Russian Slang: 14 Words Locals Actually Use
Russian slang is a lively part of everyday conversation that textbooks often overlook. It reflects the culture and humor of the people, making communication feel more genuine. Learning slang can help you connect better with locals and understand the nuances of the language.
Slang sticks when you say it
Reading a slang list does nothing. Say these out loud and get corrected. That is how real Russian lands.
14 Russian slang words worth knowing
| Slang | Say it | What it means | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|
| круто Used to express approval or admiration. Это было круто! (That was cool!) | kruto | cool | |
| тусовка Refers to a gathering of friends or a social event. Мы идем на тусовку в субботу. (We're going to a hangout on Saturday.) | tusovka | hangout or party | |
| бабки A casual way to refer to cash. У меня нет бабок. (I don't have any money.) | babki | money | |
| забить Used when someone decides to ignore something. Я забил на это. (I forgot about it.) | zabit | to forget or not care | |
| пофиг Expresses indifference towards something. Мне пофиг, что они думают. (I don't care what they think.) | pofik | I don't care | |
| чувак A casual term for a male friend or acquaintance. Эй, чувак, как дела? (Hey, dude, how's it going?) | chuvak | dude or guy | |
| прикол Used to describe something humorous. Это был прикол! (That was a joke!) | prikol | joke or funny situation | |
| зашквар Refers to something cringeworthy. Это полный зашквар. (That's a total embarrassment.) | zashkvar | embarrassment or shame | |
| фигня Used to dismiss something as unimportant. Это фигня. (That's nonsense.) | fignya | nonsense or rubbish | |
| блин A mild expression of frustration. Блин, я забыл ключи. (Darn, I forgot my keys.) | blin | darn or shoot | |
| класс Used to express that something is excellent. Это класс! (That's great!) | klass | class or great | |
| пачка Often used to refer to a pack of cigarettes or snacks. Мне нужна пачка сигарет. (I need a pack of cigarettes.) | pachka | a pack or bunch | |
| на халяву Used when something is obtained without payment. Я получил это на халяву. (I got this for free.) | na khalyavu | for free | |
| передать привет Used when you want to send greetings to someone. Передай привет маме. (Say hi to mom.) | peredat privet | to say hi |
Don't just read it. Say it.
Slang you only read stays dead. The point of slang is sounding natural out loud, and you only get there by speaking. SPAIKING lets you practice real Russian with a coach that listens and corrects you in real time. Two free conversations to start, no card.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to use slang with strangers?
It's best to use slang with friends or people you know well, as it can come off as too informal with strangers.