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!
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!
Why do language learners struggle with “basic” vocabulary like cooking or small talk? Explore the gap between classroom learning and real-life Russian skills. Learn tips to master everyday words through immersion, fun activities, and personalized projects. Boost your fluency with practical strategies—check out this insightful guide for all learners!
What happens when a country loses its moral compass—and then rewrites its own story to fill the void? The Invention of Russia is more than a historical account; it’s an invitation to reflect on how narratives are shaped, and how easily they can shape us in return. I invite you to read and discuss.
As a Soviet kid, I was mesmerized by my first encounter with Barbie, a glamorous doll unlike our childish Soviet toys. Brought by my friend Vika from Germany, Barbie’s elegance and bendable knees captivated our gang. We worshipped her, but when Vika moved away, leaving Barbie behind felt like losing a piece of our childhood dreams.
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.
In Russia, the beard transcends style, embodying cultural and political significance. Rooted in Proto-Indo-European bhar-dha, борода symbolized sacred tradition after 988, with shaving fines. Peter the Great’s beard tax aimed to modernize, possibly due to hygiene or insect fears. By the 19th century, beards marked Russian identity for Slavophiles. In Soviet times, they evoked outdated peasantry, yet 1960s intellectuals embraced them.
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, 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.
In this episode of “Пять минут,” I, Евгения Власова, speak about the Soviet New Year. Once overshadowed by Christmas, it became Russia’s main holiday post-revolution, replacing bourgeois traditions with Soviet cheer. By the 1960s, ideology faded, leaving vibrant school celebrations with spinning Christmas trees and lavish feasts. Despite shortages, people created joy with loved ones, proving a holiday needs heart, not abundance.
Привет! Это подкаст “Пять минут” и я, Евгения Власова. В декабре лингвисты в разных странах определяют “Слово года”. По мнению
Привет! Это подкаст “Пять минут” и я, Евгения Власова. Сегодня я хочу поговорить о писателе Викторе Пелевине, которому 22 ноября
