Are you learning Russian and want to know the most popular sayings? Here is a list of the 10 most common Russian expressions used in everyday life.
- Expressing surprise: Серьёзно?
This Russian expression can literally be translated as Seriously?
It is used to express astonishment or surprise at a situation or a statement.
- Ask permission: можно
This term is used very frequently in Russia. It is used to ask someone for permission, for example, if you have to make your way through a crowd of people. It can be translated as may I? (Or may you?) So, it is a very useful polite term to be aware of.
- To say “Okay” in Russian: Хорошо
This Russian word, which can be translated as okay or agree, is used in everyday life in Russia. It is therefore a very useful Russian word if you want to agree, respond positively to a question, or simply confirm to the other person that you understand what they are saying.
- To express happiness in Russian: Круто!
This popular Russian saying is used to express enthusiasm and happiness. For example, after receiving good news, you could say: Круто! You can also use the similarly meaningful expression здорово! These phrases are translated as great! Or super!
- “No problem” in Russian: Базара нет/Без базара
This very common Russian expression literally translates as “no mess”. It is therefore a way of expressing agreement (of saying that you are fine with something).
- Ask for the bill: счет пожалуйста
This is essential if you are planning to visit Russia. It will allow you to simply ask for the bill in a restaurant.
- To call someone: “молодой человек!”/”молодой девушка!”
This Russian expression will be useful if you want to address a young adult for example in the street, to call a waiter in a restaurant, or an employee in a shop … The expression молодой человек means Young man! And молодой девушка means Young woman!
- Ты с ума сошёл?
Is the person you are talking to behaving irrationally? To make this clear, you can use this Russian expression, which literally means: “You have come down from your spirit.”
- Expressing disappointment: Это ужасно!
If you are disappointed by something, or want to explain how bad a situation is, you can use this common Russian expression. It literally translates as It’s horrible! There is another expression with a similar meaning: это кошмар! This means: this is a nightmare!
- Express disbelief: Ей-Богу!
If you want to express your disbelief in Russian, this common expression will be very useful.
