How to talk about years and age correctly in Russian

Is it appropriate to ask an unfamiliar person about their age? Is it customary in Russian culture? In some cases, yes. We will tell you when and how to talk about age in Russian.

How to ask about age in Russian 

First, remember that asking someone older than you, especially a woman, is considered inappropriate in Russia. Of course, there are situations where it is not only appropriate, but necessary, for example during a job interview, to fill in a questionnaire.

The age question itself will depend on who you are addressing.

Сколько тебе лет? / How old are you? — you ask a close acquaintance, a child or someone when chatting informally.

Сколько вам лет? / How old are you? — It is common to use the word “you” for formal communication and with unfamiliar people. 

In general, to ask a question about age in Russian, use the following construction:

How much + pronoun or dative noun + years?

Сколько ей лет? / How old is she?

Сколько Петру лет? / How old is Peter?

Сколько этому мальчику лет? / How old is this boy?

Another option is to ask about age, especially when you want to clarify:

Тебе 20 лет? / Are you 20?

How to talk about your age in Russian 

When you answer a question about age in Russian, rely on the following construction:

A pronoun or noun in the dative case + age + year/year/ years.

Мне 15 лет. / I am 15 years old.

Ему 23 года. / He is 23 years old.

Марии 51 год. / Maria is 51 years old.

Please note that it is necessary to choose the right form: “year“, “year” or “years“.

To do this, use the rule:

• if your age ends in zero (20, 10, 30, 40, etc.), the numbers 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and the numbers 11 to 14, you need the word “years”;
• if age ends in any number with a one at the end (1, 31, 41), use the word “year”;
• all other age options are used with the word “years”.

Мне 10 лет. / I’m 10 years old.

Ей 21 год. / She’s 21.

Ане 55 лет. / Anya is 55 years old.