6 Getting someone's attention/Addressing strangers
If you need to address a stranger, or get their attention for whatever reason, you should remember the following:
- A
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All strangers (except for children) should be addressed as Вы.
- B
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Women in general are Де́вушка! (Miss!) - unless this is obviously inappropriate.
- C
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Men in general are Молодо́й челове́к! (Young man!) unless, again, this is obviously inappropriate.
- D
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In those situations where В and С are inappropriate, simply use:
Прости́те, пожа́луйста... Pardon me, please... Бу́дьте добры́... Be so kind... Скажи́те, пожа́луйста... Tell me, please...