Guide: How to Say “Mind Your Business” in Russian

Learning how to express the phrase “mind your business” in different languages can be quite useful, especially when you want to assert your desire for privacy or tell someone to stay out of your affairs. In Russian, there are several ways to convey this meaning, both formally and informally. This guide will provide you with various expressions, tips, examples, and regional variations of how to say “mind your business” in Russian.

Formal Expressions

When speaking in a formal context or addressing someone you don’t know well, it’s important to use respectful language. Here are a few ways to convey the idea of “mind your business” formally:

1. Не вмешивайтесь в мои дела. This translation directly means “don’t interfere in my affairs” and is a polite way to ask someone to mind their own business. It is commonly used in formal settings, such as professional environments or when addressing someone in a higher position.
2. Пожалуйста, не интересуйтесь моими делами. This phrase literally translates to “please do not inquire about my affairs” and can be used to politely request someone to stay out of your business. It is suitable for more reserved and diplomatic situations.
3. Прошу вас не лезть в мои дела. This expression means “I ask you not to meddle in my affairs” and is another polite way to communicate the concept of “mind your own business” in Russian. It is often used to maintain a respectful tone while asserting your boundaries.

Informal Expressions

When speaking to friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use more relaxed and colloquial expressions to convey the same idea. Here are a few informal ways to say “mind your business” in Russian:

1. Не лезь не в своё дело. This informal phrase means “don’t poke your nose into my business.” It is commonly used between friends and acquaintances and implies a casual and lighthearted tone, often accompanied by a smile or playful gesture.
2. Давай не встревай в мои дела. This expression can be translated as “don’t meddle in my affairs” and is frequently used in informal settings. It conveys a more direct and assertive tone, suitable when you want to firmly establish your need for privacy or personal space.
3. Пошёл читать книжку, а не лезь в чужие дела. This colorful phrase literally translates to “go read a book instead of sticking your nose into other people’s business.” While it may sound quite strong, it effectively communicates the idea of “mind your own business” and can be used between close friends or when someone is being overly nosy.

Regional Variations

Russian is spoken in various regions, and sometimes expressions may differ slightly depending on the locality. Here are a few regional variations that you may come across:

Маме не собака, чтобы место языка не выбирать. This phrase, commonly used in Moscow and other parts of Central Russia, translates to “I’m not your mom’s dog to choose where I put my tongue.” It vividly conveys the idea of “mind your own business” and emphasizes the importance of personal boundaries.

Не плюй над своим плечом. This expression, often used in Siberia and the Far East, means “don’t spit over your shoulder.” While the exact meaning may not be immediately apparent, it implies that one should focus on their own matters rather than interfering in those of others.

Tips and Examples

When using any of the above phrases, consider the following tips:

• Gestures: It can be helpful to accompany these expressions with appropriate gestures, such as raising your index finger to your lips or pointing at yourself while saying the phrase, to reinforce your message.
• Tone: Employing a friendly and warm tone can help maintain positive relationships, especially when using informal expressions with friends or acquaintances.
• Non-verbal cues: Facial expressions and body language can also play a role in communicating your desire for privacy or telling someone to mind their own business. Ensure your non-verbal cues match the intended message.

Here are a few examples of how to use these phrases:

Formal: When someone asks you overly personal questions at a professional gathering, you can assert your boundaries by saying, “Не вмешивайтесь в мои дела, пожалуйста.” (Please do not interfere in my affairs.)

Informal: If a close friend is prying into your personal matters, you could playfully respond with “Давай не встревай в мои дела!” (Don’t meddle in my affairs!)