Learning a new language opens the door to understanding the culture and people associated with it. Those venturing into Belarusian will find a rich linguistic landscape that can make participating in cultural and public events an even more immersive experience. Here are some essential Belarusian phrases that will help you navigate such occasions.

Вітанне (Vitannie) – Hello/Greetings.
This is a common greeting used to acknowledge someone at any event.

Калі я прыехала ў Мінск, першае слова, якое я вывучыла, было “вітанне”.

Як справы? (Yak spravy?) – How are you?
A friendly question to inquire about someone’s well-being.

Калі я сустрэў свайго беларускага сябра, я спытаў: “Як справы?”

Дзякуй (Dziakuy) – Thank you.
An expression of gratitude, it’s a must-know for any polite conversation.

Пасля канцэрту я сказаў музыкам “дзякуй” за іх выступ.

Калі ласка (Kali laska) – Please.
A polite way to make a request, “kali laska” shows respect towards others.

Каб замовіць напой, я сказаў: “Кава, калі ласка”.

Выбачайце (Vybachaitse) – Excuse me/Sorry.
Use this when you need to get someone’s attention or to apologize for a minor inconvenience.

Каб прайсці ў толпе, я сказаў: “Выбачайце, калі ласка”.

Смачна (Smachna) – Tasty/Delicious.
A compliment to the chef or host, especially at events where food is served.

Пасля спробавання традыцыйнага беларускага стравы я сказаў “смачна”.

Гэта цікава (Heta tsikava) – This is interesting.
Express your interest in a presentation, speech, or show.

На выставе якасці я сказаў майму другу: “Гэта цікава”.

Захапленне (Zakhaplennie) – Admiration/Enthusiasm.
To show your profound appreciation or enjoyment of an event or aspect of the culture.

Глядзячы на нацыянальны танец, я не мог схаваць сваё захапленне.

Да пабачэння (Da pabachenya) – Goodbye.
A polite phrase to conclude conversations or leave an event.

Прачынаючыся з новымі сябрамі, я сказаў: “Да пабачэння, дзякуй за цудоўны вечар”.

Выдатна (Vydatna) – Excellent.
To compliment a performance, speech, or any other remarkable aspect of the event.

Калі я пачуў выступ мясцовага спевака, я адзначыў: “Выдатна!”

Як вас завуць? (Yak vas zavuts?) – What is your name?
A question you might ask when meeting someone new at a social event.

На приеме я падышоў да незнаёмага і спытаў: “Як вас завуць?”

Using these phrases, not only do you enhance your Belarusian vocabulary, but you also signal an earnest respect for the culture and its people. Embracing local customs through language can lead to a deeper understanding and more enriching experiences at cultural and public events. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to try out your new phrases with native speakers, who will likely appreciate your efforts to communicate in their language.