10 Russian phrases to use in a store
Want to bring home a Pavlovsky Posad shawl or just buy a bottle of ‘kvass’ at the supermarket? Below are 10 simple phrases to help you ask the price, request a discount, ask for gift wrapping or check the size and more.
1. “Добрый день, сколько стоит этот сувенир?” [“Dobry den, skolko stoit etot suvenir?”] – “Good afternoon, how much does this souvenir cost?”
A polite way to start shopping in any souvenir store or market. Point to the item you’re interested in. Oh, and “Добрый день” works pretty much from morning until evening!
2. “Это ручная работа?” [“Eto ruchnaya rabota?”] – “Is this handmade?”
For souvenir markets and stores. Handmade items (ручная работа) are usually more expensive, but are often more authentic.
3. “У вас есть что-то подешевле?” [“U vas yest chto-to podeshevle?”] – “Do you have something cheaper?”
If the price seems too high. In souvenir markets, polite bargaining and haggling is sometimes possible still.
4. “Где касса?” [“Gde kassa?”] – “Where is the checkout?”
In supermarkets or larger stores, you pay at a separate cash register. This phrase helps you find it.
5. “Можно примерить?” [“Mozhno primerit?”] – “Can I try it on?” (for clothes / hats / sunglasses)
For clothing or souvenir hats like ushankas. The seller will show you to a fitting room or mirror.
6. “Мне нужен размер побольше / поменьше.” [“Mne nuzhen razmer pobolshe / pomenshe”] – “I need a larger / smaller size.”
For T-shirts, sweaters or traditional Russian clothing. Sizes in Russia may differ from European or U.S. standards.
7. “Это съедобное?” [“Eto syedobnoye?”] – “Is this edible?”
When you’re not sure if a souvenir is decorative or actually food. Some painted items look like candy, but aren’t!
8. “Упакуйте, пожалуйста, как подарок.” [“Upakuyte, pozhaluysta, kak podarok.”] – “Please, wrap it as a gift.”
Buying souvenirs for friends. In many stores, gift wrapping is free or costs a little extra.
9. “Мне нужен чек. Можно чек, пожалуйста?” [“Mne nuzhen chek. Mozhno chek, pozhaluysta?”] – “I need a receipt. Can I have the receipt, please?”
For tax-free or just to keep track of expenses. In Russia, receipts are often given automatically, but sometimes they are forgotten.
10. “Можно посмотреть вон тот сувенир?” [“Mozhno posmotret von tot suvenir?”] – “Can I look at that souvenir over there?”
Point to the item you want. Often items are behind glass, and the seller will take it out for you.
Bonus phrase:
“Можно скидку?” [“Mozhno skidku?”] – “Can I get a discount?”
In souvenir markets and small stalls, bargaining is still common. In supermarkets or fixed-price stores, this won’t work!
And remember, you can always plan your dream trip to Russia on the ‘Discover Russia’ portal!
