spasibo

Updated: May 13, 2025

*Sudarynya is the genuine Russian word for "madam," but, like spasibo, "thank you," it is used only by the lower classes. Many merchants who know no French except madame use it as a delicate compliment to the patron's social position. She confessed, with a pitying sigh, that there was not, but returned to her plaint over the sinfully wasted kopeks.

Isabel Florence Hapgood - Russian Rambles

The guests then say to their host, "Spasibo za khelb za sol" that is to say, "Thanks for your hospitality," or more literally, "Thanks for bread and salt"; and the host replies, "Do not be displeased, sit down once more for good luck" or perhaps he puts the last part of his request into the form of a rhyming couplet to the following effect: "Sit down, that the hens may brood, and that the chickens and bees may multiply!"

Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace - Russia