GREETINGS AND GESTURES
And these are
some details about our way of life that
are natural for us, but as we know
sometimes surprise strangers
coming here.
When meeting, Russians shake hands firmly and say:
Zdr
a
vstvuyte
(“Hello” – semi-formal)
D
o
broje
u
tro
(“Good morning” - formal)
D
o
bry di
e
n
(“Good day” - formal)
D
o
bry v
e
cher
(“Good evening” - formal)
or
Priv
e
t
(“Hello” – informal)
Some women prefer not to shake hands, but it is impolite for a man not to offer his hand.
Close friends and family members may kiss on the cheek.
The question
K
a
k del
a? (“How are you?”) is taken literally; Russians answer in detail and at length (
we like answering it!
)
Talks on weather are not common, we usually give not more than 2 or 3 phrases.
Asking the question without waiting for a full response is considered rude.
When parting with someone we say
Do svid
a
niya
(“Good-bye”).
