Common Language Pitfalls That Undermine Russian Communication

Expressions like "not essentially important," "I'll call you up," "in place of," and other awkward phrases are common pitfalls that can detract from the clarity and elegance of the Russian language.

Danny Orlovsky

Translator-editor and creator of the Telegram channel "Gramotey".

Russian speakers generally fall into two groups: those who frequently use strange or awkward expressions, and those who tend to avoid them. Often, even highly intelligent and cultured individuals can inadvertently use such language, which makes it all the more disappointing to hear.

Which words am I referring to? Not swear words — those deserve a separate discussion. Instead, these are literary words that become problematic when combined into awkward phrases. These have been compiled into this cautionary list.

1. Using "Tasty" Outside of Food Contexts

Phrases like "tasty prices" or "tasty offer" often come across as cheap marketing jargon. To maintain sophistication, it's best to avoid applying this adjective to non-food items.

2. The Phrase "Not At All"

Its purpose is unclear. When someone says, "There was no salt in the house, not at all," it feels redundant and draws unnecessary attention to the statement.

3. The Ambiguous "Well, Such"

What exactly does this mean? It’s unclear and unhelpful in conversation.

4. The Clunky "Not Essentially Important"

This phrase is a jumbled mix that sounds unnatural. It's better to use "not important" or "not particularly important."

5. "I Heard You"

This phrase often irritates listeners, as it doesn't imply any real engagement or action. A better alternative is saying, "Thank you, I understand!"

6. "Has Place To Be"

Use either "has place" or "has to be," but never combine the two into a hybrid expression.

7. "In Place Of"

This awkward phrase sounds like a poor substitute for the proper and neat word "instead."

8. Using "For" Instead of "About"

Expressions like "talk for the situation" or "miss you for" are common in Ukrainian, but they disrupt proper Russian grammar and should be avoided.

9. Prepositions with Cities

When indicating someone's origin, use "from" instead of "with." For example, "a friend from Tver," not "with Tver."

10. "As They Say"

This phrase is an unnecessary filler with a folksy tone. It’s best to eliminate it from speech.

11. Combining "It Doesn't Matter" and "I Don't Care"

Choose one: either "it doesn't matter" or "I don't care." Combining them sounds awkward and redundant.

12. The Fill-In "Basically"

This word is often unnecessary and can be omitted in nearly all cases when used as a filler.

13. "Really"

This word is often superfluous and doesn’t enhance your speech. Replace it with "truly" or "indeed."

14. "I'll Call You Up"

The phrase "call you up" can sound informal or incorrect. Instead, say "I'll call you."

15. Using "At My Mom’s"

Many say this, but it can be irritating. The correct form is "at my mother’s" or "at my friend’s."

Share in the comments which words or phrases annoy you the most. The most interesting and egregious examples will be featured in our next edition!

Explore more related topics: Why Feminine Forms Spark Debate, 9 Unpleasant Borrowings in Russian, and 12 Things That Annoy in Text Conversations.

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