English–Russian Phrasebook: Essential Phrases for TravelersTraveling between English- and Russian-speaking countries can be rewarding, but language differences sometimes make everyday tasks — ordering food, asking for directions, or handling emergencies — more stressful than they need to be. This phrasebook focuses on practical, high-frequency expressions, clear pronunciation tips, and cultural notes to help travelers navigate common situations with confidence. Phrases are given first in English, then in Russian (Cyrillic), followed by a simple phonetic transcription to aid spoken communication.
How to use this phrasebook
Start by learning survival phrases (greetings, asking for help, directions). Carry a small printed copy or screenshot on your phone. Practice pronunciation aloud; Russians appreciate effort and may respond helpfully even if your grammar isn’t perfect. Use gestures and context when needed. Remember that many younger Russians in cities speak some English, but outside major urban centers you’ll rely more on basic Russian.
Pronunciation quick guide
- Cyrillic letters map differently to Latin letters than English; a phonetic transcription here is simplified to help travelers speak comprehensibly.
- Stress in Russian words matters—when in doubt, place stress on the syllable shown in the transcription in ALL CAPS.
- Consonants are generally harder and crisper than in English; vowels are purer (no diphthongs).
Common transcription notes:
- “kh” = the guttural sound like German “Bach” (х)
- “sh” = ш, “shch” = щ
- “yo” = ё, “yu” = ю, “ya” = я
- “zh” = ж (like the French j)
Greetings & polite phrases
- Hello — Здравствуйте — ZDRAV-stvooy-tye
- Hi (informal) — Привет — pree-VYET
- Good morning — Доброе утро — DO-bro-ye OO-trah
- Good evening — Добрый вечер — DO-bry VYE-cher
- Goodbye — До свидания — da svee-DAH-nee-ya
- Please — Пожалуйста — pa-ZHA-loos-ta
- Thank you — Спасибо — spa-SEE-ba
- You’re welcome — Пожалуйста — pa-ZHA-loos-ta
- Excuse me / Sorry — Извините — eez-vee-NEE-tye
- Yes — Да — da
- No — Нет — nyet
Getting around
- Where is the [bathroom]? — Где [туалет]? — Gdye [too-a-LYET]?
- How do I get to [the train station]? — Как пройти к [вокзалу]? — kak proe-TEE k [vok-ZAH-loo]?
- Is it far? — Это далеко? — Ehto da-LYE-ko?
- Left / Right / Straight — Налево / Направо / Прямо — na-LEH-va / na-PRAH-va / PRYA-mo
- I need a taxi — Мне нужен такси — mnye NOO-zhuhn tak-SEE
- One ticket to [city], please — Один билет до [города], пожалуйста — a-DEEN bee-LET da [GOR-o-da], pa-ZHA-loos-ta
- How much is the fare? — Сколько стоит проезд? — SKOL-ka STO-it pro-YEZD?
Accommodation
- Do you have a room? — У вас есть номер? — oo vas yest’ NO-mer?
- I have a reservation — У меня бронь — oo men-YA bron’
- Check-in / Check-out — Регистрация / Выписка — reh-gees-TRA-tsi-ya / vy-PEES-ka
- Is breakfast included? — Завтрак включен? — ZAV-trak vkluch-YON?
- Can I pay by card? — Можно оплатить картой? — MOZH-na op-la-TEET KAR-toy?
Eating & shopping
- A table for two, please — Столик на двоих, пожалуйста — STO-lik na dvee-EEH pa-ZHA-loos-ta
- Menu, please — Меню, пожалуйста — me-NYOO pa-ZHA-loos-ta
- I am allergic to [nuts] — У меня аллергия на [орехи] — oo men-YA al-YER-gee-ya na [a-RYE-khi]
- The bill, please — Счёт, пожалуйста — shchyot pa-ZHA-loos-ta
- Can I try it? — Можно попробовать? — MOZH-na pa-bra-VAHT’ ?
- I’m just looking — Я просто смотрю — ya PRO-sta SMO-troo
Numbers (0–10)
0 — ноль — nol’
1 — один — a-DEEN
2 — два — dva
3 — три — tree
4 — четыре — CHYE-ty-re
5 — пять — pyat’
6 — шесть — shest’
7 — семь — syem’
8 — восемь — VO-syem’
9 — девять — DYE-vyat’
10 — десять — DYE-syat’
Directions & landmarks
- Straight ahead — Прямо вперёд — PRYA-mo vpe-RYOD
- At the corner — На углу — na oo-GLU
- Near — Рядом — RYA-dom
- Next to — Рядом с — RYA-dom s
- Left-hand side / Right-hand side — Слева / Справа — slee-VA / SPRA-va
Emergencies & health
- Help! — Помогите! — pa-ma-GEE-tye!
- Call the police — Вызовите полицию — vuh-ZOH-vee-tye pa-LEE-tsee-yu
- I need a doctor — Мне нужен врач — mnye NOO-zhuhn vrach
- I am sick / I feel unwell — Я плохо себя чувствую — ya PLO-ho sye-BYA CHOO-stvoo-yu
- Pharmacy — Аптека — ap-TE-ka
- Where is the hospital? — Где больница? — Gdye BOL’-nee-tsa?
Useful sentences for conversation
- I don’t speak Russian well — Я плохо говорю по-русски — ya PLO-ho ga-va-RYU pa-RUS-ski
- Do you speak English? — Вы говорите по-английски? — vy ga-va-REE-tye pa an-GLEES-ki?
- Please speak slowly — Говорите медленнее, пожалуйста — ga-va-REE-tye myed-LYEN-nye pa-ZHA-loos-ta
- Repeat, please — Повторите, пожалуйста — paq-to-REE-tye pa-ZHA-loos-ta
- I understand / I don’t understand — Я понимаю / Я не понимаю — ya pa-nee-MAH-yu / ya nye pa-nee-MAH-yu
Cultural tips
- Formality matters: use “Вы” (Vy) for strangers and elders; “ты” (ty) is for close friends and children.
- Russians may seem direct; brief bluntness is normal and not rude.
- Tipping: 10%–15% in restaurants is common but not obligatory; round up for taxis.
- Personal space: Russians stand closer than some Westerners on public transport; don’t be offended.
Quick practice dialogues
- At a cafe
- Waiter: Здравствуйте! — ZDRAV-stvooy-tye!
- You: Меню, пожалуйста. — me-NYOO pa-ZHA-loos-ta
- You: Я хотел бы кофе и пирожное. — ya ha-TYEL by KOH-fee ee pee-ROZH-noye
- Asking for directions
- You: Извините, как пройти к метро? — eez-vee-NEE-tye, kak proe-TEE k meh-TRO?
- Local: Прямо, затем налево. — PRYA-mo, za-TYEM na-LEH-va.
Appendix: essential phrases (compact list for quick reference)
- Hello — Здравствуйте — ZDRAV-stvooy-tye
- Thank you — Спасибо — spa-SEE-ba
- Please — Пожалуйста — pa-ZHA-loos-ta
- Yes / No — Да / Нет — da / nyet
- Bathroom — Туалет — too-a-LYET
- Help! — Помогите! — pa-ma-GEE-tye!
- Police — Полиция — pa-LEE-tsee-ya
- Taxi — Такси — tak-SEE
This phrasebook gives you a practical toolkit for common travel situations. If you’d like, I can convert this into a printable one-page cheat sheet, create audio pronunciation clips, or expand the vocabulary for business travel, medical needs, or children’s travel.
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