How Do Russians Greet Each Other?

Russian greetings differ over the phone and in person.

The difference between sealing a business deal, enjoying a holiday or learning other cultural viewpoints can be as simple as getting off to a good start. Russian etiquette is a great way to show appreciation to a business colleague, friend or tour guide and will prove wrong all the negative stereotypes of Westerners that were created both during the Cold War and the immediate period thereafter.

First Contact

In Russia, it is considered gallant to kiss women three times.

Conversations with Russians exhibit an openness that is not common in Western cultures. It is uncommon for the question "How are you?" to be answered with a short response. There is often a more open show of affection, with handshakes common among informal business meetings and bear hugs common among formal (and some informal) greetings. In Russia it is considered gallant to kiss women three times while alternating cheeks, and to kiss hands, according to Mary Habibis, author of "Culture Smart Russia".

Formal

The first Russian custom in a business environment, according to Ms. Habibis, is an exchange of business cards; "the business card is regarded as an indicator of status." Handshakes are also the most frequently accepted greeting, along with the formal hello ('Zdravstvujte') and very nice to meet you ('Ochen pryatna poznakomitsya').

After the initial shaking of hands, subsequent meetings will also often require hand shakes, although not with women. The informal 'vy' pronoun is used in this context, and 'ty' can be considered rude or insulting. A patronymic (the first name and name of that person's father with a gender specific ending) is used when talking to that person. Also expect good morning ('dobrae utra'), good afternoon ('dobryi den') and/or good evening ('dobrye vyecher').

Over the Phone

Allo. Slushayu vas...

All Russian conversations over the phone begin with 'Allo?', like in French or English. Hello I'm listening ('Allo. Slushayu vas') is the response, followed by the first person either introducing themselves or asking for a specific person if the phone call is a business call.

Informal

Russian informal greetings may take the form of a handshake on the first meeting, but will often involve hugging or kissing thereafter, as Russians are famous for being warm and friendly, even with new friends. The young will still call those older or not well known using the 'vy' pronoun, and will use their first name and patronymic when addressing them. The less formal hello ('zdravstvu') or hi ('privet') is used, and either how are you ('kak dela?') or how are you living ('kak pozhivaesh?') will be asked afterward. If those involved have not seen each for a long time, Russians often use the expression it's been ages ('skol'ko let, skol'ko zim'). which literally means: how many years, how many winters.

Letters

A correctly headed letter will begin with 'Esteemed one': 'uvazhaemyi' if the correspondent is male, 'uvazhaemaya' if female or 'uvazhaemye' if you are writing to a group or someone unknown, according to Master Russian.

Slang

ei - zovut loshadyej

Russian, like any other language, also contains numerous words which are either conventionally frowned upon or used in unusual circumstances. An excellent example of slang being used in a greeting (as mentioned by Vladimir Shlyakhov and Eve Adler in their book "Dictionary of Russian Slang and Colloquial Expressions") is the use of hey ('ei'), to which that person might receive the curt reply hey is for horses! ('ei - zovut loshadyej').

References

• "Culture Smart Russia"; Mary Habibis; 2003
• Master Russian: Greeting People
• "Dictionary of Russian Slang and Colloquial Expressions"; Vladimir Shlyakhov and Eve Adler; 2006