridge | |
| зраза (zraza) | mashed potato roll with filling |
Traveling through Russia gets way more exciting and way less stressful when you know a few key Russian phrases. From buying a metro ticket to ordering борщ (borscht) with confidence, just a handful of words can open doors, spark smiles, and make you feel less like a tourist and more like a traveler.
Whether you’re exploring Moscow’s Red Square or a cozy village in Siberia, learning how to greet, ask, thank, and navigate in Russian shows respect and curiosity and Russians truly appreciate that.
And the best part?
- PVP Battle: Go head-to-head and guess the correct phrases under pressure.
- Langlympics: Test your dining vocab with interactive challenges.
- Clan Wars: Learn in teams and unlock rare food-related expressions.
- Classroom Mode: Practice real ordering convos with sound and speech feedback.
Instead of flipping through flashcards, you’re gaining vocab through missions, challenges, and friendly competition.
