SRAS Student Camryn Vaughn and her friends cooked themselves a Thanksgiving dinner while studying abroad in Bishkek

Russian MiniLessons: Thankfulness

Published: November 28, 2008

The following bilingual Russian MiniLesson is meant to build your vocabulary by providing Russian phrases within English text. Hover over the bold Russian to reveal its English translation.

This topic is doubly pertinent this month, as День благодарения has just passed, but also because many благотворительные организации are likely to be affected by the new law on NGOs. The linguistic connection that Russian makes between charity and thanksgiving is an interesting one, perhaps even better developed by the expressions “спасибо на хлеб не намажешь” and “из спасибо шубы не сошьешь”. These expressions were generally used (they are not in wide circulation today) by the poor to the rich after having performed a service, reminding that one should not just say thanks, one should do something or give something to express thanks.

Similar expressions:
Одним “спасибо” сыт не будешь
Доброе слово и кошке приятно
Спасибо вашему столу от нашего
Дареному коню в зубы не смотрят
Своя рубашка ближе к телу

About the author

Andrei Nesterov

Andrei Nesterov

Andrei Nesterov leads SRAS' Research Services, performing remote archive research and consultations for researchers around the globe. Andrei graduated from Ural State University (journalism) and Irkutsk State Linguistic University (English). He also studied public policy and journalism at Duke University on a Muskie Fellowship and taught Russian at West Virginia University. As a journalist, he has reported in both Russian and English language outlets and has years of archival research experience. He has travelled Russia extensively and penned many stories on the “real Russia” which lies beyond the capital and major cities. Andrei also contributes news, feature stories, and language resources to the SRAS Family of Sites.

Program attended: SRAS Staff Member

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Josh Wilson

Josh Wilson

Josh lived in Moscow from 2003, when he first arrived to study Russian with SRAS, until 2022. He holds an M.A. in Theatre and a B.A. in History from Idaho State University, where his masters thesis was written on the political economy of Soviet-era censorship organs affecting the stage. At SRAS, Josh assists in program development and leads our Internship Programs. He is also the editor-in-chief for the SRAS newsletter, the SRAS Family of Sites, and Vestnik. He has previously served as Communications Director to Bellerage Alinga and has served as a consultant or translator to several businesses and organizations with interests in Russia.

Program attended: SRAS Staff Member

View all posts by: Josh Wilson