(no subject)

[moonbathe.livejournal.com]

Hi everyone, I'm currently in an intensive language program right now, where I'm not allowed to speak english at all. This has been really difficult - I never realized how many things I simply don't know how to say, and that are near impossible to look up in a dictionary!

for example, when you're in the bathroom and someone knocks what do you say? someone told me to say "busy" занята (or занятo? I'm female but I'm not sure what the word is supposed to relate to) - is this correct?

also, how do you say "catchy"? as in, "that song is really catchy!" and "especially" as in "I like those flowers, especially the blue ones."? (mostly, I want to know for "especially" which case would follow...)

there are so many other words I'm at loss for throughout the day, I really should write them down and post a list.

What phrases do you use very often throughout the day? what are words you think probably wouldn't be taught that are vital to getting by in Russia? (not necessarily swear words..haha.) How about frequently mentioned cultural references?

and most importantly of all - in Russian is there an equivalent to the word "like" in english? not the literal translation, but a word people say EXTREMELY often, when thinking or in colloquial speech. maybe так or как?

sorry this is so much to ask but I would greatly appreciate your help.