Dissecting Russian: The Art of Formal and Informal Language
Understand the difference between formal and informal Russian easily!
Formal Russian speech is used to express respect, politeness, or professional distance, while informal speech signals closeness, friendship, or familiarity. The main grammatical marker is the choice between “вы” (formal “you”) and “ты” (informal “you”)—using “вы” shows formality, and “ты” signals informality. 2, 3, 5
When to Use Formal Russian
- With strangers, superiors, elders, or professionals such as teachers, doctors, and officials. 3, 5, 2
- In business environments, public interactions, and when addressing staff or service providers. 5, 3
- During first-time meetings, especially with older people or people of higher status. 11, 2
- In written communication (formal emails, letters). 5
- When showing respect or maintaining distance in any context. 3, 5
Examples of Formal Russian
- Здравствуйте! Как у вас дела? (Hello! How are you?). 3
- Будьте добры, передайте мне соль. (Please pass me the salt). 3
- Вы говорите по-русски? (Do you speak Russian?). 5
- До свидания. (Goodbye). 5
- Addressing people with patronymics: Здравствуйте, Андрей Петрович. (Hello, Andrei Petrovich). 5
When to Use Informal Russian
- With friends, family, and close colleagues. 2, 3, 5
- Among classmates, children, or younger people. 2, 3
- In casual gatherings, parties, or social media conversations. 3, 5
- When the relationship allows for informality, or if the person invites the switch by saying “Давайте перейдём на «ты»?” (Let’s switch to ‘ты’?). 3
Examples of Informal Russian
- Привет! Как дела? (Hey! How’s it going?). 3
- Дай мне соль, пожалуйста. (Give me the salt, please). 3
- Ты говоришь по-русски? (Do you speak Russian?). 5
- Пока! (Bye). 5
Practical Advice
- If unsure, always start with formal speech; switching to informal is appropriate only if invited. 3
- Using informal speech with strangers or superiors can be seen as rude or disrespectful in Russian culture. 2, 5
- Pay attention to social cues, age, and the relationship’s context.
Russian’s distinction between formal and informal speech reflects not just grammar but respect, social hierarchy, and cultural norms—mastery of this switch is a key to polite, effective, and natural communication.