Vocabulary and Word Usage

Don’t Fear the Participles!

Mastering These 10 Russian Words for Richer Expression.
Have you ever struggled with Russian participles? You’re not alone! Many learners find them confusing, but here’s the secret: native speakers use them all the time, in casual conversations and formal writing.

This post unveils 10 common participles to add to your vocabulary and boost your fluency. We’ll explore words like “бывший” (former), “наболевший” (pressing issue), and “уставший” (tired), with example sentences to show them in action.

Get ready to ditch the fear and embrace the power of participles in your Russian journey!

Essential Expressions for Everyday Use

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.”

10 Idioms to Sound Like a Native Russian Speaker

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.

Russian Idioms: Going into the Depths of the Mind

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!

In this post, we’ll explore gems like “шевели извилинами” (stir your convolutions) – a quirky way to tell someone to think hard. We’ll also delve into “голова не варит” (my brain isn’t cooking), the perfect expression for those moments when your mind goes on strike.

Stay tuned for more mind-bending idioms and discover how Russians express frustration, confusion, and the burden of self-inflicted problems!

Idiomatic Euphemisms for Death in Russian

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. Learn them and gain insight into Russian culture!

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

Do you dream of discussing your favorite Russian novels with friends, but struggle to find the right words? Fear not, bookworm! This post equips you with the essential vocabulary to talk about characters, plot, setting, and more. Unravel the secrets of “kniga” (book) and impress everyone with your literary prowess! Dive in and discover a world of engaging conversation – all in Russian.

Kermit the frog sits on the paved road and reads a book about Kermit the frog

Words to Describe Books and People (C1)

C1 learners, fear not! Unlock versatile vocabulary with the prefix “без-,” meaning “without.” Describe novels as “безвкусный” (tasteless) or “беспристрастный” (unbiased). Explore dark worlds with “безрадостный” (joyless) or lighthearted ones with “безобидный” (harmless). Find treasures with “бесценный” (invaluable) and classics with “бессмертный” (immortal). Master these and conquer advanced vocabulary!

Words Made with Love

I couldn’t resist the madness of Valentine’s Day and prepared a list of words that originate from love. In my defense, these are not just words about love and romance, these are words that literally have the root -люб-, i.e., love. And all the words are verbs, so once again you’ll learn how prefixes change

Exploring Modal Words in Russian: Expressing Obligations and Needs

Jokes about “what if people spoke a language taken from textbooks” abound. Clichés, awkward dialogue, nonsense – these are all things that learners of any language encounter on a daily basis. One reason textbooks lack authenticity is that they only show us how to name and describe things, whereas in real life, we almost never

Verbs for Starting and Stopping

Amidst the quest for linguistic prowess, learners often overlook specific vocabulary crucial for expressing actions’ commencement and conclusion—elements that native Russian speakers effortlessly integrate into their daily conversations. In this article, we’ll delve into the Russian verbs that encapsulate the essence of starting and stopping actions. To start doing: To stop doing: I don’t have

Category: Vocabulary and Word Usage