Learn Russian in 5 Words: 1/5

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A comprehensive Russian course in just five phrases

Reproduced with the kind permission of the author, Frank Althaus, by The Russian Communications Company Limited.

1: Saying you're sorry

My first choice goes to IZVINEETYE. It is one of the ways of saying 'excuse me' in Russian. That is not all, however: the key to izvineetye is the facial expression that goes with it, and with the correct expression, its uses are limitless.

Anyone who has ever been to Sheremetevo Airport in Moscow will know of the problems: your luggage appearing on the carousel that claims to come from Bahrain, trolleys rented for roubles only, with not a rouble exchange office in sight, and so on.

These are, regrettably, difficulties beyond the scope of the foreigner with five words of Russian. But not so with passport control and customs.

Here, if you are asked any awkward questions, you should find that izvineetye, with a blank expression and shake of the head, will see you safely through.

Adding meaning through gesture and vocal pitch

Likewise, when a native accosts you in the street or metro, izvineetye with a shrug of the shoulders should say 'I'm trying, but I'm a stupid foreigner and really don't have a clue what you are on about'.

Another important use of izvineetye, this time with a slightly foolish, questioning look, should convey 'Could you repeat that please, and if possible, a little more slowly and clearly?'.

A slightly more brusque and determined izvineetye, preferably accompanied by a scowl, is useful when you find yourself rammed up against the opposite side of a metro train with your stop fast approaching.

Finally, an apologetic izvineetye is a good catch-all whenever you get the feeling that you have said the wrong thing, or that you are not quite where you are supposed to be.

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