Podcast
Questions and Answers
Match the Russian phrases with their English meanings.
Match the Russian phrases with their English meanings.
Как у тебя́ дела́? = How are things with you? Прекра́сно! = Wonderful! Хорошо́, спаси́бо! = Good, thanks! Не о́чень хорошо́. = Not so good.
You're texting a Russian friend. They send the message: "Приве́т! Как дела́?". Which response is most natural?
You're texting a Russian friend. They send the message: "Приве́т! Как дела́?". Which response is most natural?
- Непло́хо, спаси́бо. А у тебя́? (correct)
- Здра́вствуйте! Как у Вас дела́?
- Отли́чно! Спаси́бо!
- Where is my biscuit?
Leo Tolstoy is at the post office, mailing a manuscript. Someone bumps him and says:
Leo Tolstoy is at the post office, mailing a manuscript. Someone bumps him and says:
- Прекра́сно!
- Как дела́?
- Извини́те, пожа́луйста. (correct)
- Can you help me with these stamps?
Now Leo Tolstoy meets Ilya Repin at Yasnaya Polyana. Repin asks "Лев Никола́евич, здра́вствуйте! Как у вас дела́?". Tolstoy replies:
Now Leo Tolstoy meets Ilya Repin at Yasnaya Polyana. Repin asks "Лев Никола́евич, здра́вствуйте! Как у вас дела́?". Tolstoy replies:
In Russia, it is considered polite to say "Спаси́бо" when someone hands you something.
In Russia, it is considered polite to say "Спаси́бо" when someone hands you something.
In Russia, it is considered polite to say "Пожа́луйста" when someone thanks you.
In Russia, it is considered polite to say "Пожа́луйста" when someone thanks you.
When Russians ask "Как дела́?":
When Russians ask "Как дела́?":
You order a cup of coffee in a café. The waiter brings your coffee and says "______." You respond with "Спасибо!
You order a cup of coffee in a café. The waiter brings your coffee and says "______." You respond with "Спасибо!
You just received a big promotion at work. You decide to celebrate by treating yourself to a fancy lunch. Your favourite waiter recognises you and cheerfully greets you, "Здра́вствуйте! Как дела́?" Delighted by your good news, you reply:
You just received a big promotion at work. You decide to celebrate by treating yourself to a fancy lunch. Your favourite waiter recognises you and cheerfully greets you, "Здра́вствуйте! Как дела́?" Delighted by your good news, you reply:
"Как у Вас дела́?" is an informal way to ask someone "How are you?".
"Как у Вас дела́?" is an informal way to ask someone "How are you?".
