These are my articles about the Russian language – its grammar, word usage and more.
Russian cases aren’t just grammar—they’re an ancient storytelling toolkit. Nominative names your characters, genitive shows relationships, dative reveals recipients, accusative directs action, prepositional sets the scene, and instrumental explains “how.” Struggling with cases? You’re mastering a superpower our ancestors used to survive, packing vivid stories into every word. Embrace the challenge!
Ever fumbled saying a date in Russian, like “February 19, 1861”? You’re not alone! Unlock the secret to nailing Russian dates: centuries use “В” with prepositional case (“в двадцать первом веке” for 21st century), years pin with “В” (“в тысяча девятьсот сорок пятом году” for 1945), and full dates dazzle in genitive (“первого января две тысячи двадцать пятого года” for January 1, 2025). Dive in, practice, and sound like a native!
Why is “101 Dalmatians” singular in Russian? Because 101 ends in 1, and Russian grammar demands singular nouns after such numbers. This is just one rule in the most irrational counting system any language could devise. Learn more about Russian number-noun agreement chaos in this article.
Russian numerals are a chaotic puzzle—один acts like an adjective, два shifts with gender, and сорок defies logic. Why so messy? Dive into their quirky grammar and origins to unravel the mystery of this linguistic wild ride!
Russian participles can seem tough, but they’re key to sounding natural! Learn ten like бывший (former) and наболевший (pressing) with examples and flashcards.
This post explores a range of common Russian idioms that add authenticity to your speech. We delve into expressions for unexpected situations, unsolicited advice, dedication, and more. Learn how to say “out of the blue,” “I poured my heart into it,” and “good enough for now.”
Stuck in speaking proper Russian but lacking that native flow? Idioms are the secret sauce! This post unveils 10 gems that’ll take your conversations to the next level. Learn how to navigate awkward situations, express yourself naturally, and even overcome anxiety – all with these powerful little phrases you won’t find in a textbook.
Ever wondered why we use colorful phrases to describe our mental struggles? Dive into the fascinating world of Russian idioms that paint a picture of the labyrinthine workings of the human mind!
Death is a difficult topic in any language. Explore how Russians navigate it with euphemisms! From the respectful “уйти в лучший мир” (go to a better world) to the quirky “сыграть в ящик” (play in the box), this post unveils a range of idioms about death.
This post equips language learners with essential vocabulary to discuss books like a literary critic. From персонаж (character) to сюжет (plot), learn key terms through vivid examples from classics like “Crime and Punishment” and “Harry Potter.” Master words like герой (protagonist) and поворот сюжета (plot twist) to share your bookish insights fluently.
Explore advanced Russian vocabulary with ease in this C1-level post! Learn versatile words with the prefix без- (like беспристрастный, unbiased, or бесценный, priceless) to describe books and people. From Sorokin’s uncompromising novels to Woodhouse’s classy humor, these terms, paired with vivid examples, will enrich your literary discussions. Download the vocabulary cards to master them!
Discover Russian verbs rooted in “love” (-люб-) this Valentine’s Day! Learn how prefixes like по- and раз- change meanings, from “to fall in love” (полюбить) to “to fall out of love” (разлюбить). This grammar and vocabulary lesson for intermediate learners includes flashcards. Dive in and expand your Russian skills with this festive guide!
