Cool Russian Words You Won’t Learn in School: Slang, Fun & Cultural Words

The Russian language is ranked as one of the most challenging languages for English speakers to learn. This is largely due to its Cyrillic alphabet and unique letters, which can seem intimidating at first. However, Russian is full of beautiful, expressive words and phrases that make learning it exciting and fun.

Going beyond textbooks, learning local slang and culturally rich words is the best way to speak like a native and sound natural in conversation. Below, we’ve curated a list of cool, useful, and interesting Russian words and phrases — including both casual slang and longer, culturally notable words — that every learner should know.

Section 1: Cool Russian Slang / Casual Words

These are informal, everyday words that native speakers use to sound casual, playful, or expressive.

1. Кайфовать (Kayfovat’) — To Enjoy / Have Fun

• Pronunciation: kai-foh-vaht

• Meaning: To feel good, enjoy, or have fun

• Example:

  • Мы кайфовали на концерте вчера.

  • My kayfovali na kontserte vchera.

  • We had a great time at the concert yesterday.

• Cultural tip: Use with friends, for activities, food, music, or general enjoyment.

2. Класс! (Klass!) — Awesome / Great

• Pronunciation: klass

• Meaning: Awesome, cool, great

• Example:

  • Ты сделал домашнее задание? Класс!

  • Ty sdelal domashnee zadanije? Klass!

  • You finished your homework? Awesome!

• Note: A simple exclamation that works in nearly any informal situation.

3. Бабки (Babki) — Money (Informal)

• Pronunciation: bahb-kee

• Meaning: Cash, money (slang)

• Example:

  • У меня нет бабок на билет.

  • U menya net babok na bilet.

  • I don’t have money for the ticket.

• Cultural note: Casual slang; don’t use in formal settings.

4. Тусовка (Tusovka) — Party / Hangout

• Pronunciation: too-sohv-ka

• Meaning: A casual gathering or party

• Example:

  • Сегодня вечером будет тусовка у Маши.

  • Segodnya vecherom budet tusovka u Mashi.

  • There’s a party at Masha’s place tonight.

• Tip: Popular among students and young adults.

5. Ладно (Ladno) — Alright / Fine

• Pronunciation: lahd-no

• Meaning: Okay, fine, or “alright” as a filler word

• Example:

  • Ладно, пойдем в кино.

  • Ladno, poydem v kino.

  • Alright, let’s go to the movies.

• Pro tip: Very common in spoken Russian, often used to soften a statement.

Section 2: Fun / Long / Cultural Words

These words are not slang, but they are impressive, interesting, or culturally notable, making them memorable.

6. Высокопревосходительство (Vysokoprevoskhoditel’stvo) — Excellency / Highness

• Pronunciation: vih-soh-koh-preh-vohs-khoh-deel’-stvo

• Meaning: A formal title for royalty or dignitaries

• Example:

  • Его Высокопревосходительство прибыло на мероприятие.

  • Yego Vysokoprevoskhoditel’stvo pribylo na meropriyatie.

  • His Excellency arrived at the event.

• Tip: Rarely used in daily conversation — fun for formal or historical contexts.

7. Достопримечательность (Dostoprimechatel’nost’) — Tourist Attraction

• Pronunciation: doh-stoh-pree-meh-cha-tel’-nost’

• Meaning: Landmark or notable site

• Example:

  • Красная площадь — главная достопримечательность Москвы.

  • Krasnaya ploshchad’ — glavnaya dostoprimechatel’nost’ Moskvy.

  • Red Square is Moscow’s main tourist attraction.

• Tip: Useful when talking about sightseeing or travel.

8. Дождь (Dozhd’) — Rain

• Pronunciation: doh-zhd

• Meaning: Rain

• Example:

  • Сегодня идёт дождь.

  • Segodnya idyot dozhd.

  • It’s raining today.

• Fun fact: Short, simple word — one of the first Russian words learners encounter.

9. Туфли (Tufli) — Shoes / High Heels

• Pronunciation: toof-lee

• Meaning: Women’s shoes or high heels

• Example:

  • Она купила новые туфли на праздник.

  • Ona kupila novye tufli na prazdnik.

  • She bought new shoes for the celebration.

10. Простите (Prosteete) — Excuse Me / Sorry

• Pronunciation: prohs-tee-tye

• Meaning: Polite way to apologize or get attention

• Example:

  • Простите, где находится музей?

  • Prosteete, gde nakhoditsya muzey?

  • Excuse me, where is the museum?

• Tip: Formal; casual alternative: Извини (Izvini).

11. Говорите, пожалуйста, медленнее? — Could You Speak More Slowly?

• Pronunciation: gah-vah-ree-tye, pah-zha-loos-tah, myed-len-nye?

• Use: Essential for beginners when speaking with native speakers

• Example:

  • Извините, говорите, пожалуйста, медленнее?

  • Izvinite, govorite, pozhaluysta, medlennee?

  • Excuse me, could you speak more slowly?

Final Thoughts

Learning Russian is both challenging and rewarding. By mastering slang, casual words, and culturally rich expressions, you’ll sound more like a native, communicate naturally, and enjoy the language even more.

Want to practice these words with a native Russian speaker? LanguageBird offers personalized one-to-one Russian lessons to help you speak confidently, understand slang, and learn the words locals actually use. Start your journey today!