Belarus is a compact country with friendly towns, straightforward transport links and plenty of practical encounters where a few local phrases make a trip smoother. Whether you’re navigating Minsk, hopping between regional stops or handling everyday exchanges, knowing key expressions helps you connect and get things done with less stress.
There are 51 Useful Phrases for Tourists in Belarus, ranging from Airport to You’re welcome. For each phrase you’ll find below Native script (Belarusian/Russian),Transliteration,English (short) so you can read, say and quickly understand the essentials before you travel — you’ll find the full list below.
Which phrases should I learn first when arriving in Belarus?
Start with greetings, polite phrases (please, thank you, you’re welcome), basic directions and transport terms (taxi, train, Airport), and numbers for prices. Those cover most immediate needs; add restaurant terms and emergency words next. Practice the transliterations aloud a few times so you feel comfortable ordering or asking for help.
Are both Belarusian and Russian forms included, and which should I use?
The list provides Native script (Belarusian/Russian) plus Transliteration so you can see both variants; Russian is widely understood in cities while Belarusian may be appreciated in rural areas. Use whichever locals respond to, and try a simple Belarusian greeting — people usually welcome the effort.
Useful Phrases for Tourists in Belarus
| Phrase | Native script (Belarusian/Russian) | Transliteration | English (short) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Здравствуйте (Russian) | Zdravstvuyte | Hello |
| Hi | Привет (Russian) | Privet | Hi |
| Good morning | Доброе утро (Russian) | Dobroye utro | Good morning |
| Good evening | Добрый вечер (Russian) | Dobryy vecher | Good evening |
| Goodbye | До свидания (Russian) | Do svidaniya | Goodbye |
| Please | Пожалуйста (Russian) | Pozhaluysta | Please |
| Thank you | Спасибо (Russian) | Spasibo | Thank you |
| You’re welcome | Не за что/Пожалуйста (Russian) | Ne za chto / Pozhaluysta | You’re welcome |
| Excuse me | Извините (Russian) | Izvinite | Excuse me |
| Sorry | Простите (Russian) | Prostite | Sorry |
| Yes | Да (Russian) | Da | Yes |
| No | Нет (Russian) | Net | No |
| Maybe | Может быть (Russian) | Mozhet byt’ | Maybe |
| Do you speak English? | Вы говорите по‑английски? (Russian) | Vy govorite po-angliyski? | Do you speak English? |
| I don’t understand | Я не понимаю (Russian) | Ya ne ponimayu | I don’t understand |
| Can you help me? | Вы можете помочь? (Russian) | Vy mozhete pomoch’? | Can you help me? |
| Where is…? | Где…? (Russian) | Gde…? | Where is…? |
| How do I get to…? | Как пройти к…? (Russian) | Kak proyti k…? | How do I get to…? |
| Which way to…? | Куда идти? (Russian) | Kuda idti? | Which way to…? |
| Left | Налево (Russian) | Nalevo | Left |
| Right | Направо (Russian) | Napravo | Right |
| Straight | Прямо (Russian) | Pryamo | Straight |
| How much? | Сколько стоит? (Russian) | Skol’ko stoit? | How much? |
| Can I pay by card? | Можно картой? (Russian) | Mozhno kartoy? | Can I pay by card? |
| Do you accept euros? | Вы принимаете евро? (Russian) | Vy prinimayete evro? | Do you accept euros? |
| I am looking for this address | Я ищу этот адрес (Russian) | Ya ishchu etot adres | Looking for address |
| I have a reservation | У меня бронь (Russian) | U menya bron’ | I have a reservation |
| I need a room | Мне нужен номер (Russian) | Mne nuzhen nomer | I need a room |
| Is breakfast included? | Завтрак включён? (Russian) | Zavtrak vklyuchyon? | Is breakfast included? |
| Check-out | Я хочу выписаться/Выселение (Russian) | Ya khochu vypisat’sya / Vyselenie | Check-out |
| Taxi | Такси/Позвоните в такси (Russian) | Taksi / Pozvonite v taksi | Taxi / Call a taxi |
| Stop here | Остановите здесь (Russian) | Ostanovite zdes’ | Stop here |
| Train station | Вокзал (Russian) | Vokzal | Train station |
| Bus stop | Остановка автобуса (Russian) | Ostanovka avtobusa | Bus stop |
| Airport | Аэропорт (Russian) | Aeroport | Airport |
| Ticket | Билет (в один конец/туда и обратно) (Russian) | Bilet (v odin konets/tuda i obratno) | Ticket (single/return) |
| What time is it? | Который час?/Сколько времени? (Russian) | Kotoriy chas?/Skol’ko vremeni? | What time is it? |
| Where is the toilet? | Где туалет? (Russian) | Gde tualet? | Where is the toilet? |
| Is tap water safe? | Можно пить воду? (Russian) | Mozhno pit’ vodu? | Can I drink the water? |
| I need a doctor | Мне нужен врач (Russian) | Mne nuzhen vrach | I need a doctor |
| Call the police | Позвоните в полицию (Russian) | Pozvonite v politsiyu | Call the police |
| Help! | Помогите! (Russian) | Pomogite! | Help! |
| Menu | Меню (Russian) | Menyu | Menu |
| Bill, please | Счёт, пожалуйста (Russian) | Schyot, pozhaluysta | Bill, please |
| I’m vegetarian | Я вегетарианец/вегетарианка (Russian) | Ya vegetarianets/vegetarianka | I’m vegetarian |
| I’m allergic to… | У меня аллергия на… (Russian) | U menya allergiya na… | I’m allergic to… |
| Pharmacy | Аптека (Russian) | Apteka | Pharmacy |
| Open/Closed | Открыто/Закрыто (Russian) | Otkryto / Zakryto | Open/Closed |
| Where can I buy…? | Где я могу купить…? (Russian) | Gde ya mogu kupit’? | Where can I buy…? |
| Do you have…? | У вас есть…? (Russian) | U vas yest’? | Do you have…? |
| Is there Wi‑Fi? | Есть Wi‑Fi?/Где пароль? (Russian) | Yest’ Wi-Fi? / Gde parol’? | Is there Wi‑Fi?/Password? |
Descriptions
Hello
Formal greeting used when entering shops, restaurants, or meeting strangers; polite and appropriate for adults or service staff. Say “zdrahv-stvooy-teh” slowly to be understood; use instead of informal greetings with people you don’t know.
Hi
Informal greeting for friends, younger people, or casual encounters. Use “pree-vyet” with people your age or younger; avoid with older strangers or formal situations. Friendly and common in social, not official, settings.
Good morning
Polite morning greeting in hotels, cafés, or shops before noon. Say “doh-broh-yeh oot-roh” with a clear vowel on “utro”; safe and neutral for most interactions early in the day.
Good evening
Use when arriving at restaurants, performances, or meeting people in the evening. Pronounce “doh-briy vech-er” smoothly; polite and suitable for both formal and casual situations after late afternoon.
Goodbye
Standard polite farewell when leaving shops, taxis, or saying goodbye to hosts. Pronounce “doh-svee-dah-nee-ya”; works in formal and neutral settings, more polite than simply leaving without a phrase.
Please
Very common polite word used when asking for things, ordering in cafés, or requesting help. Say “pah-zhah-loos-tah”; can also mean “you’re welcome,” so context matters but locals will understand.
Thank you
Essential expression of gratitude in shops, restaurants, and to helpers. Pronounce “spah-see-bah” with light stress on the second syllable; appreciated everywhere and often met with a smile.
You’re welcome
Use “ne za chto” (“nay zah shto”) to mean “don’t mention it” or “pozhaluysta” after thanks; both are polite replies when someone thanks you, common in everyday interactions.
Excuse me
Useful to get attention, ask a question, or pass through crowds; formal and polite. Pronounce “eez-vee-nee-teh” slowly. Also used to apologize briefly if you bump someone.
Sorry
Use to apologize for small mistakes, lateness, or accidental bumps. Say “pro-stee-teh” politely. Slightly more formal than casual apologies, appropriate with shop staff or drivers.
Yes
Basic affirmation used everywhere. Pronounce “dah” clearly. Useful for confirmations, answering questions, or agreeing with directions.
No
Basic negative used for refusals or to decline offers. Say “nyet” with a short vowel. Common and understood by all.
Maybe
Useful when you are unsure or want to keep options open. Pronounce “MO-zhet bit” with soft t; polite for tentative answers in shops or planning conversations.
Do you speak English?
Polite question to find English-speaking staff or locals. Say “vi gah-voh-REE-tye pah ahn-GLEE-skee?” Use formal “vy” form to be respectful; often understood in tourist areas.
I don’t understand
Handy when you miss words or directions; say “ya nye pah-nee-MAH-yu” slowly. Shows politeness and invites the other person to repeat or simplify language.
Can you help me?
Useful in stations, streets, or emergencies to request assistance. Pronounce “vee MO-zhe-teh pah-MOCH?” and keep tone polite; usually prompts someone nearby to assist or call for help.
Where is…?
Start a location question: “Gde metro?” or “Gde tualet?” Pronounce “gdyeh” and follow with the place name. Short, flexible, and used for asking directions to any landmark.
How do I get to…?
Ask for walking or transit directions: “Kak proyti k vokzalu?” Say “kahk proy-tee k…” and point on a map if needed. Formal and helpful with staff or locals.
Which way to…?
Quick street-level question to ask passersby for direction. Pronounce “koo-DAH eet-TEE?” and follow with the place name. Casual but polite for immediate navigation.
Left
Directional word used with “turn”: “налево” (NAH-lye-vo). Say clearly when giving or following short directions; pair with “направо” and “прямо” for full guidance.
Right
Directional word for turns. Pronounce “nah-PRAH-vo.” Useful in taxis and when following walking directions.
Straight
Use to tell or follow “go straight” on streets. Say “PREE-ah-mo” or “pree-YAH-mo” depending on accent. Common in city navigation.
How much?
Essential when shopping, at markets, or buying tickets. Say “SKOL’-ka STO-it?” Loud enough to be heard; useful to confirm price before purchase.
Can I pay by card?
Ask at shops, taxis, or restaurants to check card acceptance. Pronounce “MOZH-noh kar-TOY?” Useful because smaller places sometimes accept cash only.
Do you accept euros?
Useful for travelers carrying euros; say “vee pree-nee-MAH-yeh-tye EV-ro?” Many places accept euros in tourist areas, but local currency is preferred.
I am looking for this address
Show a map or paper and say “ya EESH-choo EH-tot AH-dres.” Helpful with taxi drivers or directions; polite and clear way to request assistance locating a place.
I have a reservation
Say at hotels, restaurants, or tours: “oo MYEH-nya bron’.” Good to mention name and booking details after this phrase; formal and expected during check-in.
I need a room
Useful at hotels or guesthouses without prior booking. Pronounce “mne NOO-zhen NO-mer.” Add number of guests and nights to complete the request politely.
Is breakfast included?
Ask during check-in or when booking. Say “ZAHV-trak v-klyoo-CHYON?” Helpful for understanding total cost and meal times at small hotels or B&Bs.
Check-out
Use when leaving a hotel: “ya kho-CHOo vyp-ee-SAHT-sya” to request check-out. Mention your room number and ask about luggage storage if you have a late departure.
Taxi
Ask staff to call a cab or hail one: say “tahk-SEE” or “paz-vo-NEE-teh v tak-SEE.” Useful at night or from stations; clarify address and whether meter or fixed fare applies.
Stop here
Tell a taxi driver to stop at a location: “oh-stah-noh-VEE-teh zdes’.” Say clearly and add “пожалуйста” for politeness. Handy when you want to exit between landmarks.
Train station
Key word to show on signs or maps. Pronounce “vok-ZAHL.” Useful when buying tickets, asking directions, or catching long-distance trains.
Bus stop
Use to ask where to catch local buses. Say “oh-stah-NOHV-ka av-TO-boo-sa.” Handy in cities and towns where buses are common public transport.
Airport
Essential word when asking taxi drivers, looking for transfers, or reading signs. Pronounce “ah-eh-roh-PORT” clearly; pair with flight number when asking for assistance.
Ticket
Ask for ticket types at stations or kiosks. Say “bee-LET” and add “v odin konets” for one-way or “tuda i obratno” for return. Important to avoid misunderstandings.
What time is it?
Useful when you don’t have internet or a phone. Pronounce “kah-TOH-ryy chahs” or “SKOL’-ka VREH-meh-nee?” Often used to coordinate transport or meeting times.
Where is the toilet?
Polite and urgent phrase in cafés, stations, and shops. Say “gdyeh too-ah-LET?” Add “пожалуйста” after to be polite; essential for comfort and emergencies.
Is tap water safe?
Ask before drinking tap water in unfamiliar places. Pronounce “MOZH-noh peet’ VO-doo?” Many places in Belarus have safe water, but it’s good to confirm, especially in rural areas.
I need a doctor
Emergency phrase for medical help. Say “mne NOO-zhen vrach” clearly and indicate symptoms or show translation app if needed. Use immediately in serious health situations.
Call the police
Ask a bystander, hotel staff, or phone operator to contact authorities: “paz-vo-NEE-teh v pah-LEE-tsee-yu.” Important in theft, assault, or lost-document cases.
Help!
Short, urgent cry for immediate assistance. Pronounce “pah-mah-GEE-teh.” Use in danger or to attract attention quickly; people will come or alert authorities.
Menu
Show this word at restaurants, or ask “Можно меню?” (“Mozhno menyu?”) to request a menu. Pronounce “MEH-nyoo.” Useful for ordering and checking prices or ingredients.
Bill, please
Ask for the check after dining: “schyot, pazh-aluysta.” Pronounce “schyot” with a soft shch sound. Standard, polite way to end a meal.
I’m vegetarian
Useful to state dietary preferences; male/female forms differ. Say “ya veh-geh-ta-ree-YAH-nets” or “veh-geh-ta-ree-YAH-nka.” Helpful when ordering to avoid meat dishes.
I’m allergic to…
Important for food or medical safety. Say “oo MYEH-nya al-ler-GEE-ya nah…” then the item. Clear and often prompts staff to check ingredients.
Pharmacy
Show or ask for “apteka” when you need medicine or first-aid supplies. Pronounce “ap-TEH-kah.” Pharmacists can often help with over-the-counter remedies and directions to clinics.
Open/Closed
Read shop windows or ask staff: “ot-KREE-to” means open, “zak-RY-to” means closed. Useful to know operating hours when planning visits or shopping.
Where can I buy…?
Use to locate shops or souvenirs: “gde ya MAH-gu koo-PEET?” Show a picture if helpful. Handy at markets or when searching for specific items.
Do you have…?
Quick shopping or dining question to check availability: “oo vas yest’…?” Polite and efficient in stores, pharmacies, and restaurants.
Is there Wi‑Fi?
Ask in cafés or hotels to connect to the internet. Say “yest’ vee-fee?” and “gde pah-ROL’?” for the password. Very useful for maps and translations.
