Russian Etiquette: Essential Guide for Language Learners
Essential etiquette for Russian language learners.
Russian cultural etiquette for learners mainly centers on respectful greetings, gift-giving, punctuality, and behaviors that align with Russian social norms and superstitions. Key points include:
- Greetings: A firm handshake with direct eye contact is common, with men shaking hands firmly and women often offering a nod or light handshake. Avoid shaking hands over a threshold. Female friends may greet with three kisses on cheeks; men usually greet with a firm handshake or bro-style hand slapping and hugs among close males.
- Gift-giving: Always bring a small gift such as flowers (in an odd number for celebrations), sweets “for the tea,” or chocolates when invited to a Russian home. Avoid giving clocks, scarves, or knives as presents.
- Removing shoes: It is polite and expected to remove shoes when entering someone’s home and wear slippers or bring your own house shoes.
- Communication and behavior: Russians value sincerity and directness; small talk may be met with suspicion or confusion. Do not smile unless genuine. Avoid whistling indoors as it is superstitiously associated with losing money.
- Public behavior: Give up seats to elderly, disabled, or people with children in public transport. Avoid public displays of affection and maintain good posture.
- Superstitions: Avoid handing money directly into someone’s hand, do not shake hands over thresholds, and be cautious with numbers of flowers or gifts.
- Punctuality: Being on time is important, though slightly late up to 15 minutes is acceptable in some social settings.
These etiquette rules are fundamental for positive interactions and understanding Russian social customs for learners and visitors. 1, 2, 3, 4