Lost in Translation: Why Просить and Спрашивать Are Not Interchangeable

ByEasy Russian

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…

Надо, Можно, Нельзя: Modal Predicatives Explained

ByEasy Russian

Words like надо, можно and нельзя are called modal particles in Russian. They are a special type of word that expresses modality, which is the attitude of the speaker towards the possibility, necessity, or permissibility of an action or state of being. These words don’t change form to agree with a subject, as verbs do. Instead,…

How to Talk About Vacation in Russian: Words, Phrases, Examples

ByEasy Russian

Planning a vacation is an exciting time, full of possibilities and adventures waiting to be had. But if you’re traveling to a Russian-speaking destination or simply want to discuss vacation plans with Russian friends or colleagues, it’s important to know the right vocabulary and phrases. In this article, we’ll cover the essential Russian words and…

500 Core Russian Nouns to Accelerate Your Language Learning

ByEasy Russian

Learning Russian words is always difficult. It’s best to start with small portions. But if you want to expand your vocabulary, this list will be helpful. Here, I have gathered 500 different Russian nouns. These include objects, phenomena, and various concepts. If you have a good command of Russian, make sure you are familiar with…

Горячий vs Жаркий: Are You Using the Right Word for “Hot” in Russian?

ByEasy 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…

Passive Constructions in Russian: Tips and Examples for Learners

ByEasy Russian

Ever wondered how to express the idea of “The cake was eaten” in Russian, without explicitly mentioning who ate it? This is where the concept of passive voice comes in, a grammatical tool that shifts the focus from the “doer” of the action to the recipient. This article will break down the different ways to…

How to Convey Condolences Properly in Russian

ByEasy Russian

Expressing condolences is an important part of offering comfort and support during times of loss. For learners of the Russian language, knowing the appropriate phrases and understanding the nuances between formal and informal situations is essential. This article will guide you through common expressions for conveying condolences in Russian, distinguishing between formal and informal contexts….

Russian Punctuation Tips: Improve Your Writing Clarity

ByEasy Russian

Welcome to the world of Russian punctuation, where confusion sometimes reigns supreme – even for native speakers! If you’re learning Russian, you might already be feeling a little overwhelmed by all the commas, dashes, and other marks that seem to pop up unexpectedly. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This guide explains the basic punctuation marks…

Spice Up Your Russian: A Guide to Essential Interjections

ByEasy Russian

Have you ever watched a Russian movie or listened to a conversation and wondered what those little bursts of sound meant? Those are interjections, and they add a whole new layer of meaning and emotion to spoken Russian. While they may seem like small words, they can be powerful tools for expressing yourself naturally and…