Thread: Letter openings

Hi, I didn't know where to post this so I guess this works.
I'm trying to write a letter to a pen-pal in Russia, and I was wondering what are some ways to begin the letter, like the English "Dear such-and-such..."? Any other tips on writing letters in Russian? thank you

Is it to a female or a male?

I think дорогой/дорогая works fine for all situations.

Originally Posted by kalinka_vinnie

I think дорогой/дорогая works fine for all situations.

I think in your situation it'll do, but remember, if it's a first letter "дорогой/дорогая" most likely isn't appropriate (there are some nuances, but still).
Russians use "дорогой/дорогая" only when adressing friends, relatives, etc., or at least people they know very well. In English you can write Dear Sir/Madame, while "Дорогие господа" in the letter to the unknown recipient sounds stupid. In Russian this word is more intimate.

It's to a female and she's a casual aquaintance...I've met her and she's helping me with russian. First letter and I think I would still call her "вы".

Originally Posted by KPingston

It's to a female and she's a casual aquaintance...I've met her and she's helping me with russian. First letter and I think I would still call her "вы".

Well, I think "Дорогая..." is ok here.

I prove to be right AND wrong again! Wahoo!

Is "дорогая" one of those words where the "г" sounds like "в"?

No, it's not.

But it is one of the words where the "o" sounds like an "a"