Hello everyone. I'd like to know how to use this phrase MAYA KRASAVEETSA.  Does it mean "my beauty" in a romantic way, or is it used for close friends and relatives? Does it always mean beauty or could it also mean lovely?

It is more appropriate in reference to your significant other, and it means "my beauty".

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H 412.  Thank you for answering my question.

 I also have another question for anyone who can answer it.  Do Russians use DARAGOY (precious) to address their close friends or relatives?  How often do they use terms of endearment?  Is it true that DARAGOY would sound silly if said to a romantic partner?  It is just something I heard.  Thanks in advance.

"Dorogoy" is a bit formal, but couples use it, though it will sound somewhat silly.  It's like your mom calling you by your full name.

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if you are going to Georgia, "dorogoy" is fine.  But stay informed on current events - In South Ossetia and Abhazia I would not use it.

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"Я это понимаю на рациональном уровне, но не могу принять на эмоциональном" --Бизнесмен Борис Березовский

Wow the Russian language is a bit confusing.  When Americans call someone "precious" it sounds very sweet and informal.  Thanks again for your reply. 

So to get this straight, is it common to call your niece or a female relative MAYA KRASAVEETSA?  Again this is something I heard from someone.

As long as you feel it is so ;)

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I'd say DOROGOY is closer to "dear" in meaning, as for "precious" and you want to sound nice and informal it'd be DRAGOTSENNAYA - addresssing to a girl

I heard my Russian husband calling a lady "maya krasaveetsa".  Is this appropriate?

silky:

I heard my Russian husband calling a lady "maya krasaveetsa".  Is this appropriate?

 

:-) only if she was his sister. otherwise, any russian wife in your place would already start bit-ch-ing and asking who that cow was...

 ..unless, of course, it was said after a nite of heavy drinking with your common friends. then, it's ok:-) 

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Spaciba bolshoy, Pomidorchik.    Now it seems clear to me.

The most important Russian word in my opinion is "chut-chut", anyone who does not use it, especially ladies, is taking undue risks.

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Jedem Das Seine.