Univext

Univext

February 18, 2025

Russian Vocabulary: 40 Essential Words to Learn

Russian Vocabulary: 40 Essential Words to Learn

Basic Greetings and Politeness

Learning Russian vocabulary starts with essential greetings and polite expressions. These fundamental words form the backbone of daily conversations and help establish basic communication with Russian speakers. Let's begin with the most frequently used words in social interactions.

English Russian
Hello
Hi
Thank you
Please
Goodbye

Personal Pronouns

Personal pronouns are crucial for forming basic sentences in Russian. These words help you refer to yourself and others in conversations, forming the foundation for more complex communication.

English Russian
I
You
He
She
We

Essential Verbs

Understanding basic verbs allows you to express actions and states of being. These commonly used verbs will help you construct simple sentences and express basic needs.

English Russian
To be
To want
To speak
To eat
To drink

Important

Note that the verb "to be" (быть) is often omitted in the present tense in Russian!

Question Words

Question words are essential for gathering information and engaging in basic conversations. These words will help you ask simple questions in Russian.

English Russian
What
Where
When
Who
How

Numbers and Time

Basic numbers and time-related vocabulary are crucial for daily activities. These words help you discuss schedules, prices, and quantities.

English Russian
One
Two
Three
Time
Hour

Common Adjectives

Adjectives help describe people, objects, and situations. These basic descriptive words will enhance your ability to express yourself.

English Russian
Good
Bad
Big
Small
New

Food and Drink

Vocabulary related to food and drink is essential for ordering at restaurants and discussing meals with others.

English Russian
Water
Bread
Coffee
Tea
Food

Directions and Places

Understanding directional words and place names helps you navigate and ask for locations in Russian-speaking environments.

English Russian
Left
Right
Store
Restaurant
Street

Notes

Remember that Russian words change their endings based on their role in the sentence. Start by learning the basic forms first.

Common Expressions

These everyday expressions will help you navigate common social situations and show politeness in Russian culture.

English Russian
Yes
No
Excuse me
Sorry
Good luck

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