Russian language

These are my articles about the Russian language – its grammar, word usage and more.

Russian language, Vocabulary

Talk Like a Literary Critic: Master Russian Vocabulary for Discussing Books

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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.

Kermit the frog sits on the paved road and reads a book about Kermit the frog
Russian language, Vocabulary

Words to Describe Books and People (C1)

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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!

a heart finger-sketched on a car's snowy windshield
Russian language, Vocabulary

Words Made with Love

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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!

Vocabulary

Verbs for Starting and Stopping

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Master Russian verbs for starting (начать, стать) and stopping (перестать, бросить) actions! This guide for intermediate learners explores their perfective nature and usage with imperfective verbs, like “Аня начала плакать” (Anya started crying). Enhance your fluency with these essential tools. Download the vocabulary cards and level up your Russian skills today!

Russian language, Vocabulary

Winter Holidays Break Vocabulary

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Explore Russian winter holidays that usually last from December 30 to January 10! Learn words like выспаться (to sleep in) and расслабиться (to relax) for the festive break. Discover cultural traditions, from visiting friends (в гости) to enjoying leftovers (остатки). Download the vocabulary list and embrace this cozy lesson for intermediate learners!

A young guy is sitting on a sofa and looking at his phone.
Communicative, Russian language

What так и не Really Mean

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Unravel the mystery of Russian’s short phrase “так и не” in this insightful post! Far from simple adverbs, these words convey unfulfilled expectations, as in “Она ему так и не позвонила” (She never called him). Learn how “так и не” reflects norms and hopes through vivid examples, revealing the communicative depth of Russian speech.

Podcast, Russian language, Vocabulary

Пять минут. Выпуск 31. Возраст и Фазы Жизни

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In this episode of “Пять минут,” I, Евгения Власова, explore the timeless topic of age and life phases. From newborns to the elderly, I discuss terms like “toddler,” “teenager,” and “matured,” alongside cultural stereotypes about age. Reflecting on my IELTS exam experience, I debate ageism, realizing talent, like Mick Jagger’s, defies age. Happiness, it seems, depends on the person, not their years.

Wiktionary personalized as a teacher in a classroom
Language learning, Resources, Russian language

Eight Things Wiktionary Teaches for Free

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Wiktionary, a multilingual dictionary by Wikimedia, is my daily go-to for language learning and teaching. Beyond translations, it offers pronunciation (IPA and audio), grammar tables for Russian words, stress markers, multiple meanings, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, etymology, and categorized word lists. Explore these features to deepen your Russian vocabulary and understanding effortlessly.

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