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Thread: Letter openings

  1. #1
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    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

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    Завсегдатай kalinka_vinnie's Avatar
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    Is it to a female or a male?

    I think дорогой/дорогая works fine for all situations.
    Hei, rett norsken min og du er død.
    I am a notourriouse misspeller. Be easy on me.
    Пожалуйста! Исправляйте мои глупые ошибки (но оставьте умные)!
    Yo hablo español mejor que tú.
    Trusnse kal'rt eturule sikay!!! ))

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    Quote 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.

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    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".

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    Quote 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.

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    I prove to be right AND wrong again! Wahoo!
    Hei, rett norsken min og du er død.
    I am a notourriouse misspeller. Be easy on me.
    Пожалуйста! Исправляйте мои глупые ошибки (но оставьте умные)!
    Yo hablo español mejor que tú.
    Trusnse kal'rt eturule sikay!!! ))

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

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    No, it's not.
    If you have problems with both posting new messages and sending PMs, you can send an e-mail to the Forum Administrator here:
    http://masterrussian.net/sendmessage.php
    У меня что-то с почтой, на ЛС ответить не могу. (

  9. #9
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    But it is one of the words where the "o" sounds like an "a"
    Hei, rett norsken min og du er død.
    I am a notourriouse misspeller. Be easy on me.
    Пожалуйста! Исправляйте мои глупые ошибки (но оставьте умные)!
    Yo hablo español mejor que tú.
    Trusnse kal'rt eturule sikay!!! ))

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