Help and emergencies in Russian
The words you hope to never need. Play the ten Russian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Russian phrases in this lesson
- Помогите!pa-ma-GEE-tye
- Help!
- Вызовите врачаVY-za-vee-tye vra-CHA
- Call a doctor
- Полицияpa-LEE-tsee-ya
- Police
- Аптекаap-TYE-ka
- Pharmacy
- Больницаbol-NEE-tsa
- Hospital
- Я заблудился / Я заблудиласьya za-bloo-DEEL-sya / ya za-bloo-DEE-las
- I'm lost
- Мне плохоmnye PLO-kha
- I don't feel well
- У меня укралиoo mye-NYA oo-KRA-lee
- It was stolen
- Это экстренная ситуацияE-ta EKS-tryen-na-ya see-too-A-tsee-ya
- It's an emergency
- Оставьте меня в покоеas-TAF-tye mye-NYA f pa-KO-ye
- Leave me alone
The imperative form of "help." Shout this clearly in an emergency. На помощь! (na PO-mashch) is an equally urgent alternative meaning "to the rescue!"
Direct and clear in a medical emergency. The emergency number in Russia is 112 (unified) or 103 for an ambulance (скорая помощь, skoraya pomoshch).
The police emergency number is 102, or use the unified 112. In an urgent situation you can shout Полиция! to attract attention or signal you need help.
Pharmacies are widespread in Russian cities and are marked with a green cross. Many common medications are available over the counter. Staff are generally knowledgeable.
For serious emergencies, call 103 for an ambulance. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended when visiting Russia.
Russian verbs often change ending by gender. Men say заблудился, women say заблудилась. Either will be understood. Show your map or hotel address on your phone as a backup.
Literally "it is bad for me." A simple and effective way to communicate you are unwell. Point to where it hurts if needed: У меня болит... (I have a pain in...).
Literally "they stole from me." Add the item: У меня украли паспорт (my passport was stolen). Report theft to the police and get a reference number for insurance.
The emergency number is 112.
Literally "leave me in peace".