10 ways to ask “How are you” in Russian
How do you say “How are you?” in Russian ? This article gives you some useful Russian words and phrases to pack in your Russian language survival kit.
Asking how someone is a very common question. It’s used every day around the world and almost in every conversation. And, there are TONS of way to ask it! Let’s figure out when you should use “Как дела”, and when “Как жизнь?”.
1. Как дела? — How are you?
Kak dila?
The most common and neutral way to ask “How are you?”. We use it for informal situations when we already know a person. You shouldn’t say “Как дела” to your boss, but if you see a friend or a family member– use it.
Literally it means “how are things?”.
2. Как вы поживаете? — official and formal “How are you?”
Kak vi pazhivaite?
This phrase is suitable for conversations with people you are less familiar with. Also, it is a good way to ask senior people. This is a formal, official way of asking people “How are you doing.” If it’s a conversation between two presidents, or you meet your boss or professor and you want to be polite — use it.
3. Как ты поживаешь? — less formal than “Как вы поживаете?”
Kak ti pazhivayesh?
This one will be just alright to use with people that you know well. You might already know that in Russian we have 2 personal pronouns YOU — ТЫ (informal) и ВЫ (polite and official). Phrase #2 was for ВЫ situation. But “Как ты поживаешь” is for ТЫ — как ты поживаешь? So this is very good for any informal conversation.
Literally it means “How are you living?”.
4. Как ты? — How are you?
Kak ti?
The easiest way to ask! Because literally it means “How are you”. Casual way of a question. So you can say it to your Russian friend, relatives or to someone you already know.
5. Как вы? — How are you?
Kak vi?
Polite version of #4 phrase. You can ask your colleague “Как вы?”.
6. Как жизнь? — How’s life?
Kak zhizn?
This phrase more literally means “how’s life?”. When we ask this question, we are expecting to hear a little bit more information about you. It’s casual and informal.
7. Как живется? — How is your life going?
Kak zhivietsa?
My grandma usually says it. “Как живется?” is very popular for elder people but you can also use it. It sounds nice and polite.
8. Что нового? — What’s new?
Shto novogo?
Now, this question is asked when you haven’t seen your best friend and you want to know what has changed since last time you’ve talked. It’s commonly used between friends.
“Что нового?” is the only phrase from this article that you cannot simply reply “Хорошо!” because it needs more information.
If nothing has changed you can say “Все по-старому!” (same old).
9. Как настроение? — How’s your mood?
Kak nastroyenie?
Now, this one has a little bit different meaning. It’s more about your mood and emotions for today. You can say it to everyone and everywhere.
10. Как делишки?
Kak delishki?
Kids and young generation, especially girls, like to adjust the phrase “Как дела” by saying “Как делишки” Why? Because it sounds cuter, gentle and funnier.
I hope it was useful. Я надеюсь, это было полезно!
Which one is your favourite way of asking “How are you” in Russian?
Write your examples and everyday situations in the comments below!
Какой ваш любимый способ узнать как дела на русском?
Пишите в комментариях ваши примеры и ситуации!
До встречи на уроках,
Анна.
June 9, 2020
