What to Read in Russian: 13 Great Free Resources

Reading articles, stories, and news in Russian is one of the best ways to improve your language skills. It builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and exposes you to real-world grammar and expressions. In this post, I have compiled a list of great websites and blogs that publish free articles in Russian. They cover a wide range…

Indefinite Pronouns and Adverbs and Their Correct Uses

Shrouded in mystery… masked in shadows… shifting forms with an elusive meaning. What are we talking about here – Russian spies communicating in code? Not exactly – though just as complex to the unfamiliar ear. We’re diving into the enigmatic world of Russian indefinite pronouns and adverbs. These tricky parts of speech don’t refer to…

Russian Past Tense Explained

The intricacy of Russian grammar is legendary, but for many learners, proper handling of the past tense proves one of the craftiest challenges. Surprisingly, forming past tense verbs themselves is straightforward, hinging on just four key endings to memorize. Yet unlocking the past’s true nuance and expressiveness comes from understanding when and why to apply…

Housekeeping Vocabulary: Words For Cleaning and Tidying

Is “убираться” the only cleaning-related word you know in Russian? Do terms like “чистяшее средство”, “пылесос”, and “щётка” leave you drawing a blank when speaking with Russian speakers? In this post, we’ll shine a light on essential Russian cleaning verbs, vocab for cleaning tools and products, and useful tidying-up phrases. With these terms in your…

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…

What are Reflexive Verbs in Russian and How to Use Them?

Speaking Russian? Get ready for some serious self-reflection. Reflexive verbs – those fascinating verbs that refer back to the subject – are an integral part of the Russian language. Whenever you see a Russian verb ending in the mysterious “-ся”, you know you’re dealing with a reflexive verb, a verb with a penchant for turning…

Russian Wisdom Bites: Life in Quotes

Sometimes it’s good to hear or read some thoughts from other people. Especially, famous ones. Delve into the depths of life’s tapestry with these evocative quotes, each a brushstroke on the canvas of human experience. From the timeless reflections of literary greats like Ivan Turgenev and Fyodor Dostoevsky to the contemporary insights of figures like…

Timeout! Vital Russian Vocabulary for Major Sports

Sports are a popular pastime in Russia and being familiar with sports terminology can greatly improve one’s ability to converse and understand sporting events. Knowing the Russian words for common sports and positions will make following a hockey match or soccer game much easier. List of Sports in Russian Russia has a rich sports culture,…

How to Express Thoughts Using Intro Words: 30+ Examples

Может быть, займемся изучением вводных слов сегодня? (Maybe we should study introductory words today?). Notice anything? With that simple “maybe” we’ve already started examining them! Indeed, these words give Russian speech a special flair. They are certainly distinct from conjunctions, expressing the speaker’s attitude and nuances of meaning. For instance, compare how the meaning changes…

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…