Rooms, Furniture and Things Around the House: Russian Vocabulary

There are so many things you can find in your own home. But can you name them all in Russian? I doubt it. Even I, being Russian myself, can’t. Well, at least we can learn the basics. That’s what we’ll do today.

When learning a language, having a solid foundation in basic vocabulary is essential for effective communication, and this holds particularly true for daily life scenarios within the home.

In this article, we will explore the essential Russian vocabulary that every learner should know when it comes to describing the different rooms in a house (дом), identifying furniture items, and discussing various objects commonly found within a living space.

Let’s start with rooms.

Rooms in Russian

Most Russians live in small houses and apartments because the cost of real estate is very high. A typical one-room apartment, also known as a “квартира-студия” [kvarteera-stoodeeya] or “однокомнатная квартира” [adnakomnatnaya kvarteera] in Russian, usually features an open-plan layout where multiple functions are combined within a single room. It functions as a living area, bedroom, and sometimes a dining area or workspace.

комната [komnata] – room

коридор [kareedor] – corridor

прихожая [preekhozhaya] – hallway

гостиная [gasteenaya] – living-room

спальня [spalnya] – bedroom

кухня [kookhnya] – kitchen

ванная (комната) [vannaya komnata] – bathroom

веранда [veeranda] – verandah

кладовая [kladovaya] – pantry

See Also: Kitchen Vocabulary in Russian

Parts of the house (inside and outside)

A typical Russian country house, especially older ones made of wood, has a charming and rustic appearance. These houses are often constructed using logs or timber, with thick, horizontally stacked walls. The roofs are steeply pitched with gables, allowing for efficient snow shedding.

Traditional Russian country houses may feature decorative elements like carved window frames and geometric patterns. Many houses have a porch or veranda, providing outdoor gathering areas. Inside, these houses offer spacious living areas with high ceilings and open layouts.

Furnishings often include handcrafted wooden furniture and traditional textiles, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere. It’s worth noting that modern country houses in Russia may blend traditional elements with contemporary design features for comfortable and functional living spaces.

крыша [krisha] – roof

труба [trooba], дымоход [dimakhod] – chimney

балкон [balkon] – balcony

стена [steena] – wall

окно [akno] – window; окна [okna] – windows

ставня [stavnya] – shutter

подоконник [padakonnik] – window sill

дверь [dvyer’] – door

(дверной) косяк [dvyernoy kasyak] – (door) jamb

дверная ручка [dvyernaya roochka] – door handle / door knob

(дверной) звонок [dvyernoj zvanok] – (door) bell

пол [pol] – floor

потолок [patalok] – ceiling

Furniture

The furniture found in Russian houses is generally similar to what you would find in houses in many other countries. It includes common furniture pieces like tables, chairs, sofas, beds, wardrobes, and shelves. These items serve essential functions and provide comfort and functionality for daily living.

диван [deevan] – sofa

угловой диван [ooglavoj deevan] – corner sofa

кресло [kryesla] – armchair

стул [stool] – chair

табурет [tabooryet] – stool

кровать [kravat’] – bed

стол [stol] – table

письменный стол [pees’myeniy stol] – desk

компьютерный стол [kampyuterniy stol] – computer desk

полка [polka] – shelf

книжные полки [kneezhniye polkee] – bookshelves

шкаф [shkaf] – closet, cabinet

книжный шкаф [kneezhniy shkaf] – bookcase

гардероб [gardyerob] – wardrobe

вешалка [vyeshalka] – peg rack, hanger

буфет [boofyet], шкафчик [shkafcheek] – cupboard

кухонный гарнитур [kookhaniy garneetoor] – kitchen unit

тумба [toomba], тумбочка [toombachka] – bedside table

комод [kamot] – chest of drawers

зеркало [zyerkala] – mirror

Now, let’s talk about the famous Russian “стенка” [styenka], which is a unique and iconic piece of furniture commonly found in Russian homes. A стенка is a massive wall unit or modular shelving system that serves multiple functions. It typically consists of shelves, cabinets, drawers, and sometimes even a built-in desk.

The стенка is designed to offer ample storage space for books, electronics, decorative items, and to house a television. It is not only practical but also serves as a centerpiece and focal point in the living room or home office. This piece of furniture can have various designs, from classic and ornate to modern and minimalist, depending on personal preferences and interior design styles.

Other things around the house

лампа [lampa] – lamp

люстра [lyustra] – chandelier

ковёр [kavyor] – carpet

коврик [kovreek] – rug

торшер [tarsher] – floor lamp

шторы [shtori] – curtains

жалюзи [zhalyuzee] – blinds

розетка [razyetka] – plug

выключатель [viklyuchatyel’] – light switch

камин [kameen] – fireplace

картина [karteena] – picture

Kitchen and Bathroom

холодильник [haladeel’neek] – refrigerator

плита [pleeta] – cooker

вытяжка [vityazhka] – kitchen hood

духовка [dookhofka] – oven

раковина [rakaveena] – sink

кран [kran] – tap

посудомоечная машина [pasoodamoyechnaya mashina] – dishwasher

стиральная машина [steeral’naya mashina] – washing machine

унитаз [ooneetas] – toilet

ванна [vanna] – bathtub

See Also: Bathroom and Hygiene Vocabulary in Russian

Outside the house

сад [sat] – garden

забор [zabor] – fence

гараж [garazh] – garage

почтовый ящик [pachtoviy yashcheek] – mailbox

In the video below you can hear the pronunciation of every word I listed in this article.

Understanding this fundamental vocabulary is vital for navigating everyday conversations, describing living spaces, and expressing preferences and needs related to the home environment. By familiarizing yourself with these key terms, you will gain the ability to engage in discussions about your living arrangements, plan interior design, and have meaningful conversations about household tasks and routines with native Russian speakers.