9 Different Ways to Say Please in Russian

Whether going out to dinner, ordering a cafe, or asking for directions, you need to learn how to say please when you start to learn Russian. As with any language, mastering the art of politeness is a crucial step and can help you assimilate with both the language and culture, as people tend to be more welcoming to those who show respect. In Russian, the concept of "please" is expressed through several different words and phrases. Although some versions are more common than others, it's always good to know how to say please based on context and the level of formality. Here, we’ll explore the different ways to say "please" in Russian to help ensure you have the tools to communicate politely and effectively in any situation.

Understanding Politeness in the Russian Language

While the language itself can sound intimidating, politeness is an important factor to keep in mind when learning to speak Russian. Like many languages, politeness is usually conveyed through language, tone, and respect. That's why there are two different versions of "you;" the informal "ты" (ty) and the formal "вы" (vy). There are also situations where saying one version of a word is formal, while a shortened or altered version is only to be used with friends or family. Surprisingly, even though saying "please" in English can help make any situation polite, some ways to say please in Russian should be reserved for friends, while others are best used in business settings.

9 Different Ways to Say Please in Russian

Below are some of the most common (and useful) ways to say please in Russian based on formality and situational context. Just remember that Russian words can change based on who you're talking to. You may need to change the formal "вы" to the informal "ты" if you want to speak with friends, but since "please" is considered a polite word in general, we'll be listing all of the ways to say please in Russian in their formal forms. And when you're done with learning how to say please, don't forget about mastering thank you in Russian!

1. Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta)

"Пожалуйста" is the most common and versatile way to say "please" in Russian. It can be used in almost any situation, whether you're speaking to a friend, a colleague, or even a stranger. This word is a cornerstone of Russian politeness, used in requests, invitations, and when offering something to someone. Luckily, this is also an option when you're in formal situations, so if you want to stay on the safe side, stick with "пожалуйста." It's a nice, non-intrusive way to say please and is essential in everyday conversations.

2. Будьте добры (Bud'te dobry)

While "пожалуйста" is considered acceptable in formal situations, if you want to step things up a bit then try using "Будьте добры." "Будьте добры" is a more formal and respectful way to say "please" in Russian, often used in situations where a higher level of politeness is required. It directly translates to "if you'd be so kind" and is commonly used when addressing someone with whom you want to show respect. This is a good option when talking to a superior, someone older than you, or a stranger you meet in a formal situation.

By using "Будьте добры," you're essentially asking the person to act out of kindness, which adds a layer of respect to your request. This phrase is also a good option for making a polite request without sounding too casual.

3. Будьте любезны (Bud'te lyubezny)

Similar to "Будьте добры," the phrase "Будьте любезны" is another formal way to say "please" in Russian. It's also translated to something along the lines of "Would you be so kind?" and is used in contexts where politeness and respect are paramount. This phrase is especially useful in customer service settings, formal interactions, or when addressing someone you want to maintain a polite distance with.

4. Плиз (Plees)

When you say "плиз" out loud, what does it sound like? The pronunciation is pretty similar to the English version of "please," is it not? That's because this example of how to say please in Russian is a colloquial transliteration of the English word! It's often reserved for online chats, text messages, or among very close friends in the younger generation. It's also a great way to start a message with your Tandem partner. To reap the benefits of communicating with a native Russian speaker, download Tandem today.

5. Будь другом (Bud' drugom)

"Будь другом" is the more informal version of the above two ways to say please in Russian. It translates to "be a friend" and is best reserved for conversations with close friends or family members. Although it still means "please," it has no place in business settings or when speaking to elders and strangers.

6. Прошу (Proshu)

"Прошу" is a more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to say "please" in Russian. It directly translates to "I ask" or "I beg." When used, it will likely be in official or formal contexts, such as in written correspondence, speeches, or when making an earnest or public request. Although less common in everyday speech, "Прошу" still carries a strong sense of politeness and respect.

7. Извольте (Izvol'te)

"Извольте" is an archaic and formal way to say "please" in Russian, often found in classical literature, historical documents, or highly formal speech. It’s a word that conveys a sense of authority or command, softened by politeness.

This expression is not commonly used in everyday Russian today. Still, it can be found in formal or ceremonial contexts, especially in older texts or when someone wants to sound particularly grand or authoritative. For instance, "Извольте пройти" would mean "Please, proceed" in a very formal and somewhat commanding tone. Knowing this phrase can give you insight into the Russian language's more formal and historical layers.

8. Сделайте одолжение (Sdelayte odolzheniye)

The formality of "сделайте одолжение" tends to depend more on context, so it can be a little tricky to figure out at first. It translates to "do me a favor," but its meaning doesn't come off so directly in Russian. Instead, it's asking someone, similar to people in English, to ask, "Could you do me a favor?" When you want to use the more informal version, you can shorten it to сделай одолжение. Just be careful, as sometimes this can be used sarcastically.

9. Сделайте милость (Sdelayte milost')

Although "сделай милость" starts in the same way as the previous way to say please in Russian, this one is much different. In fact, it's pretty outdated in some regions. It translates to "do a kind thing," but the true meaning is "Please, could you be so kind?" Some areas of Russia still use it, though, so it's a good one to have on hand. Like the previous option, it can be shortened to "сделай милость" in informal situations and also used ironically. Some people may even use it to be passive-aggressive, so watch out!

Put Different Versions of the Russian Please to Practice

While reading about how to say please in Russian is a great way to gain some knowledge, it's important to actually pronounce these words and use them in real-world conversations. However, this can be difficult if you're not in a Russian-speaking country. So, if you really want to work on your fluency and improve your Russian language skills, the best way to do so is to put your knowledge to practice and talk to someone on Tandem!

Tandem allows you to connect with native speakers and practice saying hello in Russian while using the different Russian cases in everyday conversations. With millions of members worldwide, you can match with a Russian speaker regardless of where you are. All you need to do is create a profile, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. Sign up for Tandem today to join our community and improve your fluency.