Learning Georgian
Do people in Tbilisi speak English or Russian?
The short answer
Many do. In Tbilisi, younger people often speak English, especially in cafés, shops and anywhere tourists go, and many older people speak Russian. Outside the big cities, English is much rarer. Either way, people warm to you quickly if you start with a few words of Georgian.
English
English is taught in schools and is common among people under about 35, in the tourist parts of town, in banks and in many offices. Taxi drivers, market sellers and older neighbours are less likely to speak it.
Russian
Most people who grew up before the 1990s learned Russian, and many still use it. It’s a sensitive subject for some, though, given the history. A good habit: start in Georgian or English, and switch to Russian if the other person does.
Why learn some Georgian anyway
Signs, menus, bills and official forms are in Georgian, and a gamarjoba or madloba changes how people treat you. You don’t need to be fluent: reading the alphabet and a few dozen phrases goes a long way.
Words to hear
Checked October 2026.