In the US a smile usually means "I am being polite", while in Russia it means "I like you" or "I am having fun". It is just kind of different nonverbal languages.
We in Russia also have smiles of politeness at work etc. Not all of our smiles are sincere. But we never smile to strangers, it is too tiresome for us. During my visit in the USA I was freaked out by the necessity to hold polite conversations with guys at supermarket. I found it tiresome.
In Rome, a big, young Russian policeman attended an Italian language class with me and several other students from many countries and several of us commented among ourselves how he never smiled. We joked how we would hate to have him pull us over for a speeding ticket. On the last day of the course he showed up with a dozen beautiful roses for the teacher and told her, his voice quavering and wiping away actual tears, how the class had been the highlight of his life. Never judge a book for a cover that comes without a smile.
It's a good story, but you probably don't know exactly how many flowers were in the bouquet. Actually, none of the Russians will give an even number of flowers to a living person. An even is only for the dead.
So true! It's 12,5 mln people in Moscow. When I moved from a 1,5 mln to a 5,5 mln city (both in Russia), I could already tell the difference! People in a bigger city pay much less attention to strangers. First I was confused, but now I love not being stared at in the streets and in transport. But if I talk to someone, they more tend to get involved, like really involved! So I'd say that people in big cities have to have better personal settings for managing their energy and their contacts, even the slightest ones
@@michaelcharlesmiller No, I don't have. That's just true, now imagine, if someone comes to you then she/he smiles to you without a reason. What do you think about that thing? Unless if she/he knows you well, but what if she/he doesn't know you well or you don't even know her/him? That thing is weird.
I have to say that Slavic people have some of the purest hearts and some of the most loving demeanour in the world... Opposite to what people think or judge
You must earn a Russian smile! I have learned Russians are serious people and just don't walk around like simpletons with a smile on their face. But when you get to know one or meet one, they smile as much as anyone else.
This is true! I met a Russian girl at University that wouldn't smile to anyone. Once I talked to her, she'd smile more than me and would even make jokes. She totally opened up.
Had a Russian co worker and always wondered why she was so straight faced, at first I thought she was rude and didn't like me lol... But then she kept chatting with me and we had great convos so I was so confused... Turns out they only smile naturally, whereas in Britain its more a case of smiling to be polite
@@Theohybrid yes! I think smiling for politeness is fine here and there but it can be so tiring, as soon as I realised the Russian thing I was able to just relax around her and not strain to appear 'nice'.
Serafern The main difference is that if a Russian is happy and they're walking down the street, they likely will smile at random strangers they pass by but if they are not in a good mood or are upset they will not automatically smile at strangers and will have the bored or upset look a person has when something is troubling them. In the West it is customary for people to smile at anyone they see on the street, regardless of whether they are are actually happy or not as it is deemed rude to not smile at everyone you see. So in Russia people generally smile less but if a Russian person is smiling it likely means they are genuinely happy (unlike in Western countries where they could just be smiling to not seem rude to others). Not saying one way of doing things is better than the other, but that's just how it is both in Russia and in the West (I currently live in Australia myself). :)
@@Serafern Well who cares what you consider rude. Unnecessary smiling is rude in Russia and all Slavic lands. They would most likely think you are a fool.
@@erenjaeger9902 I don't know anything about the mentality in India, sorry but people are different, someone always smiles, and someone rarely smiles. just be honest)) all the best!
I lived in the USA for many years. When I arrived there, at the beginning I liked that everybody was smiling to me. But with time, meaningless smiles started irritating me (cultural shock as explained to me). Many people around constantly told me - "Smile! Why don't you smile?" And I had a feeling that they forced me to do what I didn't want to. I had this feeling all 10+ years I lived in the USA. Yes, you learn to lived with it, but you never become accustomed to it. However, when I returned back to Russia two years ago, I noticed that I've been smiling more than other Russians ))) Interesting transformation ))
Не сказать чтоб все улыбались в США. Я 6 месяцев в США да часто но я тоже всем улыбаюсь, может я и дурак. Особенно улыбаюсь когда наших людей вижу приятно, но не все в ответ улыбаются похоже не понимают почему
As a Russian, I completely agree with the people interviewed. I'll add more. You live there in California and the frost under minus 50 Celsius can not even imagine. Imagine walking in minus 50 and smiling first you will burst your lips second you will crack your teeth. And to be honest, most Russians don't care what anyone thinks about us at all.
А американцам и всем остальным интересно, что думают русские про их приклеенные улыбки?? Им по барабану. Почему русские заморачиваются тем, что они подумают про наши неулыбки, холодец и укроп??? Нам уже надо лечиться от нашего национального комплекса неполноценности и заискивания перед заграничными господами высшего сорта. Хватит оправдываться. Мы плохо улыбаемся, зато любим сразу от души поржать😀😀😀💕💓💞
@@Felix-bj1pe so southern countries don't have sincere smiles? In southern Europe we call you cold people and we are right, russians and most northern countries are quite gloomy This mentality you keep about smiling is for your climate but it doesn't make it the same for countries with more sun Smiling can show how positive and well-disposed a person is I understand that you don't smile because of the cold and cloudy weather but making it sound like you do right and other countries who smile more are not sincere and fake smiling is just fucked up
Another fantastic video. I love how the people are so patient to take the time to properly reflect on the question and give such detailed and insightful answers. Lots of reasonable opinions but from my experiences out of the few Russian people I met most were people who often smiled and had a sunny disposition about them.
I remember some memes while I am walking, and I’ve begun to smile (even laugh sometimes) and then people stare at me. I need to do something with saved memes in my head!
Most are not fake smiles. People who have good souls, kind, nice, open minded, and polite are usually smile often. Also, positive and optimistic people. Most Eastern European people don’t smile because most are pessimistic and not that polite in general.
@@MMAwMatt Russians prefer not to do smile because of their culture. In Russia, do smile to the other people means you loved them. Like you do smile to your father, mother, your GF/BF, etc. Also, I don't agree with "People who usually do smile often have good souls, kind, nice, open minded, polite, positive and optimistic". In Russia, people are nice. They are cold people, but if you need a help, they will help you. Although they are cold, they have good souls, kind, nice, open minded, polite, positive, optimistic, and brave".
Smile here in south east asia is not fake happiness 😁 It's just culture to humble to anyone. I do believe in some state in America, it is not a fake happiness tho
When I visited St Petersburg I found that people smiled much more at me than people do in London. Certainly much more than in Munich - no one smiled to me there - it was a very unfriendly city unfortunately. But I found krakow (Poland) and St Petersburg to have the most helpful and friendly locals in Europe.
@@omegafm Понятно, что учат. Но выбор именно русского языка для японки (японца) совсем не очевиден. Так же, как и желание изучать японский язык для русского человека, например. Поэтому и хотелось узнать причины, чем конкретно русский язык ее привлек и т.д. Но судя по всему, девушка решила не отвечать, либо не поняла, что я ждал от нее ответа )) В любом случае, она молодец.
@@redbluewarrior099 Из тех, что я наблюдал - либо по роду деятельности\учебы (например, есть подруга музыкант, которая в музыкальное училище в Питере поступила). Либо просто по фану (так же, как мы учим немецкий или испанский, без цели поехать туда). У пенсионеров популярна тема изучения какого-нибудь диковинного языка типа русского :) А девушка - молодец, не то слово. Русский язык не каждому дается.
А сибирь это не ваша земля. Вы оккупировали ее относительно недавно. Ваши земли - между Украиной и Чувашией находятся, и погода там нормальная. Дело не в температуре, а в крепостничестве, которая сидит в вас в крови
@@CenturionKZ well yes. The development of Siberia in 1581, some 440 years, is quite recent. Siberia was already Russian, when the United States did not exist in this world.
Yes - it's what most of the people in the video say - Russians definitely smile when you get to actually talk to them. The interesting thing as an American that I smile because it does make me feel happy - I have seen studies of this idea that randomly smiling and saying hello does trigger endorphins which trigger happiness and so I think that just as the idea that Russians don't smile isn't correct, the opposite that the American smile is fake is also incorrect - there are times when you go to a shop or a restaurant where the staff is expected to smile and at that point it may be "fake" because the person isn't happy. To also clarify - I randomly smile at people on the street or say hello to the people at the checkout only when I am in a good mood. If I am bothered or troubled in my own head it doesn't happen - so - that "fake smile" isn't fake in a very part of the time. I liked this video! I am getting better in Russian every day btw but this was too much for me to write in Russian! Thanks!
Like you said it is not good when the smiling is too forced but a bit pushing in positivity in a social group really helps getting a general better atmosphere. It is proven by studies and I experienced first hand when travelling and moving. In my opinion in germany we are worst. Even worse as russians, especially the north. It is not that people are angry and non talkactive with intent it is just we are not used to it and even if we want to be more smily and talkactive it is exhausting. Even at festivals we and some scandis are the worst crowd in terms of energy and communication, expect the help of alcohol and drugs.
I'm Brazilian and I've been to Russia in 2015 for an internship. As a Brazilian, I smile a lot and in fact I was REALLY happy to be there, it was the first time I saw snow and with its beautiful buildings I was feeling inside a movie. So I was smiling at everything and everyone. I wonder how many people thought I was retarded or that I was flirting back then 🤣 Anyway, I love Russia and I'm studying Russian to know Russia and russians even better! It's my favorite place on Earth!
Hehe well since you're a young lady they probably thought that it's just young love and you're really happy. When I was a student I smiled all the way back home every time after studying and everybody smiled back to me. Not saying it's sexist, they would probably assume the same about young fellas. Although men tend to be more reserved in public with their feelings here. But if that was a grown man with a permanent smile, then yeah, they would probably think he's drunk or something and would most likely stay away just in case Good luck with your Russian btw, you're doing great! 🙂
I love people from South America they are so friendly and smiley ppl , that's their nature not fake it at all. I interacted with lot of people from the whole world maybe during my trips abroad to be honest that's true russian looking so serious and less affection because of their culture maybe :( Asians are also cool ppl , Americans, British, french are suck sorry .. Africans are funny ppl That's my opinion and what I've experienced so far
I seldom smile too and some people labeled me "Russian" (I'm from Algeria) for that. I only do it when there's a reason such as : finding something funny, hearing good news etc..
I agree with them. If there is a reason to smile, then do so. If not, then why? That makes you look fake and suspicious. I'm American, but I'm from New York and apparently we don't smile that much either and that's why a lot of people, even in the U.S, say that New Yorkers are rude because we look "grumpy".
Hmm, this could be useful for Russians to explain Americans the situation based on things they relate to. It's like "well, you have friends from New York and they are nice despite looking grumpy, so do Russians".
I m Russian from St Petersburg, but I live in France. And I can explain the difference. If you look at someone on a street, in a shop and anywhere you will see a smile face. If you do the same in Russia you ll see aggressive face. That's all
Theres an American saying “fake it til you make it” or like others said its a form of politeness. It’s not wrong nor right just cultural differences that’s all🤗
I think Russians (and Eastern Europeans for that matter) have a different mentality from Americans, they think that you shouldn't randomly smile at strangers because it's not authentic. You're not really happy with that person, you even don't know her/him, so what's the point of smiling? But if you go talk to them, they will be nice to you and eventually smile. Americans have more this television culture that everybody must look always happy and it seems fake to Eastern Europeans. I'm Brazilian, but I'm more like the Russians than the Americans or the Brazilians (who are even more willing to smile and even touch people when they talk).
No, you sound like an anti-american. "Authentic" that's not the reason why russians don't smile. You are making a biased statement that can be proven as false. You've never even been to russia. Not all of russia is like that and it depends on where you're at. "Television culture" yeah you definitely like to point out stereotypical ideas of american "mentality". You are purposely promoting russians because you think americans are somehow weird with their public social norms.
@@MrMIND-lk1sy actually I have been to Russia and I live in Eastern Europe now, I'm married to an eastern European. My father-in-law thinks exactly this way, that only fools smile without a reason. I also have worked in a hotel in Italy and I could see how different nations are. Americans are very extroverted people and they like to smile, to do small talk. Germans, Finns, etc , on the other hand, are very introverted people and they tend to appear "serious". English are inbetween and so on.
@@carolinesa91 working in a hotel in Italy is irrelevant. Being married to an eastern partner also doesn't prove your point. None of which represent statistics among eastern Europeans. "I could see how different nations are" by seeing a small portion of tourists from "every" nation? Germans and finns are introverted? You clearly think you've become some kind of an expert in social norms from different nations based off of those weak points you made. Introverted is a word for those lonesome fools who choose to be that way and even consider it as an identity. That word is made by ignorant narrow minded people with dumb ideologies and it's the consequence of culture. By nature we are social animals so people CHOOSE to be introverted. That also depends on the person you are talking to. You're the type of person to stereotype a foreigner and think that person is representing the full embodiment of their homeland country. You are ignorant as hell.
@@MrMIND-lk1sy I think I struck a nerve there. You probably never left your country, never had contact with other cultures, that's why you're so angry. As I said, in my own country people tend to smile even more than Americans and I think that's silly, but in Brazilian culture you have to be fun and talkative with strangers, otherwise you're seen as rude or cold. It's a matter of mentality, how each culture sees things like a smile. You learn about people's cultures being around them, living in their countries, consuming their cultural products (movies, books, music). These cultural aspects are not supposed to limit you to a stereotype. I'm an exception to the Brazilian culture, as there are many other Brazilians that are not like that and as there are Americans that behave more like Russians or Germans. But culture is about the majority, that's how we analyse it. In any case, I don't want to fight or argue, it's silly to be angry over this. Peace to you.
@@carolinesa91 You are right. Slavs consider ''american'' smiling as something ridiculous. They would think such a person is a fool. Why would i smile at a random person that i do not know, i politely greet my neighbors and continue my way.
I went to Russia two years ago, and I had an amazing time there because although while Russians don't smile that often they are very kind, friendly, and helpful. Greetings from Thailand.
People said this a lot but after I went to Moscow for study I can say that it depends. Russian people are so nice to me, they always helped me whenever I asked them, even shop sellers sometimes made a joke like when I bought a goodie bag they asked "do you need a package? Oh but you just bought a package" and started laughing at her own joke even though I'm a foreigner. My russian lecturer once said Russians don't smile a lot because of the cold weather, if they smile or laugh a lot they will have a sore throat but it was a joke too. I really like Moscow, glad that I met a lot of nice people there ☺️
I pretty regularly watch a number of videos put together by Russians vloggers. I am drawn to their humor and close friendships and laughing and... smiling. If only they wouldn't talk so fast.
When it comes to smiling in public or to strangers, it seems to me there isn't much of a difference to the people in Vienna, where I live. Which is good, because I like being in honest environments. I've already visited the US and think I couldn't live there with all that fake smiling even when they don't like you at all. I even believe that on average Russians are warmer and more friendly than us Austrians, when you get to know them.
From my personal experience people in vienna have the best balance. Not too serious and calm but also not too over emotional and fake friendly. Every country, every city has their pros and cons and individuality but overall austria and vienna are my personal favorite (and praque) in terms of general social behavior and atmosphere in the streets.
That was my observation, too. I had an Austro hungarian upbringing, as I call it, and I smile and laugh for a reason, not to impress someone. Simply, people from my part of the world do not sell themselves all the time. That is probably the way Russians feel about it, too. I would say that the most of Europeans are like that, and nobody is going around questioning Germans or Scandinavians about them not smiling to strangers all the time. That is such a prejudice towards Russians, a stereotype promoted by media, American and British mostly.
Usually countries that smile a lot assume something different if you don't smile, like for instance: "you're tired", "you're angry", "you're depressed".
я китаец, с многими русскими встречались и работали, мужики русские очень юморные люди, без шутки не разговаривают, когда мы с русскими идем на улице в китае, всегда громко смеяемся, люди смотрят на нас как на дураков, с русскими всегда весело мне было
Very true! I lived in Saint Petersburg for 5 years and Russians open their hearts when you speak to them in their own language. My Russian language teachers told me right from the outset: "you gotta get a Russian girlfriend if you want to master our language" and it worked marvelously!
I received two Russians at my home through Couchsurfing. They were very friendly and polite but they didn't really smile much. The other two I met, they worked at the embassy and were very funny and smiling.
I understand that smiling is just for situations that bring you to smile. Seeing a person you don't know it doesn't produce emotions. In my experience showing smile makes people more open towards you, it creates a pleasant atmosphere, also on the streets. So I value seeing smiling people even if I don't know them! It doesn't mean they are trying to trick me.
I will say though that a smile means many things in the US. Yes, we're being polite but it's also a way to say " Hello" to someone without really saying it. Especially since we have so many people here in our country that come to live here from different countries , in the United States. Not everyone knows how to speak American English when they come here and sometimes they don't ever learn. My grandparents came here from Poland and they never learned to speak a lick of English. So that's why, it's more of a way to say " Hello" to people that may not speak English too. Even if more people speak English today, ,it's become ingrained into our nature. So foreigners take it as a fake thing , when all we are doing is being polite and saying " Hello." It's almost like a universal language. Smiles are contagious though and I for one , feel that if someone smiles at me, I feel the need to smile back and you have a better day. :)
I heard in a radio travel show that like in France Russians consider a person who walks around smiling at strangers to be somewhat crazy. Smiles are for people familiar to you. In Russia there was always a distrust of strangers, but when you get more familiar Russians are incredibly hospitable and warm.
Au contraire, mon ami. Smiling at strangers means showing you don't mean harm to them. In Russia we trust the society for everybody minds their own business :)
@@AlexBeau9 My opinion is based on what people in France and Russia said about their cultures and what was said in the video here. That's why it's got the title "Why Don't Russian People Smile?" I didn't make this idea up myself.
Невероятно, как быстро говорят носители языка! Иногда я думаю, что я никогда не сумею разговаривать с русскими естественно и свободно, сколько я ни изучаю. 😟 Приветствие из Италии!
Thank you for this fascinating man-in-the-street video. Even at only 3/4 speed and with your subtitles, it is a challenge for me to understand many of the rapid, mumbling speakers.
Yep, they do speak clear enough to be easily understood by a native speaker. They don't try to be rapid, they could speak even faster. I'm afraid that understanding them at 1-1.25x is must-have for typical conversations in Russia. I sincerely wish you reaching this level, it's not impossible! Please keep in mind that this channel hosts are professionals who speak intentionally slow spelling out each of the sound for foreigners to learn the language. This is too slow and stressful for an average native speaker to endure. As a RUclips watcher and a nonnative English speaker I would say that 0.75x doesn't help as much as it should be. Some weird indistinguishable sh*# becomes just some slowed down weird indistinguishable sh*#, no matter if it were my fellow Russians or some English speakers. So maybe 0.75x helps at the stage when you still think in your first language and translate back sentence by sentence. Then slowing down gives you some time to do this. And then that's all, indistinguishable sh*# remains a big mystery. It annoys me a lot.
Trust me, we are very positive people and love to have fun. If you get to know us better, you will recognize the breadth of the Russian soul. Best regards from Russia :)
This is definitely a cultural difference with real world implications. I was stopped by police in Russia on several occasions and asked if I was on drugs/why was I laughing. I was also routinely stopped on suspicion of being an unregistered/illegal migrant (on account of my Indian skin color), but the smiling thing really got to me. Overall just looking annoyed/depressed seriously reduced my chances of getting asked for “dokumenty.”
When I first moved to the US I was at a building where Russians and Ukrainians(mostly senior citizens)were the majority, I made friends with most of them and they were very kind to me and would laugh and make jokes all the time, the people I was living with were surprised I was able to connect with them, I told all I did was talk to them. Still go back to visit them even though I moved to another place still here in LA.
раньше тоже считала, что если улыбаются, глядя на меня, то со мной что-то не так) сейчас стала замечать улыбчивых людей больше, что в Питере, что в своей провинции. может и я ещё изменилась и стала чаще улыбаться сама, а другие подхватывают)
I was asking my self this question for long years after living in some European countries ...and having some Russian colleagues mostly females, well THEY RARELY SMILE
just because for a smile you need emotion, if there is no emotion then there is no smile. People do not cry just like that, people cry when there is a reason for it.
I'm not Russian (ignore my name). But I do have my own opinion. I like to think Russians in general only prefer to give smile out of sincerety and all about genuine. Like how some Japanese respectfully decline gifts out of randomness to avoid strangers asking things in return. Glad you cover this, Easy Russian. Спасибо большой!
Cпасибо за видео! I agree with the gentleman at 2:17. What really matters is if you are a kind, good person in essence. The Joker smiles a lot and is a monster.
@Hardy Harhar I think it's more like they don't give a damn what other people think of them. And not always having a smile on your face doesn't necessarily mean you're not warm and happy.
@wild cat надеюсь, что так и есть. Только эти оттенки не всем видны. Я начала общаться в FB с американкой, которая регулярно грузила свои фото с абсолютно, на мой взгляд, одинаковым выражением лица -улыбкой (оскал в пол лица и вытаращенные глаза). То, что фото разные, я могла судить только по разной одежде и обстановке. А на мои фотографии, где я была в разных настроениях (серьезная, задорная, веселая, ироничная, удивленная - очень разная), она написала, почему я никогда не радуюсь и не улыбаюсь. Я очень веселый и улыбчивый человек, даже приколистка, у меня очень живая мимика, но я не показываю зубы при улыбке. В общем, наше общение на этом закончилось.
In Malaysia, we tend to smile easily, even to Tourists. Malaysians in general are very down to earth and friendly people. As we always say in Malaysia : Malaysia is only a smile away from wherever you are.
Then I think I could fit in that society. I mean, i love my country (Colombia), and people here... Unless if you are in the boring media class or the rich one but hypocrite one (those always smile in a polite way, but not sincere). People here would smile at you just if they want to, not because they have to, so i think once I travel to Russia, maybe people would like me lol
I'm an American who has lived in Moscow for 4 years. Russian people are more formal, in every day life they do smile less to strangers so it can be harder to meet new people sometimes. Even though I know that they're kind people a lack of smiles can be intimidating. It just takes some getting used to.
Когда приезжаю в Россию, в течение месяца сохраняю привычку улыбаться, здороваться, не быть токсичной. Позитивная энергия - это энергия. И ты ее тратишь. Если нет ответной реакции - она быстро расходуется. Поэтому живу в Испании.
I'm not Russian but I know that Russians know how to celebrate and have fun even if they don't smile without reason ). Anyway, scientists say smiling is good for your health )
I am a Russian myself, born in Yakutia (northeastern region of Russia). The unsmiling nature of the peoples of Russia is not conditioned by climate or war. In fact, if you find old photographs and documentaries from the USA or any Western country from before World War II, you will find that Westerners also did not smile for no reason. For humanity as a whole, a smile has two functions: 1. reaction to positive emotions, 2. manipulation, through which you can show that you do not need to be afraid. In Western society in the last 60-70 years, manipulation of a smile has become commonplace. This has become an indicator of "friend-foe". If you didn't smile at an American, he thinks that you treat him with bad intentions. And this betrays the huge egocentricity of the Western man.
I don't agree. Our climate in Ireland is wetter if not colder than Russia ( which I visited) and we smile laugh and chat with strangers which Russians do not do . Its most likely partly gentics and partly cultural. If you walk down a Russian city street chatting with someone and occasionally laughing peoply look at you like you were an escapee from a psychiatric institution. They show their disapproval in no uncertain terms.
As you say not colder than Russia. Think it: when u go outside everywhere is gloom and spacially if u are in siberia you can not see the sun much. Mostly the weather is close. But yes it could be partly gentics. I do not say you are wrong In turkey we have all climates and we smile a lot (: reason for that we think smiling is sincere thing and we love it. Also it does not matter that where u from in Turkey
@@conlaiarla If that London weather memes could be applied to other regions of UK, you must have a lot of not so cold but pretty sad days. You are totally correct, it's not the weather. We just express thoughts and feelings in different ways. Let's say, someone is wrong. In Russia it's very polite and respectful to say "I'm afraid, you are wrong" and it's neutral to say "you are wrong". In US/UK it requires one to smile and say "I'm afraid you are not quite right" not to insult someone. It makes us think you are fake and makes you think we are rude but it is wrong (not quite right 😃). No weather could cause such a difference, it's centuries of living in particular way.
@@sekrasoft Some very astute observations. We are of course a different country and London is much further South than my location but very broadly I agree. Believe me, we can hardly stand our own climate. It causes all kinds of health problems but we remain optimistic and take every opportunity to laugh and smile as it's all too easy to be miserable when it's constantly wet and cold . Happy New year to you and your family. Ps ...its lashing hail and sleet here 😂
У нас есть разные виды улыбок, которые мы сами легко считываем при общении. Можно улыбнуться одними глазами, краем губ. И этим показать свое расположение или благодарность. А показывать при улыбке зубы не принято, смотрится это часто фальшиво. В русском языке и литературе есть много выражений, связанных с улыбкой и выразительной мимикой.
I’ve always thought the reason older Russian people don’t smile at strangers is a holdover from the Soviet times: if someone you didn’t know approached you at random, smiled and started asking you personal questions, he was possibly wanting information on you to turn in to the KGB, so you had to be very wary of strangers. Only after you got to know someone could they be trusted. Here in the USA, if you’re not smiling and looking downright ecstatic all the time, people will start to question you and think something is wrong with you. They don’t trust the person who doesn’t smile! When I was a kid, they told me I had to smile and look happy because if I didn’t, I would look ungrateful for the blessings I have. I always thought that was dumb. 😆
@@andyblack5687 I agree. Throughout a lot of Russian history people in public would not really want to draw any attention to themselves. You just put your head down and went from A to B.
Has nothing to due with KGB ! Its a cultural thing , it used to be the same allover Europe (think at the austere reformed germans or other northerners) Now its most common in the east / In fact is as old as roman empire in which one of the most important moral quality was the public restraint : ,, aurea mediocritas ''/ and that has given for the christians their ,,humbleness" moeurs / hence the eastern europeans being today more religious then the western counterparts they keep more at the named custom/ you will find in all eastern cultures quotes about ,,laughing like a fool''
This is NOT a holdover from the Soviet times. In fact, in Soviet times, people were more smiley, especially on trains and plains and other means of long-term transportation because in those times crime rates were way lower and people trusted strangers more. The tradition of smiling too little was most likely a remnant from our medieval times, the necessity of living in harsh conditions. Similar traditions exist in countries like Sweden and Finland. I am saying this because I know that in America the media always tells how bad the Soviet Union was but in reality people in the Soviet Union were way happier than in modern Russia. P.S. No offense, man, but this really irritates me when people assume stereotypes like ''oh they had a very totalitarian government and had no democracy and were just afraid of the KGB so they didn't smile''. Most people didn't care about a KGB agent approaching them on the street, it would have been delusional. Modern people in Russia have way more real fear of being approached by bandits and drug addicts than they ever had of some random KGB agent nitpicking them. P.P.S. By the way, did you know that incarceration rates in the 1970s USSR were actually lower than in the modern US? In the USSR people mostly trusted the police (as many people in modern China also trust the police by the way), while in the US some people trust the police while others are afraid of the policemen. As a said, no offense intended but this kinda shows how ''scary'' the Soviet Union was.
I have to smile at work because I have to face a lot of nervous people that need reassurance. But in private life, I, as russian see it this way, smiling=feeling happy, if you don't feel like it thеn why doing so :)
Я лично по дороге куда-то могу вспомнить какую-то смешную шутку или же ситуацию и внезапно начать смеяться. Помню, как такое произошло, когда проходил мимо двух девушек, они сначала удивились, потом тоже начали смеяться. Люблю такие моменты. Ещё похожая ситуация у меня бывала на уроках по немецкому. На этом предмете меня с моим лучшим другом не рассжаливали и пару раз мы могли смеяться несколько минут без остановки, и это не специально, мы реально не могли остановиться! В такие моменты было жалко учителя по немецкому, хотя Галина Юрьевна сама любит пошутить, как я считаю, это очень крутая черта для преподователя. Надеюсь, что люди вокруг меня будут смеяться почаще, ибо смех продливает жизнь :D
I noticed that also between Australia and Germany. It is very strenuous to adjust to either one at first. I love what the old man said though: the facade means nothing, look at what is going on inside a person.
I think people understood that they should smile all the time without obvious reason or not to smile at all! In my understanding, it's polite/nice/friendly to smile when you meet people not necessary that you know but when you visit a shop for example, when you communicate with someone. And not to seem ANGRY because you are just serious.
@@welllll...ok... This is a depreciation of the smile. Smiling is a little drug, but the drug stops working if the dose is not increased. It is for this reason that fake smiles are so wide.
It’s complex and many factors involved...not least climate, the legacy of history, the tough environment...but definitely true Russians when they open up to you individually have sparkling and deeply resonant personalities
I think the blond girl at the end made a lot of sense. When you think of something nice and smile, it's contagious. It improves your mood. What do you have to lose?
@@vanya1290 Finns at least do not smile at strangers on the street and are often sarcastic. I'm unsure whether Norse and Swedes are also reserved that way.
In the US a smile usually means "I am being polite", while in Russia it means "I like you" or "I am having fun". It is just kind of different nonverbal languages.
Russians smile only to ppl they know.
True ... US smile bcz they are polite. Russia smile only on votka ...
@@annadevina8256 This is very categorical
We in Russia also have smiles of politeness at work etc. Not all of our smiles are sincere. But we never smile to strangers, it is too tiresome for us. During my visit in the USA I was freaked out by the necessity to hold polite conversations with guys at supermarket. I found it tiresome.
I'm russian. It's very true!
In Rome, a big, young Russian policeman attended an Italian language class with me and several other students from many countries and several of us commented among ourselves how he never smiled. We joked how we would hate to have him pull us over for a speeding ticket. On the last day of the course he showed up with a dozen beautiful roses for the teacher and told her, his voice quavering and wiping away actual tears, how the class had been the highlight of his life. Never judge a book for a cover that comes without a smile.
awwww wonderful story.
Aww that’s so sweet
It's a good story, but you probably don't know exactly how many flowers were in the bouquet. Actually, none of the Russians will give an even number of flowers to a living person. An even is only for the dead.
@@yetonemorechannel не все русские так делают, кому-то всё равно на это
@@Яна-щ8щ1к Я не согласен русские луди Я знаю сказал это правда!
"Moscow is a big city. If you smiled at everyone you meet, you'd be exhausted by the end of the day" замечательный ответ 😃😃👏👏👏
Your face would be in so much pain too 😁➡️😩
So true!
It's 12,5 mln people in Moscow.
When I moved from a 1,5 mln to a 5,5 mln city (both in Russia), I could already tell the difference!
People in a bigger city pay much less attention to strangers. First I was confused, but now I love not being stared at in the streets and in transport. But if I talk to someone, they more tend to get involved, like really involved! So I'd say that people in big cities have to have better personal settings for managing their energy and their contacts, even the slightest ones
As an American, I hate fake smiling and agree with the Russian sentiment that you should have a reason to smile.
👍👍👍
Ya, a person who smiles without a reason is like an idiot.
@@louisettefarie2468 You really have issues, donʻt you.
@@michaelcharlesmiller No, I don't have. That's just true, now imagine, if someone comes to you then she/he smiles to you without a reason. What do you think about that thing? Unless if she/he knows you well, but what if she/he doesn't know you well or you don't even know her/him? That thing is weird.
I am happy that I live in my country, we smile a lot because it's just we have many reason to smile.
I have to say that Slavic people have some of the purest hearts and some of the most loving demeanour in the world... Opposite to what people think or judge
Меня зовут Саид тоже
Спасибо❤ храни Вас Всевышний!
You must earn a Russian smile! I have learned Russians are serious people and just don't walk around like simpletons with a smile on their face. But when you get to know one or meet one, they smile as much as anyone else.
why does having a generic smile on your face make you a simpleton?
@@Serafern True
@@liamanderson6424 because smiling all the time is a sign of idiocy in Russia.
@@olegredko7813 Smiling all the time is idiocy in any country. Smiling none of the time is being a sad guy
@@liamanderson6424 being sad isn't to be a simpleton at least.
This is true! I met a Russian girl at University that wouldn't smile to anyone. Once I talked to her, she'd smile more than me and would even make jokes. She totally opened up.
and?
@@farooqaloobodyalsaniarry2818 And what??
Bullshit and lies.
@@MrLynch-ei4dc you wrote a very coherent, readable, and understandable thing. Tell us more.
@@MrLynch-ei4dc This is no BS, it's an actual event that I personally experienced 3 years ago.
Had a Russian co worker and always wondered why she was so straight faced, at first I thought she was rude and didn't like me lol... But then she kept chatting with me and we had great convos so I was so confused... Turns out they only smile naturally, whereas in Britain its more a case of smiling to be polite
I think that branched off to America.
It's like status quo to not really bother people with your problems but appear as if you are fine.
@@Theohybrid yes! I think smiling for politeness is fine here and there but it can be so tiring, as soon as I realised the Russian thing I was able to just relax around her and not strain to appear 'nice'.
Why don't Russian people smile AT STRANGERS
would be a better and more accurate title.
Russians smile all the time! Just not at strangers.
As a Russian I 100% agree! When they're truly happy Russians are often very smiley indeed.
@@Serafern because the stranger might be a danger or unhappy.
@@Serafern or, it's really fucking cold, the wind is blowing, and it's snowing, poka.
Serafern The main difference is that if a Russian is happy and they're walking down the street, they likely will smile at random strangers they pass by but if they are not in a good mood or are upset they will not automatically smile at strangers and will have the bored or upset look a person has when something is troubling them. In the West it is customary for people to smile at anyone they see on the street, regardless of whether they are are actually happy or not as it is deemed rude to not smile at everyone you see. So in Russia people generally smile less but if a Russian person is smiling it likely means they are genuinely happy (unlike in Western countries where they could just be smiling to not seem rude to others).
Not saying one way of doing things is better than the other, but that's just how it is both in Russia and in the West (I currently live in Australia myself). :)
@@Serafern
Well who cares what you consider rude. Unnecessary smiling is rude in Russia and all Slavic lands.
They would most likely think you are a fool.
if you get to know us better - we will smile at you. Russians love to smile truthfully, not „lie”
You people can be honest i like that
I'm not Russian but people ask me why I don't smile ! 😶
@@erenjaeger9902
))
where you from?
@@Е.БКравчук.Ц India !
@@erenjaeger9902
I don't know anything about the mentality in India, sorry
but people are different, someone always smiles, and someone rarely smiles. just be honest))
all the best!
I lived in the USA for many years. When I arrived there, at the beginning I liked that everybody was smiling to me. But with time, meaningless smiles started irritating me (cultural shock as explained to me). Many people around constantly told me - "Smile! Why don't you smile?" And I had a feeling that they forced me to do what I didn't want to. I had this feeling all 10+ years I lived in the USA. Yes, you learn to lived with it, but you never become accustomed to it. However, when I returned back to Russia two years ago, I noticed that I've been smiling more than other Russians ))) Interesting transformation ))
Не сказать чтоб все улыбались в США. Я 6 месяцев в США да часто но я тоже всем улыбаюсь, может я и дурак. Особенно улыбаюсь когда наших людей вижу приятно, но не все в ответ улыбаются похоже не понимают почему
As a Russian, I completely agree with the people interviewed. I'll add more. You live there in California and the frost under minus 50 Celsius can not even imagine. Imagine walking in minus 50 and smiling first you will burst your lips second you will crack your teeth. And to be honest, most Russians don't care what anyone thinks about us at all.
А американцам и всем остальным интересно, что думают русские про их приклеенные улыбки?? Им по барабану. Почему русские заморачиваются тем, что они подумают про наши неулыбки, холодец и укроп??? Нам уже надо лечиться от нашего национального комплекса неполноценности и заискивания перед заграничными господами высшего сорта. Хватит оправдываться. Мы плохо улыбаемся, зато любим сразу от души поржать😀😀😀💕💓💞
@@GreyWhiteBlue do you really think that we don't smile at all? Our smiles are sincere, unlike strained smiles
@@Felix-bj1pe so southern countries don't have sincere smiles?
In southern Europe we call you cold people and we are right, russians and most northern countries are quite gloomy
This mentality you keep about smiling is for your climate but it doesn't make it the same for countries with more sun
Smiling can show how positive and well-disposed a person is
I understand that you don't smile because of the cold and cloudy weather but making it sound like you do right and other countries who smile more are not sincere and fake smiling is just fucked up
@@vgerng4508 Я щяс в США живу. И видно по людям кто тебе фальшиво улыбается, смысл это кривляние если ты честно недолюбливаешь
Привет из Норвегии! На мой взгляд, россияне - самые улыбчивые люди на планете! С вами всегда приятно собраться!
Спасибо!
Till they occupy your country
Возможно, вы правы! Я бы добавила, что самые искренние. Русский не лицемерит, когда у него всё плохо
Не россияне, а русские.
@@danielriabets7310 What?
Another fantastic video. I love how the people are so patient to take the time to properly reflect on the question and give such detailed and insightful answers. Lots of reasonable opinions but from my experiences out of the few Russian people I met most were people who often smiled and had a sunny disposition about them.
I' ve noticed that too, so polite and lovely!
If in Russia someone goes and smiles at everyone, it means one thing, he is under drugs or crazy.
lmao that's hilarious
@Gea Sih i will smile on your answer))))
That's...pretty sad.
I remember some memes while I am walking, and I’ve begun to smile (even laugh sometimes) and then people stare at me. I need to do something with saved memes in my head!
@Gea Sih The USSR regime wasn't a 0.01 per cent so harsh as your updated democracies now
i prefer russian "seriousness" over american fake happiness
Smiling is being polite as well, maybe that doesn't exist in your country
Jealousy kills!!!
Most are not fake smiles. People who have good souls, kind, nice, open minded, and polite are usually smile often. Also, positive and optimistic people. Most Eastern European people don’t smile because most are pessimistic and not that polite in general.
@@MMAwMatt Russians prefer not to do smile because of their culture. In Russia, do smile to the other people means you loved them. Like you do smile to your father, mother, your GF/BF, etc.
Also, I don't agree with "People who usually do smile often have good souls, kind, nice, open minded, polite, positive and optimistic".
In Russia, people are nice. They are cold people, but if you need a help, they will help you. Although they are cold, they have good souls, kind, nice, open minded, polite, positive, optimistic, and brave".
Smile here in south east asia is not fake happiness 😁
It's just culture to humble to anyone.
I do believe in some state in America, it is not a fake happiness tho
When I visited St Petersburg I found that people smiled much more at me than people do in London. Certainly much more than in Munich - no one smiled to me there - it was a very unfriendly city unfortunately. But I found krakow (Poland) and St Petersburg to have the most helpful and friendly locals in Europe.
@Arableciderboy what was your experience?
Это интересно, потому что даже то, как мы думаем об улыбке, отличается от страны к стране. Из Японии.
Откуда японка так хорошо знает русский язык ? Мне просто любопытно.
@@redbluewarrior099 Учат, так же как и в других странах.
@@omegafm Понятно, что учат. Но выбор именно русского языка для японки (японца) совсем не очевиден. Так же, как и желание изучать японский язык для русского человека, например. Поэтому и хотелось узнать причины, чем конкретно русский язык ее привлек и т.д. Но судя по всему, девушка решила не отвечать, либо не поняла, что я ждал от нее ответа )) В любом случае, она молодец.
@@redbluewarrior099 Из тех, что я наблюдал - либо по роду деятельности\учебы (например, есть подруга музыкант, которая в музыкальное училище в Питере поступила). Либо просто по фану (так же, как мы учим немецкий или испанский, без цели поехать туда). У пенсионеров популярна тема изучения какого-нибудь диковинного языка типа русского :) А девушка - молодец, не то слово. Русский язык не каждому дается.
Так видно что через переводчик
Американцев приглашаем в Сибирь!Пусть учатся улыбаться в 40 градусный мороз!
А сибирь это не ваша земля. Вы оккупировали ее относительно недавно. Ваши земли - между Украиной и Чувашией находятся, и погода там нормальная. Дело не в температуре, а в крепостничестве, которая сидит в вас в крови
@@CenturionKZ well yes. The development of Siberia in 1581, some 440 years, is quite recent. Siberia was already Russian, when the United States did not exist in this world.
@@CenturionKZ Майдан головного мозга?
@@CenturionKZ хахахаха, вы прям насмешили
@@CenturionKZ Никак не наскакался?! О чём с тобой говорить?! Мда!!! Соболезную.
Yes - it's what most of the people in the video say - Russians definitely smile when you get to actually talk to them. The interesting thing as an American that I smile because it does make me feel happy - I have seen studies of this idea that randomly smiling and saying hello does trigger endorphins which trigger happiness and so I think that just as the idea that Russians don't smile isn't correct, the opposite that the American smile is fake is also incorrect - there are times when you go to a shop or a restaurant where the staff is expected to smile and at that point it may be "fake" because the person isn't happy. To also clarify - I randomly smile at people on the street or say hello to the people at the checkout only when I am in a good mood. If I am bothered or troubled in my own head it doesn't happen - so - that "fake smile" isn't fake in a very part of the time. I liked this video! I am getting better in Russian every day btw but this was too much for me to write in Russian! Thanks!
Like you said it is not good when the smiling is too forced but a bit pushing in positivity in a social group really helps getting a general better atmosphere. It is proven by studies and I experienced first hand when travelling and moving. In my opinion in germany we are worst. Even worse as russians, especially the north. It is not that people are angry and non talkactive with intent it is just we are not used to it and even if we want to be more smily and talkactive it is exhausting. Even at festivals we and some scandis are the worst crowd in terms of energy and communication, expect the help of alcohol and drugs.
Thanks for this added comment.
Great points!
I'm Brazilian and I've been to Russia in 2015 for an internship. As a Brazilian, I smile a lot and in fact I was REALLY happy to be there, it was the first time I saw snow and with its beautiful buildings I was feeling inside a movie. So I was smiling at everything and everyone. I wonder how many people thought I was retarded or that I was flirting back then 🤣
Anyway, I love Russia and I'm studying Russian to know Russia and russians even better! It's my favorite place on Earth!
Hehe well since you're a young lady they probably thought that it's just young love and you're really happy. When I was a student I smiled all the way back home every time after studying and everybody smiled back to me. Not saying it's sexist, they would probably assume the same about young fellas. Although men tend to be more reserved in public with their feelings here. But if that was a grown man with a permanent smile, then yeah, they would probably think he's drunk or something and would most likely stay away just in case
Good luck with your Russian btw, you're doing great! 🙂
I love people from South America they are so friendly and smiley ppl , that's their nature not fake it at all.
I interacted with lot of people from the whole world maybe during my trips abroad to be honest that's true russian looking so serious and less affection because of their culture maybe :( Asians are also cool ppl , Americans, British, french are suck sorry .. Africans are funny ppl
That's my opinion and what I've experienced so far
Thank you polina for continuing these videos with Nikita. We miss katya but it's also really great to see more of you!
I agree, thanks to you Polina.
I seldom smile too and some people labeled me "Russian" (I'm from Algeria) for that. I only do it when there's a reason such as : finding something funny, hearing good news etc..
The courier confused you at the warehouse and brought you to Algeria, instead of Russia :)
@@Teramir4ik Maybe. xD
Because russians always smile last
ah be kardeşim. en iyi biz biliriz sanırım...
good laughs the one who laughs last - Russian proverb
ахаахха
ахахахах
😂😂😂😂 точно!)))
I agree with them. If there is a reason to smile, then do so. If not, then why? That makes you look fake and suspicious. I'm American, but I'm from New York and apparently we don't smile that much either and that's why a lot of people, even in the U.S, say that New Yorkers are rude because we look "grumpy".
I’m from the south. Enough said. 😂😂😂
Hmm, this could be useful for Russians to explain Americans the situation based on things they relate to. It's like "well, you have friends from New York and they are nice despite looking grumpy, so do Russians".
No wonder so many Russians found home on Brighton Beach😁😉
@@АноНим-я3д yup lol.
I m Russian from St Petersburg, but I live in France. And I can explain the difference. If you look at someone on a street, in a shop and anywhere you will see a smile face. If you do the same in Russia you ll see aggressive face. That's all
Theres an American saying “fake it til you make it” or like others said its a form of politeness. It’s not wrong nor right just cultural differences that’s all🤗
I think Russians (and Eastern Europeans for that matter) have a different mentality from Americans, they think that you shouldn't randomly smile at strangers because it's not authentic. You're not really happy with that person, you even don't know her/him, so what's the point of smiling? But if you go talk to them, they will be nice to you and eventually smile. Americans have more this television culture that everybody must look always happy and it seems fake to Eastern Europeans. I'm Brazilian, but I'm more like the Russians than the Americans or the Brazilians (who are even more willing to smile and even touch people when they talk).
No, you sound like an anti-american. "Authentic" that's not the reason why russians don't smile. You are making a biased statement that can be proven as false. You've never even been to russia. Not all of russia is like that and it depends on where you're at. "Television culture" yeah you definitely like to point out stereotypical ideas of american "mentality". You are purposely promoting russians because you think americans are somehow weird with their public social norms.
@@MrMIND-lk1sy actually I have been to Russia and I live in Eastern Europe now, I'm married to an eastern European. My father-in-law thinks exactly this way, that only fools smile without a reason. I also have worked in a hotel in Italy and I could see how different nations are. Americans are very extroverted people and they like to smile, to do small talk. Germans, Finns, etc , on the other hand, are very introverted people and they tend to appear "serious". English are inbetween and so on.
@@carolinesa91 working in a hotel in Italy is irrelevant. Being married to an eastern partner also doesn't prove your point. None of which represent statistics among eastern Europeans. "I could see how different nations are" by seeing a small portion of tourists from "every" nation? Germans and finns are introverted? You clearly think you've become some kind of an expert in social norms from different nations based off of those weak points you made. Introverted is a word for those lonesome fools who choose to be that way and even consider it as an identity. That word is made by ignorant narrow minded people with dumb ideologies and it's the consequence of culture. By nature we are social animals so people CHOOSE to be introverted. That also depends on the person you are talking to. You're the type of person to stereotype a foreigner and think that person is representing the full embodiment of their homeland country. You are ignorant as hell.
@@MrMIND-lk1sy I think I struck a nerve there. You probably never left your country, never had contact with other cultures, that's why you're so angry. As I said, in my own country people tend to smile even more than Americans and I think that's silly, but in Brazilian culture you have to be fun and talkative with strangers, otherwise you're seen as rude or cold. It's a matter of mentality, how each culture sees things like a smile. You learn about people's cultures being around them, living in their countries, consuming their cultural products (movies, books, music). These cultural aspects are not supposed to limit you to a stereotype. I'm an exception to the Brazilian culture, as there are many other Brazilians that are not like that and as there are Americans that behave more like Russians or Germans. But culture is about the majority, that's how we analyse it. In any case, I don't want to fight or argue, it's silly to be angry over this. Peace to you.
@@carolinesa91
You are right. Slavs consider ''american'' smiling as something ridiculous.
They would think such a person is a fool.
Why would i smile at a random person that i do not know, i politely greet my neighbors and continue my way.
I went to Russia two years ago, and I had an amazing time there because although while Russians don't smile that often they are very kind, friendly, and helpful.
Greetings from Thailand.
People said this a lot but after I went to Moscow for study I can say that it depends. Russian people are so nice to me, they always helped me whenever I asked them, even shop sellers sometimes made a joke like when I bought a goodie bag they asked "do you need a package? Oh but you just bought a package" and started laughing at her own joke even though I'm a foreigner. My russian lecturer once said Russians don't smile a lot because of the cold weather, if they smile or laugh a lot they will have a sore throat but it was a joke too. I really like Moscow, glad that I met a lot of nice people there ☺️
I pretty regularly watch a number of videos put together by Russians vloggers. I am drawn to their humor and close friendships and laughing and... smiling. If only they wouldn't talk so fast.
When it comes to smiling in public or to strangers, it seems to me there isn't much of a difference to the people in Vienna, where I live. Which is good, because I like being in honest environments. I've already visited the US and think I couldn't live there with all that fake smiling even when they don't like you at all. I even believe that on average Russians are warmer and more friendly than us Austrians, when you get to know them.
From my personal experience people in vienna have the best balance. Not too serious and calm but also not too over emotional and fake friendly. Every country, every city has their pros and cons and individuality but overall austria and vienna are my personal favorite (and praque) in terms of general social behavior and atmosphere in the streets.
@Christoph Please stay where you are. We do not need America haters in our country.
@@mikek5298 do not worry. I'm not planning on visiting the greatest country in the world again :)
@@chri5toph_k Mike K should've finnish his first sentence with "... with your kangaroos!" .That would be very characteristical
That was my observation, too. I had an Austro hungarian upbringing, as I call it, and I smile and laugh for a reason, not to impress someone. Simply, people from my part of the world do not sell themselves all the time. That is probably the way Russians feel about it, too. I would say that the most of Europeans are like that, and nobody is going around questioning Germans or Scandinavians about them not smiling to strangers all the time. That is such a prejudice towards Russians, a stereotype promoted by media, American and British mostly.
Usually countries that smile a lot assume something different if you don't smile, like for instance: "you're tired", "you're angry", "you're depressed".
я китаец, с многими русскими встречались и работали, мужики русские очень юморные люди, без шутки не разговаривают, когда мы с русскими идем на улице в китае, всегда громко смеяемся, люди смотрят на нас как на дураков, с русскими всегда весело мне было
Very true! I lived in Saint Petersburg for 5 years and Russians open their hearts when you speak to them in their own language. My Russian language teachers told me right from the outset: "you gotta get a Russian girlfriend if you want to master our language" and it worked marvelously!
Да, очень хороший метод! 😂
@@Екатерина-ф4р7ч Это называется совместить приятное с полезным :)
I received two Russians at my home through Couchsurfing. They were very friendly and polite but they didn't really smile much. The other two I met, they worked at the embassy and were very funny and smiling.
When I visited Russia in 1998, someone told me Russians thought Americans smiled too much.
I understand that smiling is just for situations that bring you to smile. Seeing a person you don't know it doesn't produce emotions. In my experience showing smile makes people more open towards you, it creates a pleasant atmosphere, also on the streets. So I value seeing smiling people even if I don't know them! It doesn't mean they are trying to trick me.
I will say though that a smile means many things in the US. Yes, we're being polite but it's also a way to say " Hello" to someone without really saying it. Especially since we have so many people here in our country that come to live here from different countries , in the United States. Not everyone knows how to speak American English when they come here and sometimes they don't ever learn. My grandparents came here from Poland and they never learned to speak a lick of English. So that's why, it's more of a way to say " Hello" to people that may not speak English too. Even if more people speak English today, ,it's become ingrained into our nature. So foreigners take it as a fake thing , when all we are doing is being polite and saying " Hello." It's almost like a universal language. Smiles are contagious though and I for one , feel that if someone smiles at me, I feel the need to smile back and you have a better day. :)
I heard in a radio travel show that like in France Russians consider a person who walks around smiling at strangers to be somewhat crazy. Smiles are for people familiar to you. In Russia there was always a distrust of strangers, but when you get more familiar Russians are incredibly hospitable and warm.
Au contraire, mon ami. Smiling at strangers means showing you don't mean harm to them. In Russia we trust the society for everybody minds their own business :)
@@AlexBeau9 My opinion is based on what people in France and Russia said about their cultures and what was said in the video here. That's why it's got the title "Why Don't Russian People Smile?" I didn't make this idea up myself.
Да здравствует Россия, любовь из Индии
Невероятно, как быстро говорят носители языка! Иногда я думаю, что я никогда не сумею разговаривать с русскими естественно и свободно, сколько я ни изучаю. 😟
Приветствие из Италии!
Не переживай, честно, всем все равно с какой скоростью ты говоришь.
in bocca al lupo con la lingua russa e tanta TANTA motivazione
Thank you for this fascinating man-in-the-street video. Even at only 3/4 speed and with your subtitles, it is a challenge for me to understand many of the rapid, mumbling speakers.
You are just nonnative. They're speaking pretty clear
Yep, they do speak clear enough to be easily understood by a native speaker. They don't try to be rapid, they could speak even faster. I'm afraid that understanding them at 1-1.25x is must-have for typical conversations in Russia. I sincerely wish you reaching this level, it's not impossible!
Please keep in mind that this channel hosts are professionals who speak intentionally slow spelling out each of the sound for foreigners to learn the language. This is too slow and stressful for an average native speaker to endure.
As a RUclips watcher and a nonnative English speaker I would say that 0.75x doesn't help as much as it should be. Some weird indistinguishable sh*# becomes just some slowed down weird indistinguishable sh*#, no matter if it were my fellow Russians or some English speakers. So maybe 0.75x helps at the stage when you still think in your first language and translate back sentence by sentence. Then slowing down gives you some time to do this. And then that's all, indistinguishable sh*# remains a big mystery. It annoys me a lot.
Не расстраивайся, все получится.
Smile reaches the hearts of everyone, the more sincere the deeper it reaches. You don't always have to have reasons to smile. Just Smile .
Lovely music in the background ❤️
This video changed my life and worldview.. russian people look kinder than i through..✨💕
Спасибо, Никита, хорошие ракурсы берёте, смотреть приятно.
As Frank Zappa once famously answered:,"Who wants to look at teeth?"
Trust me, we are very positive people and love to have fun.
If you get to know us better, you will recognize the breadth of the Russian soul.
Best regards from Russia :)
1:47 "Laughing for no reason is a sign of foolishness. That's it!"
Answer with a smile.
This is definitely a cultural difference with real world implications. I was stopped by police in Russia on several occasions and asked if I was on drugs/why was I laughing. I was also routinely stopped on suspicion of being an unregistered/illegal migrant (on account of my Indian skin color), but the smiling thing really got to me. Overall just looking annoyed/depressed seriously reduced my chances of getting asked for “dokumenty.”
Haha that's quite the story! Thanks for sharing
«Ерунда полная» mid-question is probably the most russian energy i have felt in my life
Молодцы! очень интересный выпуск)
When I first moved to the US I was at a building where Russians and Ukrainians(mostly senior citizens)were the majority, I made friends with most of them and they were very kind to me and would laugh and make jokes all the time, the people I was living with were surprised I was able to connect with them, I told all I did was talk to them. Still go back to visit them even though I moved to another place still here in LA.
Smile for Russian is not a tool.
Smile is result of something good.
If You smile to me without causes, You are manipulator.
i need to brush up on my russian again, though i remember most things, i definitely need to work on my pronunciations
раньше тоже считала, что если улыбаются, глядя на меня, то со мной что-то не так) сейчас стала замечать улыбчивых людей больше, что в Питере, что в своей провинции. может и я ещё изменилась и стала чаще улыбаться сама, а другие подхватывают)
Скорее ты просто выросла и начала лучше понимать мимику людей и можешь её сама на автомате подхватывать
I was asking my self this question for long years after living in some European countries ...and having some Russian colleagues mostly females, well THEY RARELY SMILE
just because for a smile you need emotion, if there is no emotion then there is no smile. People do not cry just like that, people cry when there is a reason for it.
Люди везде одинаковые. Живу в Дании, никто без причины не улыбается.
По-моему, то, что за пределами России люди ПОСТОЯННО и без причины улыбаются - это ещё один стереотип :)
@@alnikur87 , который, заметьте, нам всё время активно навязывают почему-то.
Тоже самое в Голландии. Да, улыбаются чуть чаще, но особой разницы не видно.
Ну так они ж не американцы. Скандинавы тоже не особо улыбчивые люди.
Русские - хорошие люди :), их невозможно не любить! Они светлые и очень сильные духом. Люблю их :)
I'm not Russian (ignore my name). But I do have my own opinion. I like to think Russians in general only prefer to give smile out of sincerety and all about genuine. Like how some Japanese respectfully decline gifts out of randomness to avoid strangers asking things in return. Glad you cover this, Easy Russian. Спасибо большой!
man, i haven’t watched these videos in a while! i honestly miss these 😊
This was so interesting! Спасибо 😊
here in the US a smile means they're being polite but you never know if it's a genuine smile so I guess Russian smiles are more genuine
Да улыбаются они, чего пристали! Всем добра! У нас все люди красивые.
Cпасибо за видео! I agree with the gentleman at 2:17. What really matters is if you are a kind, good person in essence. The Joker smiles a lot and is a monster.
@Hardy Harhar I think it's more like they don't give a damn what other people think of them. And not always having a smile on your face doesn't necessarily mean you're not warm and happy.
That gentlman is an obvious Putinist.
У русских улыбка бывает: веселая, грустная, саркастическая, недобрая, злая, ироническая, скромная, извиняющаяся, вежливая, фальшивая, теплая, дежурная, надменная, еле заметная...думаю, еще можно подобрать...
@wild cat надеюсь, что так и есть. Только эти оттенки не всем видны. Я начала общаться в FB с американкой, которая регулярно грузила свои фото с абсолютно, на мой взгляд, одинаковым выражением лица -улыбкой (оскал в пол лица и вытаращенные глаза). То, что фото разные, я могла судить только по разной одежде и обстановке. А на мои фотографии, где я была в разных настроениях (серьезная, задорная, веселая, ироничная, удивленная - очень разная), она написала, почему я никогда не радуюсь и не улыбаюсь. Я очень веселый и улыбчивый человек, даже приколистка, у меня очень живая мимика, но я не показываю зубы при улыбке. В общем, наше общение на этом закончилось.
👍👍🌼 и ещё богатый русский язык🔆
In Malaysia, we tend to smile easily, even to Tourists. Malaysians in general are very down to earth and friendly people. As we always say in Malaysia : Malaysia is only a smile away from wherever you are.
Then I think I could fit in that society. I mean, i love my country (Colombia), and people here... Unless if you are in the boring media class or the rich one but hypocrite one (those always smile in a polite way, but not sincere).
People here would smile at you just if they want to, not because they have to, so i think once I travel to Russia, maybe people would like me lol
Been to Colombia. There is a lot of Russians there.
I'm an American who has lived in Moscow for 4 years. Russian people are more formal, in every day life they do smile less to strangers so it can be harder to meet new people sometimes. Even though I know that they're kind people a lack of smiles can be intimidating. It just takes some getting used to.
Какое невероятное видео! Мы хотим большего Полина в канале!
الرسول عليه الصلاة و السلام يقول "ابتسم في وجه أخيك صدقة"، شكرا على الفيديو 😊😊
Мой коллега как-то спросил, что он лыбится? Контуженый что-ли? 🤣
Когда приезжаю в Россию, в течение месяца сохраняю привычку улыбаться, здороваться, не быть токсичной. Позитивная энергия - это энергия. И ты ее тратишь. Если нет ответной реакции - она быстро расходуется. Поэтому живу в Испании.
I'm not Russian but I know that Russians know how to celebrate and have fun even if they don't smile without reason ). Anyway, scientists say smiling is good for your health )
I can't verify this, but I once heard a report of a woman who healed herself of cancer by laughing much of the time.
I am a Russian myself, born in Yakutia (northeastern region of Russia). The unsmiling nature of the peoples of Russia is not conditioned by climate or war. In fact, if you find old photographs and documentaries from the USA or any Western country from before World War II, you will find that Westerners also did not smile for no reason.
For humanity as a whole, a smile has two functions:
1. reaction to positive emotions,
2. manipulation, through which you can show that you do not need to be afraid.
In Western society in the last 60-70 years, manipulation of a smile has become commonplace. This has become an indicator of "friend-foe". If you didn't smile at an American, he thinks that you treat him with bad intentions. And this betrays the huge egocentricity of the Western man.
смех без причины - признак нехватки ума. Так моя учительница говорила всегда. Такой-же принцип и с улыбками.
Grumpy lady: "Who says we don't smile!? Well, they're wrong!" 😂😂
The girl who is talking about effect of weather, she totally right
I don't agree. Our climate in Ireland is wetter if not colder than Russia ( which I visited) and we smile laugh and chat with strangers which Russians do not do . Its most likely partly gentics and partly cultural. If you walk down a Russian city street chatting with someone and occasionally laughing peoply look at you like you were an escapee from a psychiatric institution. They show their disapproval in no uncertain terms.
As you say not colder than Russia. Think it: when u go outside everywhere is gloom and spacially if u are in siberia you can not see the sun much. Mostly the weather is close. But yes it could be partly gentics. I do not say you are wrong
In turkey we have all climates and we smile a lot (: reason for that we think smiling is sincere thing and we love it. Also it does not matter that where u from in Turkey
@@conlaiarla If that London weather memes could be applied to other regions of UK, you must have a lot of not so cold but pretty sad days.
You are totally correct, it's not the weather. We just express thoughts and feelings in different ways.
Let's say, someone is wrong. In Russia it's very polite and respectful to say "I'm afraid, you are wrong" and it's neutral to say "you are wrong". In US/UK it requires one to smile and say "I'm afraid you are not quite right" not to insult someone. It makes us think you are fake and makes you think we are rude but it is wrong (not quite right 😃). No weather could cause such a difference, it's centuries of living in particular way.
@@sekrasoft Some very astute observations. We are of course a different country and London is much further South than my location but very broadly I agree. Believe me, we can hardly stand our own climate. It causes all kinds of health problems but we remain optimistic and take every opportunity to laugh and smile as it's all too easy to be miserable when it's constantly wet and cold . Happy New year to you and your family. Ps ...its lashing hail and sleet here 😂
At least Russians are honest. If you don't know the person you're dealing with then smiling is unnecessary. But when they do smile, it's genuine.
У нас есть разные виды улыбок, которые мы сами легко считываем при общении. Можно улыбнуться одними глазами, краем губ. И этим показать свое расположение или благодарность. А показывать при улыбке зубы не принято, смотрится это часто фальшиво. В русском языке и литературе есть много выражений, связанных с улыбкой и выразительной мимикой.
I love your work! Extremely useful and authentic. Я люблю вашу работу, очень полезно! Продолжите пожалуйста ❤
Без причины улыбаться - также, как без причины плакать.😄
Я много улыбаюсь, когда слушаю подкаст easy german 😁
I’ve always thought the reason older Russian people don’t smile at strangers is a holdover from the Soviet times: if someone you didn’t know approached you at random, smiled and started asking you personal questions, he was possibly wanting information on you to turn in to the KGB, so you had to be very wary of strangers. Only after you got to know someone could they be trusted.
Here in the USA, if you’re not smiling and looking downright ecstatic all the time, people will start to question you and think something is wrong with you. They don’t trust the person who doesn’t smile! When I was a kid, they told me I had to smile and look happy because if I didn’t, I would look ungrateful for the blessings I have. I always thought that was dumb. 😆
@@FuzzyRedFox I can understand why they would feel that way.
@@andyblack5687 I agree. Throughout a lot of Russian history people in public would not really want to draw any attention to themselves. You just put your head down and went from A to B.
Has nothing to due with KGB ! Its a cultural thing , it used to be the same allover Europe (think at the austere reformed germans or other northerners) Now its most common in the east / In fact is as old as roman empire in which one of the most important moral quality was the public restraint : ,, aurea mediocritas ''/ and that has given for the christians their ,,humbleness" moeurs / hence the eastern europeans being today more religious then the western counterparts they keep more at the named custom/ you will find in all eastern cultures quotes about ,,laughing like a fool''
People in Soviet Union didn't think so much about KGB. That's your stereotypes based on cold war propaganda
This is NOT a holdover from the Soviet times. In fact, in Soviet times, people were more smiley, especially on trains and plains and other means of long-term transportation because in those times crime rates were way lower and people trusted strangers more.
The tradition of smiling too little was most likely a remnant from our medieval times, the necessity of living in harsh conditions. Similar traditions exist in countries like Sweden and Finland.
I am saying this because I know that in America the media always tells how bad the Soviet Union was but in reality people in the Soviet Union were way happier than in modern Russia.
P.S. No offense, man, but this really irritates me when people assume stereotypes like ''oh they had a very totalitarian government and had no democracy and were just afraid of the KGB so they didn't smile''. Most people didn't care about a KGB agent approaching them on the street, it would have been delusional.
Modern people in Russia have way more real fear of being approached by bandits and drug addicts than they ever had of some random KGB agent nitpicking them.
P.P.S. By the way, did you know that incarceration rates in the 1970s USSR were actually lower than in the modern US? In the USSR people mostly trusted the police (as many people in modern China also trust the police by the way), while in the US some people trust the police while others are afraid of the policemen. As a said, no offense intended but this kinda shows how ''scary'' the Soviet Union was.
В Белоруси тоже так,когда погода очень холодно,никто не улыбается.
Для улыбка надо дружиться
I have to smile at work because I have to face a lot of nervous people that need reassurance. But in private life, I, as russian see it this way, smiling=feeling happy, if you don't feel like it thеn why doing so :)
Посмотрел чисто из-за Easy German
Точно
Я лично по дороге куда-то могу вспомнить какую-то смешную шутку или же ситуацию и внезапно начать смеяться. Помню, как такое произошло, когда проходил мимо двух девушек, они сначала удивились, потом тоже начали смеяться. Люблю такие моменты.
Ещё похожая ситуация у меня бывала на уроках по немецкому. На этом предмете меня с моим лучшим другом не рассжаливали и пару раз мы могли смеяться несколько минут без остановки, и это не специально, мы реально не могли остановиться! В такие моменты было жалко учителя по немецкому, хотя Галина Юрьевна сама любит пошутить, как я считаю, это очень крутая черта для преподователя.
Надеюсь, что люди вокруг меня будут смеяться почаще, ибо смех продливает жизнь :D
I agree with third woman 1:06 all Russian women I know are 'easy smile'😀 when you talk to them
I noticed that also between Australia and Germany. It is very strenuous to adjust to either one at first. I love what the old man said though: the facade means nothing, look at what is going on inside a person.
We smile only with those we know and for good reasons
We don’t do fake smiling fake friendly bs
I think people understood that they should smile all the time without obvious reason or not to smile at all! In my understanding, it's polite/nice/friendly to smile when you meet people not necessary that you know but when you visit a shop for example, when you communicate with someone. And not to seem ANGRY because you are just serious.
I'm more interested in why other cultures do. Fake smiling is such an odd habit.
A smile instantly lifts the mood of both the receiver and the giver. Best of all, it's free! So why on earth not?
@@welllll...ok... This is a depreciation of the smile. Smiling is a little drug, but the drug stops working if the dose is not increased. It is for this reason that fake smiles are so wide.
It’s complex and many factors involved...not least climate, the legacy of history, the tough environment...but definitely true Russians when they open up to you individually have sparkling and deeply resonant personalities
В Сибири в -35 и ниже улыбаться невозможно, зубы ломит от мороза.
When you are forced to smile at work, but you feel like crying, this is violence against your personality.
A similar episode was in the movie "Joker".
I think the blond girl at the end made a lot of sense. When you think of something nice and smile, it's contagious. It improves your mood. What do you have to lose?
Well, apparently to some you'll be considered a nut case.
2:16 What an amazing Guy
Это видео заставило меня улыбнуться!
^Is a Finn. Pretending to be Russian. How do I know?
Intelligent SARCASTIC comment!
@@QuizmasterLaw he is swedish, you can look at his channel
@@vanya1290 Finns at least do not smile at strangers on the street and are often sarcastic. I'm unsure whether Norse and Swedes are also reserved that way.
@@QuizmasterLaw being sarcastic isnt only finnish trait