Order anything by pointing in Russian
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. 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 11 Russian phrases in this lesson
- Я бы хотел...ya by kha-TYEL
- I would like...
- Вот этотvot E-tat
- This one
- Сколько стоит?SKOL-ka STO-eet
- How much is it?
- Счёт, пожалуйстаshchot pa-ZHAL-sta
- The bill, please
- КартойKAR-toy
- By card
- Наличнымиna-LEECH-ny-mee
- In cash
- Водаva-DA
- Water
- КофеKO-fye
- Coffee
- Чайchai
- Tea
- ПивоPEE-va
- Beer
- Без...byez
- Without...
Literally "I would like". A woman says хотела (kha-TYE-la).
Use when pointing to an item. The form changes by gender: этот (masculine), эта (feminine), это (neuter). Вот это is a safe all-purpose option when combined with a gesture.
Ask this before committing to something if the price is not displayed. In markets it is expected; in restaurants the bill will show the total.
Счёт is the key word here. The "щ" sound is a long, soft "shch." Wave or make a writing gesture if the pronunciation feels daunting at first.
Card payments are widely accepted in Russian cities. Tap payment and contactless are common. Ask Можно картой? to check if card is accepted.
Useful in markets, small kiosks, or rural areas where card may not be accepted. Having some cash on hand is always wise outside major cities.
Ask for газированная (ga-zee-RO-van-na-ya) for sparkling or негазированная (nye-ga-zee-RO-van-na-ya) for still. Both are widely available.
Say it on its own to order a coffee, or add пожалуйста. Russian coffee culture is strong: espresso, americano, and cappuccino are all widely understood in cities.
"Без сахара" (byez SA-kha-ra), without sugar.