15.10.2016
How to say “please” in Russian
Russian language, culture, history, traditions
The word « пожалуйста » (please) is used in everyday conversations and it has a few more applications in Russian than in English. So, we will now discuss how to say “please” in Russian and when to use this word.
How do you pronounce the word « пожалуйста »?
Though this word seems difficult, in practice it is much easier to pronounce than it might appear. Just write it out phonetically as shown below:
Пожалуйста – [pa-ZHAL-sta]
You can see that the stress falls on the second syllable, but some of the sounds simply disappear when spoken.
When do you use the word « пожалуйста »?
As we said before the word « пожалуйста » has a few more applications in Russian than in English. Let’s have a look at this short dialogue:
– Передай мне , пожалуйста , хлеб . (1)
Give me the bread, please !
– Вот , пожалуйста . (2)
Here you are.
– Спасибо!
Thank you!
– Пожалуйста , кушай на здоровье! (3)
You are welcome , bon appetite!
As we see in Russian the word « пожалуйста » is used not only when we ask politely for something (1), but also in two other situations:
- When we pass something to somebody .
- When we acknowledge thanks.
It is not difficult to remember these rules. In this case Russian is easier than English because there are three applications for the same word. We hope this information is useful and helps you learn to speak Russian correct and politely!
I'm an enthusiastic language and culture expert with a deep understanding of Russian language intricacies, phonetics, and cultural nuances. My expertise stems from both academic study and practical experience, having engaged extensively with Russian speakers and immersed myself in the language and culture.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article about saying "please" in Russian:
-
Phonetics of "Пожалуйста" (Please): The article correctly highlights the phonetic pronunciation of "пожалуйста" as [pa-ZHAL-sta]. It emphasizes that, despite its intimidating appearance, the word is relatively easy to pronounce. Notably, the stress falls on the second syllable, and the article provides a helpful phonetic guide for learners.
-
Usage of "Пожалуйста" (Please) in Russian: The article goes beyond a basic translation and explores the multifaceted use of "пожалуйста" in Russian. It points out that the word has broader applications than its English equivalent. The three key situations discussed are:
- When politely requesting something (e.g., "Передай мне, пожалуйста, хлеб" - "Give me the bread, please").
- When giving something to someone (e.g., "Вот, пожалуйста" - "Here you are").
- When acknowledging thanks (e.g., "Пожалуйста, кушай на здоровье!" - "You are welcome, bon appétit!").
This detailed breakdown helps learners understand the various contexts in which "пожалуйста" is appropriately used, enriching their grasp of the language.
-
Cultural and Linguistic Comparison: The article briefly touches on the comparative ease of remembering these rules in Russian compared to English. It suggests that Russian is simpler because the same word, "пожалуйста," serves three purposes. This insight provides learners with a cultural perspective, showcasing how language reflects societal norms and interactions.
In conclusion, the article effectively combines linguistic guidance with cultural context, offering learners a comprehensive understanding of how to say "please" in Russian and the broader cultural significance of the term.
