10 HANDY Russian phrases for emergencies
No one plans to lose their passport, get into an accident or call an ambulance in a foreign country. But, it’s precisely in such moments that even a few phrases can be useful to know!
1. Помогите, пожалуйста! [Pomogite, pozhaluysta!] – Help me, please!
The very first thing to say (or even shout). It works everywhere.
2. Вызовите полицию / доктора / пожарных! [Vyzovite politsiyu / doktora / pozharnykh!] – Call the police / a doctor / the fire brigade!
The single emergency number in Russia is 112. It works free of charge even from foreign numbers, without a SIM card and even from a blocked phone.
3. Я потерял паспорт. Что делать? [Ya poteryal pasport. Chto delat?] – I lost my passport. What should I do?
The first step is to contact the police and get a report. Then go to your country’s embassy or consulate.
4. Где ближайшее отделение полиции? [Gde blizhaysheye otdeleniye politsii?] – Where is the nearest police station?
In Russia, you can call the police at 102. You can also go to the nearest police station yourself – they can be found in every populated area.
5. Мне нужен переводчик. Вы говорите по-английски? [Mne nuzhen perevodchik. Vy govorite po-angliiski?] – I need an interpreter. Do you speak English?
If there is no interpreter, try to use a translation app on your phone. It’s better to download one in advance!
6. Можно позвонить от вас? У меня нет связи. [Mozhno pozvonit' ot vas? U menya net svyazi] – Can I use your phone? I don't have service.
If your phone is dead or has no signal, you can ask to use a phone at a hotel, café or police station – people usually don’t refuse.
7. У меня пропала сумка. [U menya propala sumka.] – My bag is missing.
Say this at a hotel, café or police station – they will help you find it. If the bag was left in a taxi, try calling the taxi service you used.
8. Мне плохо. Нужен врач! [Mne plokho. Nuzhen vrach!] – I feel unwell. I need a doctor.
If you feel unwell on the street. The ambulance number in Russia is 103, but 112 will also dispatch the right service.
9. Вот мой страховой полис. [Vot moy strakhovoy polis.] – Here is my insurance policy.
If you go to a doctor, you will need your insurance policy.
10. Я заблудился. Вот мой адрес. [Ya zabludilsya. Vot moy adres.] – I'm lost. Here is my address.
Show the hotel (or your place of stay’s) address on your phone or on a piece of paper. Often, this is enough for someone to point you in the right direction, walk you there or even call a taxi.
And remember, you can always plan your dream trip to Russia on the ‘Discover Russia’ portal!
