In every language, there are certain phrases that allow you to subtly (or not so subtly) convey your boundaries. “None of your business” is one such phrase that is used to politely decline answering personal or intrusive questions. In Russian, there are both formal and informal ways to express this. Additionally, there might be slight variations in different regions of Russia. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “none of your business” in Russian, providing tips, examples, and cultural insights along the way.
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The Formal Way: “None of Your Business”
When it comes to formal situations, such as dealing with superiors, strangers, or elders, it is important to use a respectful tone. Here are a few ways to say “none of your business” in a formal context:
1. Не ва́ше де́ло
Translated literally, “не ва́ше де́ло” means “not your business.” This phrase is a simple and straightforward way to express that the issue being discussed doesn’t concern the person asking. It is considered polite and appropriate in formal settings. For instance:
Person A: Какое у вас уровень доходов? (What is your income level?)
Person B: Извините, но это не ва́ше де́ло. (I’m sorry, but that’s none of your business.)
2. Это личное дело
If you want to emphasize that the matter being discussed is personal, you can use the phrase “это личное дело,” which directly translates as “this is a personal matter.” It maintains a respectful tone while firmly setting boundaries. For example:
Person A: Почему вы еще не женаты? (Why are you not married yet?)
Person B: Извините, но это личное дело. (I’m sorry, but that’s a personal matter.)
3. Мне неудобно отвечать на это
Another way to politely decline answering is to say “мне неудобно отвечать на это,” which means “I feel uncomfortable answering this.” By expressing discomfort, you convey that the question has crossed a personal boundary. Here’s an example:
Person A: Какая ваша религия? (What is your religion?)
Person B: Извините, но мне неудобно отвечать на это. (I’m sorry, but I feel uncomfortable answering that.)
The Informal Way: “None of Your Business”
When conversing with friends, peers, or in casual settings, you have more flexibility in your language. Here are a few informal ways to convey “none of your business” in Russian:
1. Чего тебе надо?
“Чего тебе надо?” literally translates as “What do you need?” and is commonly used to imply “Why are you asking? It’s not your business.” It has a direct and assertive tone. Take a look at this example:
Person A: Сколько ты заработал на этом проекте? (How much did you earn from this project?)
Person B: Ну и чего тебе надо? (Well, what do you need to know that for?)
2. Да ладно, не парься
Roughly translated as “Oh, come on, don’t sweat it,” this phrase is commonly used to downplay the importance of the question and suggest that it isn’t worth worrying about. It is often used between friends and peers in a light-hearted manner. Here’s an example:
Person A: Кто был твоим первым поцелуем? (Who was your first kiss?)
Person B: Да ладно, не парься об этом. (Oh, come on, don’t sweat it.)
3. Не твое дело
If you prefer a more straightforward way to say “none of your business” informally, you can use “не твое дело,” which means exactly that. It is direct and assertive, clearly stating that the matter concerns only the person being asked. For example:
Person A: Почему ты купил такую дорогую машину? (Why did you buy such an expensive car?)
Person B: Не твое дело. (None of your business.)
Regional Variations
While Russian is a widely spoken language throughout Russia, there might be some regional variations in certain phrases or expressions. However, when it comes to saying “none of your business,” the main phrases mentioned in this guide are universally understood and applicable across regions.
Final Thoughts
Saying “none of your business” in Russian requires some tact and understanding of the context. Whether you are navigating a formal situation or engaging in a casual conversation, it’s crucial to consider the appropriate tone and level of assertiveness. By using the phrases mentioned in this guide, you can politely and effectively convey your boundaries while maintaining respect.
