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    How to say "please" in Russian

    Пожалуйста
    Pozhaluysta
    /pɐˈʐalʊstə/

    When to use it

    Universal 'please' AND 'you're welcome'. Context decides which.

    Syllables & stress

    pa-ZHA-lusta

    Formal or informal?

    Does double duty: 'please' when asking, and 'you're welcome' when answering «Спасибо». Context decides which one a listener hears.

    Examples

    Кофе, пожалуйста
    Kofe, pozhaluysta
    A coffee, please

    Frequently asked questions

    How do you say "please" in Russian?

    "please" in Russian is Пожалуйста, pronounced Pozhaluysta (pa-ZHA-lusta — stress on the capitalised syllable).

    How do you pronounce Пожалуйста?

    Pozhaluysta — IPA /pɐˈʐalʊstə/. Syllables: pa-ZHA-lusta. Use the Listen button above to hear it.

    Is Пожалуйста formal or informal?

    Does double duty: 'please' when asking, and 'you're welcome' when answering «Спасибо». Context decides which one a listener hears.

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    More phrases

    thank you
    Спасибо
    you're welcome
    Не за что
    sorry / excuse me
    Извините
    yes
    Да
    no
    Нет
    how much does it cost
    Сколько стоит

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    Written by Vlad Lario

    Written by Vlad Lario

    Russian in Lisbon. I read both sides and write down what differs.

    About the author

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