Traveling in Russia can be exhilarating and a little bewildering if you don’t know the language — street signs, markets and transport announcements move fast. A handful of clear, practical phrases will help you get around, stay safe and be polite with locals.
There are 57 Useful Phrases for Tourists in Russia, ranging from “Call an ambulance” to “Yes”. For each phrase you’ll find below Russian (Cyrillic),Transliteration,Context (Usage) so you can read signs, say words correctly and know when to use them — you’ll find below.
Which phrases should I learn first for safety and basic politeness?
Start with emergency and courtesy phrases: “Call an ambulance”, “Help”, “Where is the bathroom?”, “Please”, and “Thank you”. These cover urgent needs and everyday interactions; once comfortable with those, add transport and dining phrases so you can ask directions, buy tickets and order food without confusion.
What’s the best way to practice these phrases before my trip?
Use the three-column list to focus: learn the Cyrillic for reading signs, practice the transliteration for speaking, and review the context line to know when to use each phrase. Combine short audio clips, repetition, and quick role-play or flashcards so phrases stick and feel natural when you need them.
Useful Phrases for Tourists in Russia
| Phrase (EN) | Russian (Cyrillic) | Transliteration | Context (Usage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Здравствуйте | Zdravstvuyte | Greeting (formal) |
| Hi/Hey | Привет | Privet | Greeting (casual) |
| Goodbye | До свидания | Do svidaniya | Farewell (formal) |
| Please | Пожалуйста | Pozhaluysta | Polite request word |
| Thank you | Спасибо | Spasibo | Expressing gratitude |
| Yes | Да | Da | Affirmation/answer |
| No | Нет | Net | Negation/answer |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Извините | Izvinite | Attract attention/apologize |
| Do you speak English? | Вы говорите по-английски? | Vy govorite po-angliyski? | Language help |
| I don’t understand | Я не понимаю | Ya ne ponimayu | Clarifying confusion |
| Help! | Помогите! | Pomogite! | Emergency call for assistance |
| Call the police | Вызовите полицию | Vyzovite politsiyu | Requesting law enforcement |
| I need a doctor | Мне нужен врач | Mne nuzhen vrach | Medical emergency request |
| Call an ambulance | Вызовите скорую помощь | Vyzovite skoruyu pomoshch | Requesting emergency medical services |
| Where is the bathroom? | Где туалет? | Gde tualet? | Finding restroom |
| Where is…? | Где находится…? | Gde nakhoditsya…? | Asking for locations/directions |
| How do I get to…? | Как добраться до…? | Kak dobrat’sya do…? | Transport/directions query |
| Left / Right / Straight | Налево / Направо / Прямо | Nalevo / Napravo / Pryamo | Giving or following directions |
| Turn here | Поверните сюда | Povernite syuda | Requesting to stop or turn (taxi) |
| Stop here | Остановите здесь | Ostanovite zdes’ | Telling taxi to stop |
| How much is it? | Сколько это стоит? | Skol’ko eto stoit? | Asking price in shops/markets |
| Can I pay by card? | Можно картой? | Mozhno kartoy? | Payment method inquiry |
| Cash only | Только наличные | Tol’ko nalichnye | Payment restriction information |
| Receipt, please | Чек, пожалуйста | Chek, pozhaluysta | Requesting a receipt |
| Where is the train station? | Где вокзал? | Gde vokzal? | Transport inquiry (trains) |
| Where is the metro entrance? | Где вход в метро? | Gde vkhod v metro? | Subway directions |
| One ticket, please | Один билет, пожалуйста | Odin bilet, pozhaluysta | Buying tickets (transport) |
| Round trip ticket | Билет туда и обратно | Bilet tuda i obratno | Purchase return tickets |
| I have a reservation | У меня бронь | U menya bron’ | Hotels/restaurants confirmation |
| Check-in, please | Я хочу заселиться | Ya khochu zaselit’sya | Hotel arrival request |
| I need my key | Можно ключ от номера? | Mozhno klyuch ot nomera? | Hotel room access request |
| Checkout | Выселение, пожалуйста | Vyselenie, pozhaluysta | Hotel departure process |
| Where can I leave luggage? | Где оставить багаж? | Gde ostavit bagazh? | Luggage storage inquiry |
| Is breakfast included? | Завтрак включен? | Zavtrak vklyuchen? | Hotel amenities question |
| Menu, please | Меню, пожалуйста | Menyu, pozhaluysta | Ordering in restaurants |
| I am vegetarian | Я вегетарианец / вегетарианка | Ya vegetarianets / vegetarianka | Dietary restriction notice |
| I am allergic to… | У меня аллергия на… | U menya allergiya na… | Medical/dietary notification |
| Water, please (still) | Вода, пожалуйста (без газа) | Voda, pozhaluysta (bez gaza) | Ordering bottled water |
| The bill, please | Счёт, пожалуйста | Schyot, pozhaluysta | Asking for the check/bill |
| Split the bill | Разделить счёт, пожалуйста | Razdelit schyot, pozhaluysta | Payment preference request |
| Can I have a discount? | Можно скидку? | Mozhno skidku? | Bargaining/requesting lower price |
| Too expensive | Слишком дорого | Slishkom dorogo | Price reaction |
| Pharmacy | Аптека | Apteka | Finding medicine/pharmacy |
| I lost my passport | Я потерял паспорт | Ya poteryal pasport (male) | Reporting lost documents |
| Call the consulate | Позвоните в консульство | Pozvonite v konsul’stvo | Consular assistance request |
| I need Wi‑Fi | Мне нужен Wi‑Fi | Mne nuzhen Wi‑Fi | Internet access request |
| Where is the ATM? | Где банкомат? | Gde bankomat? | Finding cash machine |
| How late is it open? | До какого времени открыто? | Do kakogo vremeni otkryto? | Opening hours inquiry |
| What time is departure? | Во сколько отправление? | Vo skol’ko otpravlenie? | Transport schedule question |
| One moment, please | Одну минуту, пожалуйста | Odnu minutu, pozhaluysta | Asking for brief wait |
| I’m lost | Я заблудился / заблудилась | Ya zabludilsya / zabludilas’ | Asking for directions/help |
| Is it safe here? | Здесь безопасно? | Zdes’ bezopasno? | Safety concern question |
| Delicious! | Очень вкусно | Ochen’ vkusno | Complimenting food |
| Can you recommend? | Вы можете порекомендовать? | Vy mozhete porekomendovat’? | Asking for local suggestions |
| Do you take reservations? | Вы принимаете брони? | Vy prinimayete broni? | Booking confirmation inquiry |
| I need a taxi | Мне нужно такси | Mne nuzhno taksi | Requesting transport |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Где аптека? | Gde apteka | Finding medication and supplies |
Descriptions
Hello
Standard formal greeting used with strangers, shopkeepers, hotel staff, and officials. Polite and safe; use in most situations. For casual friends say “Привет” (Privet). Helpful for first impressions and showing respect in business or service encounters.
Hi/Hey
Informal hello used with friends, young people, or relaxed situations. Avoid with older strangers or formal staff. A friendly, colloquial opener in cafes or among peers. Good for connecting but start formal if unsure, then switch.
Goodbye
Polite goodbye appropriate for shops, restaurants, taxis, and formal meetings. Neutral and widely used. Shorter informal “Пока” (Poka) works with friends. Saying it when leaving is considered courteous and appreciated.
Please
Essential polite word used when asking for something or handing something over. Also means “you’re welcome” when responding to thanks. Softens requests and shows manners in service situations and everyday interactions.
Thank you
Common and indispensable expression of gratitude; appropriate everywhere from shops to restaurants. Short and polite. For extra politeness use “Большое спасибо” (Bolshoe spasibo) meaning “thank you very much.”
Yes
Simple affirmative used to agree, accept offers, or confirm information. Neutral tone. Useful on transport, shops, or when answering questions. Combine with “Пожалуйста” (please) to be extra polite when accepting.
No
Clear negative for refusals or to decline offers. Direct but acceptable. In sensitive situations soften with “нет, спасибо” (no, thank you). Useful when declining food, services, or offers.
Excuse me / Sorry
Polite word to get someone’s attention, apologize, or pass through crowds. Formal and versatile; use with staff or strangers. For minor apologies among friends use “Прости” (Prosti).
Do you speak English?
Useful question to find English-speaking staff or locals. Formal “Вы” is polite; add “немного” (a little) if limited. Expect varied responses outside major cities.
I don’t understand
Clear way to indicate you didn’t follow speech or directions. Useful with staff, drivers, or when reading signs. People often try simpler words or gestures after hearing this.
Help!
Urgent cry for immediate help from bystanders or authorities. Short and direct. Follow up with location or problem in simple words. Use in accidents, theft, or medical emergencies.
Call the police
Direct request to summon police. Use in theft, assault, or serious incidents. Police response varies; if possible state location and nature of incident. Keep your passport and contact info ready.
I need a doctor
Essential phrase for medical emergencies or when seeking urgent care. Use at hotels, shops, or to bystanders. Follow up with symptoms, location, or ask to call ambulance “вызвать скорую”.
Call an ambulance
Direct request to call emergency medical services. Use in serious health cases or accidents. “Скорая” is commonly understood. Be ready to provide location and basic patient details.
Where is the bathroom?
Direct and polite way to ask for public restroom. Works in restaurants, cafes, stations. “Где туалет?” is universally understood; staff may direct you or say “там” (there).
Where is…?
Use to ask location of stations, attractions, hotels, or street names. Add the place name after ellipsis. Polite and common; locals often reply with short directions or gestures.
How do I get to…?
Useful for asking the best transport method to a destination. Works with drivers, station staff, or locals. Expect answers like bus numbers, metro lines, or walking directions.
Left / Right / Straight
Basic directional words used when navigating streets or following directions. Combine with “пожалуйста” to be polite. Drivers and locals will often use landmarks instead of street names.
Turn here
Phrase to tell a driver where to turn or stop. Useful in taxis when GPS differs or you recognize a landmark. Be clear and polite; follow with “пожалуйста”.
Stop here
Common phrase to request the driver to stop now. Say it when you reach your address or landmark. Always check door locks and prepare payment before exiting.
How much is it?
Key question for stores, markets, taxis, or services. Useful for bargaining in markets but don’t bargain in fixed-price stores. Add “за…” for per-item or per-person prices.
Can I pay by card?
Ask to confirm card acceptance in stores or restaurants. Many places accept cards in cities, but small kiosks may be cash-only. Helpful before ordering or buying to avoid surprises.
Cash only
Useful to note when a place doesn’t accept cards. Expect small shops, markets, or rural services to be cash-only. Carry some rubles for taxis and small purchases.
Receipt, please
Ask when you need a receipt for purchases or meals. Common at shops and restaurants. Helpful for expense tracking or VAT refund processes. Saying it politely speeds the process.
Where is the train station?
Ask for the main train station or local station. In large cities there are multiple stations (“вокзал”). Good to specify city or use “станция” for suburban stops.
Where is the metro entrance?
Useful in cities with metro systems. Staff and signs will direct you. Helpful to ask for line color or station name. Note: peak hours can be crowded; mind the doors.
One ticket, please
Simple phrase when buying a single ticket for bus, tram, or train. Change number for more tickets. Always confirm destination and whether ticket is single, return, or transfer.
Round trip ticket
Useful at ticket offices for trains, buses, or tours. Clarify dates and times. Some discounts apply for round trips; confirm refund rules in case of schedule changes.
I have a reservation
Phrase to present when checking into hotels or picking up reserved tables. Keep reservation name ready; show confirmation on phone if needed. Polite and standard.
Check-in, please
Used at hotel reception to request check-in. Provide passport and reservation details. If arriving early, ask about luggage storage or extra fee for earlier room access.
I need my key
Request your room key at reception. Also useful if keycard malfunctions. Have your ID or reservation info ready. Politely ask staff to explain wifi and breakfast times.
Checkout
Use when ready to leave the hotel. Ask about final bill, luggage storage, and receipt. Confirm departure procedures like key return and any minibar charges to avoid surprises.
Where can I leave luggage?
Ask at stations, hotels, or storage services about leaving luggage. Confirm prices and opening hours. Useful for long layovers or before check-in/check-out times.
Is breakfast included?
Ask to confirm whether breakfast is part of your booking. Important at check-in to avoid extra charges. If not included, ask about breakfast times and nearby cafes.
Menu, please
Request the menu politely in cafés and restaurants. In many tourist spots staff may offer English menus; otherwise point and ask for recommendations. Good opener for ordering drinks or food.
I am vegetarian
State dietary preference when ordering. “Vegetarianets” for male, “vegetarianka” for female. Useful to avoid meat dishes; follow up by asking ingredients to prevent surprises.
I am allergic to…
Important to tell staff about food or medicine allergies. Be specific about the ingredient (e.g., nuts, shellfish). Helpful to carry a translated allergy card for clarity and safety.
Water, please (still)
Request still water (bez gaza) or sparkling (s gazom). Bottled water is common; tap water is generally safe in many cities but bottled is standard for travelers.
The bill, please
Use when you want to pay at a restaurant or cafe. Staff will bring the bill; in Russia separate checks are less common but you can ask “отдельно?” for separate payments.
Split the bill
Ask to split payment among friends. Some places can split easily, others prefer one payment. Be clear about amounts or who pays which items to avoid confusion.
Can I have a discount?
Polite request for discount mainly at markets or small shops. Not appropriate in supermarkets or fixed-price stores. Bargaining accepted in some places; be friendly and expect moderate discounts.
Too expensive
Useful when declining offers or starting negotiation in markets. Polite but direct; follow with a counteroffer if bargaining. In fixed-price shops consider saying “Спасибо” and leaving.
Pharmacy
Word to locate a pharmacy for medications, first aid, or travel supplies. Pharmacists often provide advice; for prescription medicines, show original prescriptions or ask for local alternatives.
I lost my passport
Important phrase when a passport is lost or stolen; say gender-appropriate “потеряла” for female. Report to police and consulate promptly. Keep copies of passport separate when traveling.
Call the consulate
Ask someone to call your embassy or consulate for help with lost passports, legal issues, or emergency assistance. Keep embassy numbers handy and understand consular hours may vary.
I need Wi‑Fi
Ask in hotels, cafes, and public places for Wi‑Fi access. Staff will provide password or direct you to networks. Useful when you need maps, tickets, or communication.
Where is the ATM?
Ask to find an ATM for cash withdrawals. ATMs are common in cities; check fees and bank compatibility. Prefer machines attached to banks for security and better reliability.
How late is it open?
Useful to confirm store, museum, or restaurant closing times. Helpful for planning visits or catching last transport. Some places close midday for a break; ask about lunch closures.
What time is departure?
Ask at stations or ticket offices for train, bus, or flight departure times. Confirm platform, terminal, and gates. Arrive early for luggage checks and ticket controls.
One moment, please
Polite phrase to ask someone to wait briefly—useful when staff are checking information or arranging something. Common in shops, hotels, and transport; signals patience and respect.
I’m lost
Tell locals you’re lost; gender forms differ. People are often helpful and may offer directions or escort you to a landmark. Show map or phone location to speed assistance.
Is it safe here?
Ask locals or staff about safety in an area, especially at night. Helpful for choosing routes or neighborhoods. Responses vary; trust official advice and avoid poorly lit isolated places.
Delicious!
Common compliment to chefs or servers to praise a meal. Appreciated in restaurants and home visits. Polite and friendly; can start small talk with staff or locals about local specialties.
Can you recommend?
Ask hotel staff or locals for restaurant, attraction, or tour recommendations. Locals often suggest hidden gems. Be open to seasonal or daily specialties and thank them for personalized tips.
Do you take reservations?
Ask restaurants or tours whether bookings are accepted or required. Useful in busy seasons or for popular places. If yes, ask for time, party size, and contact details.
I need a taxi
Useful at hotels, restaurants, or streets to request a taxi. Staff can call one or direct you to a taxi rank. Confirm price or ask to use the meter (“по счётчику”) for clarity.
Where is the pharmacy?
Direct way to locate a pharmacy for medicine, basic supplies, or advice. Pharmacists may provide over-the-counter substitutes. Keep prescriptions or show symptoms if you need specific medicine.
