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What should I expect on a first date with a Russian? Expect traditional gestures like flower-giving, and be prepared for a sincere, direct conversation. Dressing well is key, as is punctuality.
Feb 4, 2024 · To have a successful dating experience in Russia, make an effort to learn some basic Russian phrases, embrace traditional dating customs, show genuine interest in your partner’s culture, and be patient and understanding.
- Do’s and Don’ts in Russia #1: Basic Russian Etiquette
- Do’s and Don’ts in Russia #2: Russian Dining Etiquette
- Do’s and Don’ts in Russia #3: Russian Drinking Etiquette
- Do’s and Don’ts in Russia #6: How Russians Behave in A Public Transport
- Do’s and Don’ts in Russia #7: Russian Business Etiquette Tips
- Do’s and Don’ts in Russia #8: Russian Gift Giving Etiquette
- Conclusion: How RussianPod101 Can Help You Learn Russian Better
1- Russian Greeting Etiquette
1. Cheek kiss. There’s a well-known Russian greeting tradition: the triple cheek-kiss. It’s usually common between close relatives. Sometimes, it’s shortened to two kisses. One cheek kiss is often used by girls to greet friends, or even close female coworkers. 2. Russian handshake etiquette. This is a usual greeting between men—regardless of how close they are—who are meeting for the first time, or for the 100th time. Important advice!If you’re wearing gloves, make sure to take them off befor...
2- Asking for Forgiveness
There are no specific Russian traditions or gestures for a formal apology. Just use formal Russian apology expressions and you’ll be fine. If the situation isn’t formal or serious, look into the other person’s eyes. Note that, in Russian culture, looking down during the apology will make it look more sincere. Learn how to say “I’m sorry” in Russian in our relevant article.
3- Gratitude
Спасибо (spasibo) means “thank you” in Russian. You can use it in any situation, both formal and informal. In informal situations, you can add a hug if you’re feeling extremely grateful. Men are most likely to add a handshake (yes, pretty much the same one they use in greeting). For additional information on this topic, listen to our audio lesson on how to say “You are welcome” in Russian. By listening to this audio lesson, you can also practice using etiquette interjections.
1- Paying for Food
First on our list of Russian etiquette at restaurants: paying. If you’re visiting Russian friends for a short period of time, they’ll most likely pay for your food to show hospitality. But normally, if you go to a restaurant with your Russian friends, you’ll notice that when it comes to payment, everyone takes a look at the bill and pays for their own food. Splitting the bill is an option if Russians buy some food to be shared, like pizza or Japanese rolls.
2- When Should You Start Eating?
Don’t start eating your food before everyone gets to the table. According to Russian meal etiquette, this is considered rude. Before eating, people usually wish Приятного аппетита (Priyatnogo appetita) which means “Enjoy your meal,” in Russian. This phrase is used both in formal and informal situations.
3- Going to the Toilet
It’s perfectly fine Russian table etiquette to leave the table to go to the toilet in Russia. Just say Извините, сейчас вернусь (Izvinite, seychas vernus’) which means “I’m sorry, I’ll be back soon,” and go. However, if you go more than once, it may be considered rude (or cause people to question your digestion). :-) To learn even more about table manners in Russia, listen to our audio lesson about basic table etiquette.
1- Making a Toast
In Russia, no one should drink at the table without making a toast. It’s a famous Russian tradition that shows that they’re aware of the people around them and want to share the moment. Usually, after making a toast, people clink glasses. Then, everyone drinks.
2- Pouring
There’s a tradition that a man should pour alcohol for the women sitting next to him. This is especially relevant during big occasions such as weddings or funerals, so that women won’t spoil their pretty dresses with a clumsy glass refill.
3- Don’t Put Empty Bottles on the Table
Russia is full of traditions and superstitions, especially about alcohol. One of the famous ones is that keeping empty bottles on the table is considered bad luck, and is thought to make you poor. That’s why, as soon as the bottle gets empty, it should be passed to the waiter, removed to the trash bin, or at least put under the table to be thrown away later.
1- Offering a Seat
There’s an etiquette rule that Russians teach their kids from childhood. You should offer your seat to elder people, pregnant women, women with a child up to seven years old, and disabled people. There’s a nuance in offering a seat to older people. Do it only when you see that they’re bringing really heavy bags or when it’s hard for them to walk (e.g. they’re really old or bring along a crutch). If you offer a seat to a perfectly normal woman, she might think that she looks too old and even g...
2- Pushing in a Crowd and Public Lines
If you get to the Moscow underground, you’ll see that there are no lines to enter a train. People will push to get inside and catch a better spot for a ride. If you feel uncomfortable around crowds, wait until people get onto the train before getting on the train yourself. Also, try to avoid rush hour. Usually, people go to work at 8-9 a.m. and go back at 6-7 p.m.
3- Staring at Women
In Russia, it’s rude to stare at people you don’t know. In some countries it’s considered normal to stare at women who walk by themselves, but in Russia, a girl who’s being stared at will feel offended and disrespected. Of course, quick looks are okay, so don’t walk around trying not to meet some girl’s eyes by accident. :-)
1- Business and Alcohol
Russian business etiquette is closely connected with alcohol traditions. Russians tend to have greater trust in those with whom they’ve gotten drunk. In a drunken condition, people loosen up and say what they really think. And Russians use this. Another tradition is to celebrate a sealed business deal with alcohol. Very often, Russians go to баня (banya)or a “banya; Russian sauna” for that. This may look weird to foreigners, but it’s one of the famous Russian etiquette business traditions tha...
2- Don’t Keep Your Hands in Your Pockets
This is another etiquette point that Russians teach their kids: not keeping hands in pockets during official events. Doing so shows disrespect to the person you’re speaking with. This is due to psychological logic that comes from old times. When people show their empty hands, it’s considered a gesture of peace; when you keep your hands in your pockets, it indicates that you might be ready to use a weapon.
3- Don’t Spread Your Legs Wide Apart
This is an important Russian office etiquette rule. This posture is popular among men as it allows them to occupy more space and thus show their dominance. But in Russia, it’s also considered a sign of a man with bad etiquette. Showing dominance that way is considered vulgar. Instead, keep your legs together, or at a natural distance. If you’re interested in finding a job in Russia, here’s our useful articlefor you on that very topic.
1- Gift Superstitions
There are famous superstitions that have naturally converted into Russian gift etiquette: 1. Don’t gift an empty wallet.In Russia, giving an empty wallet as a present is like wishing financial hardships to that person. Just put some cash inside to make it a great gift. 2. Don’t give a knife as a gift.Giving a knife as a present is believed to cause the breakup of a relationship. Just give them money to buy a knife with to avoid that. 3. Pay for a pet.When Russians receive a cat or a dog, they...
2- First Refusing the Gift and Then Accepting it
Russians tend to refuse any gift that you try to give them. They can say Что ты, это слишком дорого (Chto ty, eto slishkom dorogo) meaning “No-no, it’s too expensive,” or Нет, спасибо, тебе не стоило (Net, spasibo, tebe ne stoilo) meaning “No, thank you, you didn’t need to.” Just insist on giving them the gift. You’ll get a gush of gratitude.
3- Gifts to Women
If you want to give a gift to a woman on her birthday or another important date, bring along a flower or a flower bouquet. It’s an etiquette tradition that’s followed both in the business world and in personal life. Some women may not even like flowers that much, but they still gladly accept them as it’s a tradition.
So, now you know the most common Russian traditions and etiquette. Of course, if you don’t follow them, people will understand. But you’ll be much more welcomed and appreciated if you’re aware of Russian etiquette and follow it as much as you can. Did you learn anything new in our Russian etiquette guide? Are there similar etiquette rules in your o...
If you are looking to start dating in Russia, it is an important first step to be aware of the cultural differences between Russian dating culture and American dating culture. By understanding these differences, you will be better prepared to find love in Russia.
Nov 3, 2020 · Whether you are now online looking for your Russian love on a dating site or currently in Russia for something else, finding love should never be hard. Indeed there are plenty of strategies and Russian dating rules out there to woo your crush’s heart, but you can only show what you have.
Jul 8, 2016 · So, here are a couple of essential rules you’ll want to follow if you want to get a second date. All Russian women are always young. If you’re addressing a Russian woman you don’t know in ...
When it comes to dating Russian individuals, understanding and embracing the nuances of Russian dating culture is key. This section offers practical tips for foreigners to navigate these waters smoothly, fostering a relationship that transcends cultural barriers.
