Learning a new language can be both an exciting and challenging endeavor. If you’ve decided to learn Belarusian, you’re about to embark on a rewarding journey into the language and culture of Belarus. Whether you’re planning to travel to Belarus, connect with Belarusian speakers, or simply expand your linguistic horizons, having a foundation of essential words is crucial. In this article, we’ll cover 50 essential words you need to know for Belarusian at the A1 level. These words will help you navigate basic conversations and daily life situations.
1. Привет (Pryviet) – Hello
One of the first words you’ll need to know in any language is how to greet someone. “Привет” means “hello” and is used in informal settings.
2. Пока (Paka) – Goodbye
When it’s time to part ways, you can use “Пока” to say “goodbye” in an informal manner.
3. Да (Da) – Yes
A simple yet essential word, “Да” means “yes.” It’s useful in a variety of situations where you need to affirm something.
4. Нет (Nyet) – No
Conversely, “Нет” means “no” and is just as important as knowing how to say “yes.”
5. Пожалуйста (Pazhalsta) – Please
Politeness goes a long way in any language. “Пожалуйста” means “please” and is an important word to use when making requests.
6. Спасибо (Spasiba) – Thank you
Expressing gratitude is crucial. “Спасибо” means “thank you” and is a word you’ll use frequently.
7. Извините (Izvinite) – Excuse me / Sorry
Whether you’re trying to get someone’s attention or apologizing, “Извините” will come in handy.
8. Да свидания (Da svidania) – Goodbye
This is a more formal way to say goodbye compared to “Пока.”
9. Меня зовут… (Menya zovut…) – My name is…
When introducing yourself, you can say “Меня зовут” followed by your name.
10. Как вас зовут? (Kak vas zovut?) – What is your name?
To ask someone their name, you can use this phrase.
11. Как дела? (Kak dela?) – How are you?
A common way to ask someone how they are doing is “Как дела?”
12. Хорошо (Khorosho) – Good
When responding to “Как дела?” you might say “Хорошо” if you’re feeling good.
13. Плохо (Plokho) – Bad
Conversely, if you’re not feeling well, you might respond with “Плохо.”
14. Где…? (Gde…?) – Where is…?
To ask for directions or the location of something, you can start with “Где…?”
15. Что это? (Chto eto?) – What is this?
Curiosity often leads us to ask questions about our surroundings. “Что это?” is a useful phrase for this purpose.
16. Вода (Voda) – Water
An essential word for any traveler, “вода” means “water.”
17. Еда (Yeda) – Food
Knowing how to talk about food is important. “Еда” means “food.”
18. Хлеб (Khleb) – Bread
A staple in many diets, “хлеб” means “bread.”
19. Молоко (Moloko) – Milk
Another common food item, “молоко” means “milk.”
20. Чай (Chay) – Tea
If you’re a tea drinker, you’ll need to know the word “чай.”
21. Кофе (Kofe) – Coffee
For coffee lovers, “кофе” is an essential word.
22. Суп (Sup) – Soup
A common dish, “суп” means “soup.”
23. Рыба (Ryba) – Fish
If you’re ordering food, you might want to know the word for “fish,” which is “рыба.”
24. Мясо (Myaso) – Meat
Similarly, “мясо” means “meat.”
25. Овощи (Ovoshi) – Vegetables
For those who prefer plant-based diets, “овощи” means “vegetables.”
26. Фрукты (Frukty) – Fruits
Another important food group, “фрукты” means “fruits.”
27. Соль (Sol) – Salt
An essential seasoning, “соль” means “salt.”
28. Сахар (Sakhar) – Sugar
For those with a sweet tooth, “сахар” means “sugar.”
29. Пиво (Pivo) – Beer
If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, “пиво” means “beer.”
30. Вино (Vino) – Wine
Another popular beverage, “вино” means “wine.”
31. Улица (Ulitsa) – Street
When navigating through a city, knowing the word “улица” for “street” is helpful.
32. Дом (Dom) – House
“Дом” means “house” and is a common word in many contexts.
33. Магазин (Magazin) – Store
Whether you’re shopping for groceries or souvenirs, “магазин” means “store.”
34. Гостиница (Gostinitsa) – Hotel
For travelers, “гостиница” is the word for “hotel.”
35. Больница (Bolnitsa) – Hospital
In case of emergencies, knowing the word for “hospital,” which is “больница,” is crucial.
36. Аптека (Apteka) – Pharmacy
For less urgent medical needs, “аптека” means “pharmacy.”
37. Деньги (Dengi) – Money
A vital part of everyday transactions, “деньги” means “money.”
38. Цена (Tsena) – Price
When shopping, you’ll often need to ask about the “цена” or “price” of an item.
39. Рубль (Rubl) – Ruble
The currency used in Belarus is the “рубль.”
40. Билет (Bilet) – Ticket
Whether for transportation or events, “билет” means “ticket.”
41. Паспорт (Pasport) – Passport
An essential travel document, “паспорт” means “passport.”
42. Машина (Mashina) – Car
“Машина” means “car” and is a useful word for getting around.
43. Автобус (Avtobus) – Bus
Public transportation is a big part of city life, and “автобус” means “bus.”
44. Поезд (Poezd) – Train
For longer distances, you might take a “поезд,” which means “train.”
45. Аэропорт (Aeroport) – Airport
If you’re flying, you’ll need to know the word “аэропорт,” which means “airport.”
46. Вокзал (Vokzal) – Railway station
Similarly, “вокзал” means “railway station.”
47. Такси (Taksi) – Taxi
When you need a quick ride, “такси” means “taxi.”
48. Водитель (Voditel) – Driver
The person driving the car is the “водитель,” or “driver.”
49. Турист (Turist) – Tourist
If you’re visiting Belarus, you might identify as a “турист,” which means “tourist.”
50. Карта (Karta) – Map
To navigate unfamiliar areas, a “карта,” or “map,” is essential.
Conclusion
Learning these 50 essential words will give you a solid foundation in Belarusian at the A1 level. As you continue to practice and immerse yourself in the language, you’ll find that these words will help you in a variety of everyday situations. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and every new word you learn brings you one step closer to fluency. Happy learning!
