Verb prefixes
A prefix changes a verb’s meaning in a predictable direction: пере- (again, across), под- (under, up to), вы- (out), до- (to the end). Word formation guide →
| Meaningagain | Я … статью́, там бы́ли оши́бки.I rewrote the article; it had mistakes. | |
| Meaningunder | … здесь, пожа́луйста.Sign here, please. | |
| Meaningto the end | Я ещё не … письмо́.I haven’t finished writing the letter yet. | |
| Meaningout | Он … из ко́мнаты.He went out of the room. |
Suffixes and diminutives
Suffixes turn one kind of word into another: -тель makes a person who does something, -ость makes an abstract noun from an adjective, and -ик, -ка, -очка make diminutives. Word formation guide →
| Meaningperson | учи́ть → …to teach → teacher | |
| Meaningquality | молодо́й → …young → youth | |
| Meaningsmall | Како́й ми́лый …!What a sweet little cat! | |
| Meaningwarm | Спаси́бо, …!Thanks, Mummy! |
ты or вы
ты is the informal “you” for one person you know well. вы is polite, and also the plural for any group. Formal and informal guide →
| Speaking toyour boss | … не могли́ бы мне помо́чь?Could you help me? | |
| Speaking toyour little sister | Где … была́?Where were you? | |
| Speaking totwo friends | Ребя́та, … придёте?Guys, are you coming? | |
| Speaking toa shop assistant | Ско́лько … хоти́те?How many would you like? |
Formal or informal phrases
Russian keeps separate everyday words for formal and informal situations. Pick the one that fits. Formal and informal guide →
| Situationemail to a client | … Ива́н Петро́вич!Dear Ivan Petrovich, | |
| Situationmeeting a friend | …! Как дела́?Hi! How’s it going? | |
| Situationleaving work | … , до за́втра!Goodbye, see you tomorrow! | |
| Situationtexting a friend | … за по́мощь!Thanks for the help! |
Idioms
Idioms mean more than their words. Read the literal translation, then pick the real meaning. Idioms guide →
| Literally“to hang noodles on ears” | Не ве́шай мне лапшу́ на у́ши!What does it mean? | |
| Literally“when the crayfish whistles on the mountain” | Когда́ рак на горе́ сви́стнет.What does it mean? | |
| Literally“neither fluff nor feather” | Ни пу́ха ни пера́!What does it mean? | |
| Literally“like two fingers on the asphalt” | Как два па́льца об асфа́льт.What does it mean? |
Set phrases
Some situations have one fixed phrase that every Russian speaker uses. Learn them whole. Formal and informal guide →
| You want towish a good meal | … аппети́та!Enjoy your meal! | |
| You want toanswer “thank you” | Спаси́бо! — …Thank you! — You’re welcome. | |
| You want totoast | За …!Cheers! (To health!) | |
| You want tobless a sneeze | …!Bless you! |