Grammar
How to Say You Have Something: The Concept of Possession
In this lesson, we are going to talk about possession in the Russian language, a topic that is essential for understanding Russian. The point is that we don’t use the phrase ‘I have’ (you have, he has, etc.) to express possession. The actual possessive construction might be very confusing for English speakers, and not only…
Your Essential Guide to Using Imperatives in Russian
Imperatives are essential in Russian daily life, from ordering food at a restaurant to asking for directions, and even giving clear and direct instructions. Understanding how to use them is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the formation of both singular and plural imperative verbs, including irregular verbs. We’ll explore various applications…
Tackling the Russian Complex Sentence: Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions
From Pushkin to Dostoevsky, Russian literary masters have navigated complex syntax with grace and precision. Yet for all language learners, the complex Russian sentence remains daunting. Mastery of subordinate clauses through conjunctions and relative pronouns may seem a tedious task. However, such mastery enables one to construct eloquent, nuanced sentences rather than simple, choppy phrasebook…
Forming the Comparative and Superlative Degrees in Russian
Comparatives are a grammatical form that is used to compare two or more things, expressing a higher or lower degree of a quality or characteristic. When we compare something, we use special forms of adjectives and adverbs. “Big” becomes “bigger” or “the biggest”. “Well” becomes “better” or “the best”. In English, it’s quite easy, right?…
Vocabulary
Using Russian at the Doctor’s: Health and Medical Vocabulary
Health (здоровье) is really important in our life. When you visit a hospital there are a lot of terms that you need to know to be able to describe your problem, understand what a specialist is saying and communicate with him. In this post, I gathered a bunch of words and phrases that you will…
100 Verbs Every Intermediate Russian Learner Should Know
Knowing intermediate-level verbs is crucial for language learners as it allows them to express themselves more effectively and engage in a wider range of conversations. When you know more verbs, you can create more vivid descriptions, tell engaging stories, and express your thoughts, actions, and feelings with greater precision. This ability to communicate more clearly…
Verbs of Movement in Russian: Full List
Verbs of movement and action act as the building blocks of dynamic expression in Russian. They empower us to convey the intricate dance of movement and action that permeates our daily lives, allowing for a deeper understanding of the stories we tell and the connections we form. Imagine trying to recount a thrilling adventure without…
Speak Your Heart Out: Mastering Emotional Expressions
Describing your emotions in Russian can be quite tricky. There are many different ways to do it, and if you’re not a native Russian speaker, you may not always know exactly how to do it right. In this article, we’re going to explore the world of emotions and feelings. I’ll cover some of the most…
Phrases
Russian Travel Phrases Every Visitor Should Know
Picture yourself standing in the heart of Moscow’s Red Square, surrounded by the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral and the grandeur of the Kremlin. Vibrant conversations in Russian flow around you, and you yearn to connect with the locals and delve deeper into the rich culture and history of Russia. Discovering the importance of learning Russian…
Giving Opinions in Russian: 30+ Real Examples
Opinions are at the heart of human communication. They allow us to express our unique perspectives, engage in debates, and foster deeper connections with others. Whether you’re engaging in a casual chat with friends, participating in a lively discussion, or immersing yourself in Russian-speaking environments, knowing how to express your opinion effectively is a crucial…
101 essential phrases to survive in Russia
A trip to Russia is a big adventure for a foreigner, mostly because English and other popular languages are not as common here. Maybe in Moscow or Saint-Petersburg, there is a strong possibility that you will meet a person who speaks good English. If you are planning to travel deeper and discover other parts of…
20+ Entertaining Russian Idioms to Brighten Your Day
The Russian language is a rich tapestry of idiomatic expressions, some of which can be quite amusing and peculiar when translated into English. These idioms offer a glimpse into the unique, colorful culture of Russia. In this article, we’re going to embark on a journey through the world of funny and quirky Russian idioms, exploring…
Difference Between
Lost in Translation: Why Просить and Спрашивать Are Not Interchangeable
The Russian verbs просить (to request) and спрашивать (to ask) present a common challenge for Russian language learners. At first glance, they may appear to mean the same thing – “to ask.” However, despite what some Russian-English dictionaries suggest, these verbs are not interchangeable. Просить and спрашивать have distinct meanings and uses that learners must…
Горячий vs Жаркий: Are You Using the Right Word for “Hot” in Russian?
Russian has lots of cool words, but sometimes figuring out which one to use can be tricky. This article is here to help! We’ll be looking at two words that both mean “hot” in English: горячий and жаркий. Even though they seem the same, there’s a slight difference. Let’s break it down so you can…
Spotting the Differences Between Говорить, Разговаривать, and Сказать
Russian has multiple verbs that can be translated as “to speak” or “to talk” in English. At first glance, words like говорить, разговаривать and сказать seem interchangeable. However, there are subtle but important differences in how each verb is used. In this post, we will compare these verbs and look at when to use each…
Clearing Up the Confusion Between Где and Куда
In Russian, the words “где” and “куда” are commonly used to express location and direction respectively. Though they both translate to “where” in English, there is an important distinction between their usages that Russian learners must understand. The use of these words varies based on whether the object is in motion or static. In this…