Thread: A dinner party

A recently aquainted Russian friend of mine has invited me to dinner at his house, it's fairly formal... What greeting do I use(his friends will also be there and they're Russian as well)? Which form of "how are you?" do I use? How do I compliment the food and home? Just the basics, I'm kind of nervous... I don't feel that I speak Russian very well but he insists that I try to use Russian to the best of my abilities... Spasibo!!

Originally Posted by strawberryfynch

Which form of "how are you?" do I use?

"Привет, ребята!" (to gals and guys)
"Привет, парни!" (to guys only)

Originally Posted by strawberryfynch

How do I compliment the food and home?

"Очень вкусно!"
"Мне нравится у тебя/вас дома. Очень уютно."

Sorry , but "privet" and "tee" are not formal and definately not polite. Save "ribyata" for your close friends in a casual get together. For a formal affair with people you don't know use "Vwe" and "zdrastvwyutya". Don't go overboard by profusely complimenting the house, but compliment what you actually like about the decor. If the host spends time giving you a tour and pointing out new or expensive features of his/her home then you can take the clue and express admiration for the things they are obviously proud of.

Originally Posted by JB

Save "ribyata" for your close friends in a casual get together.

Маккартни, перед выступлением на Красной площади, просил переводчиков подсказать ему хорошее приветствие. Ему советовали: "Привет, Москва!", "Леди и джентльмены!", "Русские, привет!" и даже "Товарищи!" =) Путин посоветовал ему "Привет, ребята!", что он и сделал к радости зрителей. =)

When strawberryfynch is the star of a concert on Red Square she can great the roaring crowds just like Paul. But going to a formal dinner in a private home calls for a different set of manners

That would indeed be cool if I was to perform in a concert at Red Square.... but this dinner is really really formal... manners are everything... I'm sorry to say... and plus... I don't want to look rude or insolent in front of this guy...

strawberryfynch
Здравствуйте.
Добрый вечер.