Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'please'

English Word: please

Key Russian Translations:

• пожалуйста [pɐˈʐalʊstə] - [Formal, Informal, Used in polite requests]

Frequency: High (Very commonly used in everyday Russian conversations for politeness)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is one of the first words learned for basic politeness)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пожалуйста: [pɐˈʐalʊstə]

Note on пожалуйста: The stress falls on the second syllable ("ʐal"). Be careful with the soft "л" sound, which is pronounced gently. Variations may occur in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Used to make a request or offer polite and courteous.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пожалуйста - Used in everyday requests, such as asking for something in a store or during conversations; common in both formal and informal settings to soften demands.

Usage Examples:

• Пожалуйста, передайте мне соль.

  Please, pass me the salt. (This shows 'please' in a casual meal setting.)

• Можете ли вы, пожалуйста, помочь мне с багажом?

  Could you please help me with my luggage? (Demonstrates use in a polite request for assistance.)

• Пожалуйста, не шумите, дети спят.

  Please, don't make noise; the children are sleeping. (Illustrates 'please' in a gentle imperative.)

• Будьте добры, пожалуйста, дайте мне меню.

  Please, could you give me the menu? (Shows a more formal variation in a restaurant context.)

• Пожалуйста, скажите, как пройти к станции.

  Please, tell me how to get to the station. (Used for seeking directions politely.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

пожалуйста is an adverb or interjection and does not undergo inflection. It remains unchanged across all contexts, genders, numbers, or cases. This invariability makes it straightforward for learners, unlike Russian nouns or verbs that follow complex patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: будьте добры (more formal, literally "be kind"); милости просим (used in invitations, meaning "you're welcome"). Note: будьте добры is preferred in very polite or official contexts for slight emphasis on kindness.
• Antonyms: None directly, as 'please' is polite; however, omitting it can make speech sound abrupt or rude, akin to imperative commands.

Related Phrases:

• Спасибо большое, пожалуйста - Thank you very much, please (Used to express gratitude and politeness in response to help).
• Пожалуйста, не стесняйтесь - Please, don't hesitate (Encourages action in a welcoming context).
• Будьте так добры, пожалуйста - Please be so kind (A more emphatic polite request in formal situations).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'please' is most commonly translated as 'пожалуйста' and is essential for maintaining politeness in interactions. Unlike English, where 'please' can sometimes be omitted in casual speech, Russians expect it in requests to avoid sounding demanding. Use it at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence for flexibility. When choosing between synonyms like 'будьте добры', opt for 'пожалуйста' in everyday scenarios for universality. Be mindful of cultural norms: overusing it might not be necessary in close relationships, but it's safer in unfamiliar ones.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting to use 'пожалуйста' in requests, e.g., saying "Дайте мне книгу" instead of "Пожалуйста, дайте мне книгу". This can make the speaker sound rude or demanding. Correct usage: Always add 'пожалуйста' to soften the request, as Russian culture values explicit politeness.

• Error: Misplacing it in the sentence, e.g., putting it at the end incorrectly in formal contexts. Explanation: While flexible, in very formal writing, place it appropriately; for example, "Пожалуйста, подпишите здесь" is correct, not "Подпишите здесь, пожалуйста" in official documents.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, using 'пожалуйста' reflects the importance of courtesy and respect in social interactions. It stems from historical influences of Slavic traditions where politeness maintains harmony in community settings. For English speakers, remember that Russians might perceive direct requests without it as impolite, even if unintentional, highlighting the role of language in cultural etiquette.

Related Concepts:

• спасибо (thank you)
• извините (excuse me)
• добрый день (good day, as a polite greeting)