How to Say "Please" in Russian: Pozhaluysta (Пожалуйста)

The standard word for "please" in Russian is:

Пожалуйста

Transliteration: pozhaluysta

Pronunciation: puh-zhah-LOO-ee-stah (stress on 3rd syllable)

Usage Nuances

• Polite requests: "Дайте, пожалуйста, воду." (Give me water, please.)
• "You're welcome": Response to "Спасибо" (Spasibo / Thank you) → "Пожалуйста."
• "Go ahead / Here you go": Handing something, opening door.
• Softening commands: "Подождите, пожалуйста." (Wait, please.)

Related Polite Forms

• Будьте добры (Bud'te dobry) — "Be so kind" (more formal).
• Не могли бы вы... (Ne mogli by vy...) — "Could you..." (most polite request form).

Mastering пожалуйста is essential for basic Russian politeness.