How to Greet People in Russia: A Guide to Etiquette
Introduction: The Art of Greeting in Russia
Imagine arriving in Moscow, stepping into a meeting with Russian colleagues, or visiting a local market in Saint Petersburg. You extend your hand to shake, but something feels off—was your grip too firm? Too weak? Should you kiss on the cheek? Say something formal?
Greetings in Russia are more than just a polite exchange of words; they reflect deep-rooted cultural traditions, respect, and social hierarchy. Knowing how to greet people properly can help you navigate Russian society with confidence and avoid common faux pas. Whether you're visiting for business, studying the language, or simply exploring the country’s breathtaking landscapes, understanding Russian greetings is essential.
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we teach not only the Russian language but also the cultural nuances that come with it. If you’re in Berkeley, San Francisco, or Oakland, our Russian classes will prepare you for real-life interactions in Russia. Join our Russian classes today and start mastering the art of greeting!
Why Greetings Matter in Russia
In many cultures, greetings are simple and informal. A quick “hi” or a nod is enough. In Russia, however, greetings are taken seriously. They set the tone for an interaction and reflect respect for the other person. Here’s why mastering Russian greetings is important:
They establish trust – Russians value sincerity, and a proper greeting can help build relationships.
They show respect – Formality is key, especially when addressing elders, professionals, or new acquaintances.
They prevent awkward moments – A poorly executed greeting can make you seem rude or uninformed.
They enhance your travel experience – Knowing how to greet people correctly will help you interact comfortably in shops, restaurants, and public spaces.
Common Russian Greetings and When to Use Them
1. Formal Greetings
When in doubt, always start with a formal greeting, especially in professional or first-time encounters.
Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte) – The most common formal greeting, meaning “Hello.”
Доброе утро (Dobroe utro) – “Good morning” (used until around noon).
Добрый день (Dobry den’) – “Good afternoon” (used from noon until early evening).
Добрый вечер (Dobry vecher) – “Good evening” (used after 6 PM).
Как ваши дела? (Kak vashi dela?) – A formal way to ask, “How are you?”
📌 Example: Meeting a professor in Moscow? A polite “Здравствуйте” will make a great first impression.
2. Informal Greetings
Used among friends, family, or people of the same age group.
Привет (Privet) – Casual “Hi.”
Как дела? (Kak dela?) – “How are you?” (Informal)
Здорова! (Zdorova!) – A very informal way of saying “Hey!” (mostly used among men).
Чё как? (Che kak?) – Slang for “What’s up?”
Дарова (Darova) – A super casual version of “Hi.”
📌 Example: Meeting a Russian friend in Saint Petersburg? “Привет!” will do just fine.
3. Business and Professional Greetings
Russians are formal in business settings, so it’s best to err on the side of politeness.
Рад вас видеть (Rad vas videt’) – “Glad to see you” (formal, used in professional settings).
Как поживаете? (Kak pozhivaete?) – A formal “How have you been?”
Добрый день, приятно познакомиться (Dobry den’, priyatno poznakomitsya) – “Good afternoon, nice to meet you.”
Разрешите представиться (Razreshite predstavit’sya) – “Allow me to introduce myself.”
Будем знакомы (Budem znakomy) – A polite way of saying, “Let’s get acquainted.”
📌 Example: If you’re in a business meeting in Russia, using a formal greeting will make you appear professional and respectful.
4. Russian Handshakes, Kisses, and Hugs: What’s Appropriate?
Russians often greet each other with more than just words. Here’s what to expect:
Handshakes
Men: A firm handshake is expected, making eye contact is crucial.
Women: A handshake may be softer or skipped in favor of a verbal greeting.
Never shake hands over a threshold – This is considered bad luck in Russian superstition.
Kissing on the Cheek
Common among close friends and family, usually three kisses (left-right-left).
Rare in formal settings or between acquaintances.
Hugging and Patting
Friends may hug, especially after a long absence.
Men may pat each other on the back as a sign of camaraderie.
📌 Example: In a business setting in Russia, expect a firm handshake but avoid excessive physical contact.
Mistakes to Avoid When Greeting Russians
Using “Privet” with strangers – Keep “Привет” for friends and use “Здравствуйте” for new people.
Weak handshakes – A limp handshake can be seen as weak or insincere.
Forgetting eye contact – Looking away while greeting can be interpreted as distrustful.
Initiating a cheek kiss too soon – Follow the lead of the Russian person you’re greeting.
Not greeting at all – Russians appreciate formal greetings, so skipping them can seem rude.
Read More on Our Blog
Want to master Russian language and culture? Check out these articles:
How to Practice Writing in a Foreign Language
Mastering the Art of Small Talk in a Foreign Language
Consistency vs. Intensity: Finding the Right Balance in Language Study
The Role of Pronunciation in Building Fluency
Overcoming Perfectionism in Language Learning
Conclusion: Master Russian Greetings with Confidence
Greetings in Russia are more than a formality—they are a reflection of culture, respect, and tradition. Whether you're in Moscow for business, exploring Saint Petersburg, or just making Russian-speaking friends in Berkeley, San Francisco, or Oakland, knowing how to greet people properly will enhance your interactions.
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we teach not just Russian words but the cultural etiquette behind them. Ready to learn? Sign up for our Russian classes today!