If you'd like to find out what a person's first name is, ask:

You can then tell yours by saying:

The patronymic is a Russian's second name. It is formed from the father's first name. In English, there are last names which are similar to the Russian patronymic: Johnson, Peterson. The ending for the patronymic will depend on whether it belongs to a son or a daughter. This table gives examples of common patronymics and shows how they are formed:

Adults address each other using a full first name and the patronymic: Иван Александрович! Татьяна Николаевна! Non-Russians will also use this form of address when speaking to Russians. But when Russians address foreigners in formal or diplomatic circles, they use господин Mr. or госпожа Mrs./Ms. and the individual's last name.

Russians rarely use last names when addressing each other. When identifying themselves, it is common for Russians to state their last name first, followed by first name and patronymic: