How to politely introduce yourself in Russian conversations
Speak Russian Small Talk - Build Connections with Natives: How to politely introduce yourself in Russian conversations
To politely introduce yourself in Russian conversations, you generally start with a greeting, then say “Меня зовут [your name]” (Menya zovut) which means “My name is [your name].” Use the formal greeting “Здравствуйте” (Zdravstvuyte) for politeness when addressing strangers or in formal situations, and “Привет” (Privet) for informal settings. You may also add “Очень приятно” (Ochen’ priyatno) meaning “Pleased to meet you” to be courteous.
Polite Introduction Steps in Russian
- Start with a formal greeting: Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte)
- Introduce yourself: Меня зовут … (Menya zovut …)
- Optionally say where you are from: Я из … (Ya iz …)
- Express pleasure at meeting: Очень приятно (Ochen’ priyatno)
Examples
- Здравствуйте, меня зовут Анна. Очень приятно.
(“Hello, my name is Anna. Pleased to meet you.”) - Меня зовут Иван. Я из Москвы.
(“My name is Ivan. I am from Moscow.”)
Additional Tips
- Use formal language until invited to be informal.
- A firm handshake and eye contact are common politeness cues.
- Ask the other person’s name with Как вас зовут? (Kak vas zovut?) formally or Как тебя зовут? (Kak tebya zovut?) informally.
These phrases and etiquette allow a polite and culturally appropriate self-introduction in Russian.