Complete Beginner personal_info Informal

How to say "How old are you?" in Russian

Сколько тебе лет?

SKOL-ko te-BE let?

What does it mean?

Literally "How many years to you?". Used to ask a person's age.

✓

When to use

Use with younger people, peers, or in very informal, friendly conversations where asking age is appropriate.

✗

When NOT to use

Never ask this question to older people or women in formal/polite contexts, as it is often considered impolite in Russian culture.

Example dialogue

— Сколько тебе лет?

— How old are you?

— Мне двадцать пять.

— I am twenty-five.

🇷🇺

Cultural note

Unlike in some Western cultures, asking a peer's age is relatively common among Russian youth, but it remains a taboo for older generations.

Free PDF

Want to know how to decline words like this?

Get our free Russian Cases cheat sheet — all six cases, their endings, and the transformation algorithm in one clean PDF.

Putnik School

This is one word out of thousands.

Every word in our vocabulary hub comes with full declensions, real examples and flashcards. Free to start — no card needed.

Open the vocabulary →

Rosti · Putnik School

Don't know where to start
and what to do?