How to say Thank you in Russian

Saying thanks in Russian is simple. here's how. From 'Russian in 5 words'.

It's a simple and important thing to say please and thank you. Here's how, in Russian.

1: Thank you in Russian
2: Please in Russian
3: Alternative use of 'Puzhalsta'
4: Summary:

1: Thank you in Russian

Spasiba means 'thank you', and there is no harm in sprinkling it liberally through any conversation with a Russian.
Pronunciation is Spas-ee-bah, with the emphasis on the 'ee'.

2: Please in Russian

Puzhalsta - the u as in the English up is a little more tricky. Its basic meaning is 'please', to be used when making requests. It does, however, have two other uses. The emphasis is on the first 'a' sound: thus: Puzh-AH-lsta

3: Alternative use of 'Puzhalsta'

First, you say puzhalsta when you are offering something to someone (a sort 'here you are' or 'have one of these').

Secondly, you should say puzhalsta after someone has said spasiba to you: a kind of 'not at all'.

All of which can lead to the perfectly respectable Russian exchange of puzhalsta - spasiba - puzhalsta.