Top 10 Russian Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know

Russian is the second-most popular language spoken in Estonia, mainly spoken by those who live in communities that border the largest country in the world. 

It’s also a language that makes the top 10 of those spoken globally, so it’s worth learning some Russian slang before traveling to one of these regions or studying abroad in Tallinn. 

Use this guide to pick up some slang Russian words and phrases! 
 
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Estonia 

Top 5 Russian Slang Words 

Learning common Russian slang can enhance your interactions with Russian speakers. These words will form the building blocks of your conversations. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become in expanding your vocabulary. 

Russian Slang Word #1: привет (privet) 

Meaning: Hello 

Acquiring some greeting words – like the basic “hello” – will position you as a friendly person in your classes and your travels. 

For example: “Привет! Как вы?” “Privet! Kak vy?” (“Hello! How are you?”) 

Russian Slang Word #2: крутой (krutoy) 

Meaning: Cool or awesome 

Technically translating to “steep,” it’s a word that’s evolved that’s evolved to the equivalent of “rad” for Americans. 

For example: “Тетрис придумали в России? Это крутой!” “Tetris pridumali v Rossii? Eto krutoy!” (“Tetris was invented in Russia? That’s awesome!”) 

Russian Slang Word #3: чувак / чувиха (chuvak / chuvikha) 

Meaning: Dude 

Once you begin relationships with your new Russian friends, hearing them call you either the masculine or feminine version of this term can show that you’re growing closer. 

For example: “Чувак, давай сделаем селфи!” “Chuvak, davay sdelayem selfi!” (“Dude, let’s take a selfie!”) 

Russian Slang Word #4: вечеринка (vecherinka) 

Meaning: Party 

We know studying and sightseeing are the priorities, but in the off chance you’d like to check out some of the nightlife, this is a word that should be on your radar. 

For example: “Знаешь о хорошей вечеринке сегодня вечером?” “Znayesh' o khoroshey vecherinke segodnya vecherom?” (“Do you know of a good party tonight?”) 
 
Read More: Where to Study Russian Language Abroad (Meet Estonia) 

Russian Slang Word #5: уличная еда (ulichnaya yeda) 

Meaning: Street food 

Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is known for its street food, so you’ll want to check out classics like kebabs and elk soup. 

For example: “Давай перекусим уличная еда после уроков!” “Davay perekusim ulichnaya yeda posle urokov!” (Let’s get some street food after class!”) 

Top 5 Russian Slang Phrases 

Challenge yourself to learn some Russian slang terms to further your conversations with Estonians and Russians. It can deepen your appreciation for the culture and history of the areas you travel to. 

Russian Slang Phrase #1: Это так здорово! (Eto tak zdorovo!) 

Meaning: That’s so cool! 

You’ll be taking in so many new things on your study-abroad trip that it would be impossible not to say “cool” in Russian slang at least a few times. 

For example: “Это так здорово что рядом есть пивоварня!” “Kak zdorovo chto ryadom yest' pivovarnya!” (“That’s so cool to have a brewery nearby!”) 

Russian Slang Phrase #2: За здоровье! (Za zdorov'ye!) 

Meaning: Here’s to your health! 

If you do head to the local brewery with your friends, you’ll want to know how to say “cheers” in Russian slang, toasting to new lifelong friends. 

For example: “Вот ваш напиток и вот ваше здоровье!” “Vot vash napitok i vot vashe zdorov'ye!” (Here’s your drink and here’s to your health!”) 

Russian Slang Phrase #3: удачи (udachi) 

Meaning: Good luck 

Whether you know someone working on a presentation for class or heading on stage for the first time, it’s good karma to wish someone well. 

For example: “Удачи на завтрашнем тесте!” “Udachi na zavtrashnem teste!” (“Good luck on your test tomorrow!”) 
 
Read More: 10 Reasons Why Estonia is the “It” Destination for Tech Students 

Russian Slang Phrase #4: Я хочу пойти (YA khochu poyti) 

Meaning: I want to go 

When you’re in Estonia, you’ll want to take advantage of as many opportunities presented to you as possible. You can always find or make a friend to accompany you. 

For example: “Я хочу пойти в то новое кафе, которое только что открылось.” “YA khochu poyti v to novoye kafe, kotoroye tol'ko chto otkrylos'.” (“I want to go to that new cafe that just opened.”) 

Russian Slang Phrase #5: мне нужно вздремнуть (mne nuzhno vzdremnut') 

Meaning: I need a nap 

While it’s important to see and do everything you can during your semester in Estonia, don’t forget to recharge and relax – however necessary. 

For example: “Мне нужно вздремнуть после похода.” “Mne nuzhno vzdremnut' posle pokhoda.” (“I need a nap after that hike.”) 

Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Tallinn 

Take Your Studies to Estonia 

While Estonian is the official language here, embracing the linguistic diversity of this corner of the world by learning some Russian slang will help you appreciate the culture around you. Enjoy the rewards of broadening your language skills!  

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