Russian Vocabulary (and Wisdom)

How to say "you (plural)" in Russian

This Russian word is one of the top 1000 words in Russian. The complete list of most common Russian words is available here.

вы

Meaning: you (plural), you (formal singular)

Pronunciation: [vih]

Part of speech: pronoun ("вы" is plural but can be used as a singular polite form. It is commonly capitalized in formal writing when used as a polite address "Вы". See lesson on personal pronouns)

Rank: #25 (see frequency list)

Example sentences:

Вы понима́ете?
Do you understand? (polite or plural)
Где вы рабо́таете?
Where do you work? (polite or plural)
Благодарю́ вас.
Thank you. (polite or plural)
Неде́лю наза́д они́ бы́ли на "вы".
Last week they were on formal terms.
С незнако́мыми при́нято обраща́ться на "вы".
It is common practice to address strangers politely. (i.e. by using the "вы" form instead of "ты")
Огро́мное вам спаси́бо!
Thank you very much! (lit: Huge thanks to you!)
Вас подвезти́?
Would you like a ride?
Поздравля́ю вас с пра́здником!
Congratulations with the holiday! (lit: Congratulate you with holiday)
Всего́ вам са́мого до́брого!
I wish you all the best!
Я о́чень рад Вас ви́деть!
I'm very glad to see you! (formal, used by male)
Я о́чень ра́да Вас ви́деть!
I'm very glad to see you! (formal, used by female)
Как вас зову́т?
What is your name? (formal) (lit: How you called)
Что с ва́ми?
What is the matter with you? (formal)
Чем могу́ вам помо́чь?
How can I help you? (polite)
Что вам уго́дно?
What can I do for you? (lit: What you wish)
Де́лайте как вам уго́дно.
Do as you please.

Idioms and set expressions:

быть на "вы" с кем-либо = to be on formal terms with smb.
говорить на "вы" = to speak formally
обращаться на "вы" = to address formally

Related words:

ты = you (familiar singular), thou

Other forms of the word (declensions):

Case	Form
Nominative	вы
Genitive	вас
Dative	вам
Accusative	вас
Instrumental	ва́ми
Prepositional	вас

Phrase recordings: Copyright(c) 2011 MasterRussian.com. All rights reserved.
Word recordings: Copyright(c) 2006 Streit Goulnara, Streit Eric, Vion Nicolas. Copyright(c) 2007 S. Sakhno, N. Vion. Distributed under CC-BY.

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