Culture & Etiquette

1. С Новым годом!

   S No-vym go-dom!

   Happy New Year!

   Usage

   Standard New Year greeting in Russia

   Grammar Note

   In Russia, New Year (Новый год) is bigger than Christmas. "С Рождеством!" = Merry Christmas, used on January 7 (Orthodox).

2. Это русская традиция?

   E-to rus-ska-ya tra-di-tsi-ya?

   Is this a Russian tradition?

   Usage

   Used to learn more about a cultural practice or ceremony you observe

   Grammar Note

   "Русская" refers to Russian ethnicity/culture. "Российская" refers to the Russian state/government. They have different nuances.

3. Что такое Масленица?

   Chto ta-ko-ye Mas-le-ni-tsa?

   What is Maslenitsa (Butter Week)?

   Usage

   Used to ask about Maslenitsa, Russia's traditional spring festival (Pancake Week)

   Grammar Note

   As a holiday name it is capitalised in Russian orthography ("Масленица"). Maslenitsa celebrates the arrival of spring. It features "блины" (thin pancakes like crepes). The festival precedes Orthodox Lent.

4. Что обычно едят на Пасху?

   Chto o-bych-no ye-dyat na Pas-khu?

   What do people typically eat at Easter?

   Usage

   Used to ask about traditional Easter foods in Russian Orthodox culture

   Grammar Note

   Russian Orthodox Easter features "кулич" (Easter bread), "пасха" (cottage cheese dessert), and "крашеные яйца" (decorated eggs).

5. Как принято приветствовать людей?

   Kak pri-nya-to pri-vet-stvo-vat' lyu-dey?

   How is it customary to greet people?

   Usage

   Used to ask about greeting customs and social etiquette in Russian culture

   Grammar Note

   Russian greetings: casual "Привет" for friends, handshakes for business. The traditional triple cheek-kiss exists but handshakes are now more common.

6. Что такое русская баня?

   Chto ta-ko-ye rus-ska-ya ba-nya?

   What is the Russian banya (steam bath)?

   Usage

   Used to ask about the traditional Russian steam bathhouse (banya)

   Grammar Note

   "Баня" is central to Russian social and wellness culture. Using a "веник" (birch branch bundle) to beat the body is a traditional health practice.

7. Когда отмечают День Победы?

   Kog-da ot-me-cha-yut Den' Po-be-dy?

   When is Victory Day celebrated?

   Usage

   Used to ask about Victory Day, one of Russia's most important national holidays

   Grammar Note

   Victory Day (May 9) commemorates the Soviet victory in WWII. It is one of Russia's most significant national holidays, marked by military parades.

8. Как принято вести себя за столом?

   Kak pri-nya-to ves-ti se-bya za sto-lom?

   What is the proper etiquette at the dining table?

   Usage

   Used to ask about Russian dining etiquette and table manners

   Grammar Note

   Russian table manners: elders eat first, refusing offered food is impolite, and toasting is an important social ritual.

9. Почему русские не улыбаются незнакомцам?

   Po-che-mu rus-ski-ye ne u-ly-ba-yut-sya ne-zna-kom-tsam?

   Why don't Russians smile at strangers?

   Usage

   Used to start a friendly conversation about Russian social customs and expression

   Grammar Note

   In Russian culture, smiling at strangers can seem insincere. A serious face does not mean unfriendliness — it's simply the social norm.

10. Что нужно принести в подарок?

    Chto nu-zhno pri-ne-sti v po-da-rok?

    What should I bring as a gift?

    Usage

    Used to ask what to bring as a gift when invited to a Russian home

    Grammar Note

    Russian gift customs: avoid even numbers of flowers (for funerals), bring wine, chocolates, or sweets. Yellow flowers signify parting — avoid them.

Browse all TravelPhrases languages