Thread: Use of господин?

My second question about the Pimsleur course...

Around lesson 20 of Russian I, it introduces господин as a form of formal address. I understand this word fell out of favor during the Soviet period, but at least one of my books says it is coming back into general usage.

So how commonly is it used now? Is it only used for addressing foreigners who don't have a patronimic?

The way it was explained to me by my Russian friend, (I asked her if I should address my other Russian Friend's father as "господин Максимов" the first time I met him), she said that no, I shouldn't. If I ever met Putin, however, that I should address him as so.
-Fantom

The only place I ever hear it is on the train when people get on and announce what they will be selling in the aisles. Such as; "Ladies and Gentlemen! I have these wonderful tool sets......"

"Господин" is a VERY formal form of address these days. It was kind of formal (although in a dufferent way) and restricted in use even before 1917.

Back then, if you were writing an official letter say, to head of a government, you didn't say "Господин Иванов." You would start your letter by saying "Милостивый государь Иван Иванович" or even "Ваше Превосходительство, милостивый государь Иван Иванович" (Depending on this person's rank). A lecturer giving a public lecture would also address his audience as "Милостивые государи и государыни" (not "Дамы и господа").

These days, "Господин" is used more widely in business correspondance, but hardly as a "live" (oral) form of address. I mean, when you are actualy talking to a person, and it is not a terribly official situation, you say "Иван Иванович" or just "Иван". These days, people very often use just first name and say "вы", e.g. "Иван, не могли бы вы помочь мне?"

However, you as a foreigner can safely say "Господин Иванов". Every Russian knows from movies that foreigners call everyone "Господин", "мистер" or "синьор", so it won't surprise anyone... (Power of cliches )

Originally Posted by fantom605

The way it was explained to me by my Russian friend, (I asked her if I should address my other Russian Friend's father as "господин Максимов" the first time I met him), she said that no, I shouldn't. If I ever met Putin, however, that I should address him as so.
-Fantom

the most hilarios use of this word was in a notice on the wall of an apartmment block which read, "Господа! Не ссыте в подъездах"

Originally Posted by Tom

So how commonly is it used now? Is it only used for addressing foreigners who don't have a patronimic?

I can't force myself to call anybody "господин". I understand, it's official now, but I still think it sounds like a mockery.

"Damn it, don't call me 'господин', I work for a living!"
-Fantom

(That's what Sergeants say in the military if you call them "Sir")

Originally Posted by fantom605

"Damn it, don't call me 'господин', I work for a living!"
-Fantom

(That's what Sergeants say in the military if you call them "Sir")

True story. Once I called a saleswoman "барышня" - "young lady" - and she was very offended. She told me: "Я вам не барышня, я вам - товарищ продавец!" (I'm not a young lady, I am a "comrad salesperson")

Originally Posted by Gerty

Originally Posted by Tom

So how commonly is it used now? Is it only used for addressing foreigners who don't have a patronimic?

I can't force myself to call anybody "господин". I understand, it's official now, but I still think it sounds like a mockery.

Я использовал это слово еще в далеких 1996-97-х годах. Но там как раз таки шли официальные переговоры, и довольно быстро я привык переводить это слово имено так. А в остальном господин translations.nm.ru описал все очень правильно.