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What language is spoken in Georgia, and do people understand Russian?

Georgian, Russian, English and minority languages.

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Short answer

Georgia's state language is Georgian, and Abkhaz is also recognised as a state language in Abkhazia. Many middle-aged and older people understand Russian, and in tourist areas of Tbilisi and Batumi it is widely used in cafes, hotels and taxis. Young people tend to know English better, and in areas where minorities live, Azerbaijani and Armenian are also spoken.

Russian-Georgian phrasebook faq-cover-georgian-language.png

Why

  1. Russians make up about 1.1% of the population in the 2024 census, and some 37,700 Russian citizens are permanent foreign residents.
  2. Signs and menus in tourist areas are often also in English and Russian.
  3. A few Georgian words such as gamarjoba and madloba are always warmly received.

Details

Russian is less common in villages and the mountains, so a translation app and a few Georgian phrases help. With young people, English is often easier.

Tip

Download an offline translator with Georgian before heading to villages and the mountains.

What may differ

Many people speak Russian and English in Tbilisi and Batumi, while villages and young people vary.

Common misconception

Everyone in Georgia understands Russian.

What actually happens

Many middle-aged and older people understand Russian, but young people more often speak English.

People also ask

  • Do people speak Russian in Georgia?

Sources

Information checked on October 3, 2026.

Russian-Georgian phrasebook
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