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Conversational Russian for beginners

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Based on 703 ratings
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Станислав Пономарёв

Learn the basics of Russian grammar and use it in everyday conversations

Learn Russian grammar to build any sentences you want

  • Learn the Russian case system;
  • Learn Russian nouns, adjectives, adverbs, numerals, pronouns and verbs;
  • Build any sentences based on well explained grammar rules;
  • Check your knowledge with 400+ exercises;
  • Learn modern Russian vocabulary of 2000+ words;
  • Learn useful phrases;

Overview

Read more

Learn the basics of Russian grammar and use it in everyday conversations

Learn Russian grammar to build any sentences you want

  • Learn the Russian case system;
  • Learn Russian nouns, adjectives, adverbs, numerals, pronouns and verbs;
  • Build any sentences based on well explained grammar rules;
  • Check your knowledge with 400+ exercises;
  • Learn modern Russian vocabulary of 2000+ words;
  • Learn useful phrases;

Overview

Speak Russian today. This course will teach you how to read and speak Russian language. Starting with nouns, step by step, you'll learn how to build your first phrases and sentences. More than 5 hours of explicit video lessons, PDF materials with short summary of the video lessons, and more than 400 exercises (2000+ sentences with modern vocabulary and RU/ENG translation) to check your knowledge and master the Russian language.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn how to speak read and write in russian
  • Master basic russian grammar
  • 86 lessons (5.5 hours of content) with explicit explanations of basic russian grammar and lots of examples
  • 400+ exercises with modern vocabulary and ru/eng translation (all the exercises will come with the keys)
  • 84 pdfs with short grammar summaries
  • Basic vocabulary of 2000+ words
  • 84 video units with pronunciation for the exercises
  • Learn russian cursive

Syllabus

Lesson which will tell you about this course.

This lesson will tell you who this course is designed for, what you'll get after finishing it and a short review of the lessons.

Read more

Learn Russian letters and sounds. Pronunciation of each letter and its sound. Examples of words with the sounds.

Though in Russian you read as you see, there are a few spelling rules that you should follow. Watch this lecture to improve your spelling. It's also important, because we'll need these spelling rules throughout the course.

This lecture will help you to distinguish the gender of Russia nouns.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.1. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn useful phrases and grammar patterns with these short dialogues for Unit 3.1. Gender of nouns.

Use Russian nouns in the nominative singular case. After this lecture you'll be able to use Russian nouns in sentences like: "I am a student. She is a teacher. It is a window.".

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.2. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use Russian nouns in nominative plural. Learn how to say sentences like "We are teachers. These are dogs. Cats are animals.".

Some Russian nouns follow their own pattern to make plural forms. Just as in English we have "a person - people", in Russian we have "человек - люди". Learn how to use Russian irregular in plural.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.4. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

After this lecture you'll be able to use Russian noun in accusative case in sentences like "I see a car. I know the truth. I blame the dog.".

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.5. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use nouns in sentences like: I watch movies. I see the dogs.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.6. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn irregular nouns in accusative plural case. I see mt brothers. I know my friends.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.7. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn genitive case, use it for quantities, absence or in the meaning of "of". For example: I don't have a car.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.8. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn genitive case, use it for quantities, absence or in the meaning of "of". For example: Five cars. I don't have any cats.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.9. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn genitive case, use it for quantities, absence or in the meaning of "of". For example: There are five friends in the room.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.10. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use dative case to build sentences like: Have you called your teacher?

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.11. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

told your friends?

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.12. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use instrumental singular case to build sentences like: I love you with all my heart.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.13. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use instrumental case to build sentence like: My heat if filled with beautiful feelings.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.14. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use prepositional case to build sentences like: I work at school.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.15. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use prepositional plural to build sentences like: I will tell you about my friends.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.16. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

This lesson will help you to organize and review the Russian case system.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 3.17. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn unstressed adjectives. Use it in sentences like: A beautiful woman.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.1. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

This lesson will teach you how to use stressed and soft adjectives. Use them in sentences like: A blue pen. A big cat.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.2. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use possessive adjectives. Use them in sentences like: My dream. Her dog.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.3. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

This lesson will teach you how to use reflexive adjectives. Use them in sentences like: He reads his (his own) book.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.4. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use adjectives in accusative singular. Use them in sentences like: I see a beautiful lake.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.5. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use adjectives in accusative plural. Use them in sentences like: I see big dos.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.6. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use adjectives in genitive singular. Use them in sentences like: A house of a good man.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.7. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use adjectives in genitive singular. Use them in sentences like: The house of my parents.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.8. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use adjectives in dative singular. Use them in sentences like: I give a book to a good friend.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.9. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use adjectives in dative plural. Use them in sentences like: I promised my parents.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.10. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use adjective in instrumental singular case. Use them in sentences like: I was kissed by a beautiful woman.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.11. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use adjectives in instrumental case. Use them in sentences like: This building was built by outstanding architects.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.12. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use adjective in prepositional singular case. Use them in sentences like: I'm telling you about my beautiful wife.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.13. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to use adjectives in prepositional plural. Use them in sentences like: They are talking about rare animals.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.14. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to form long and short forms of adjectives.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.15. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to compare thing in Russian, by using long form comparative adjectives.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.16. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn how to compare things in Russian, but using short form comparative adjectives.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.17. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn very useful constructions with comparatives.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.18. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn superlatives.

Exercises with pronunciation and keys for PDF unit 4.19. Check your answers and practice pronunciation with this lesson.

Learn the difference between adjectives and adverbs. Lear how adverbs behave in Russian.

Learn how to use comparative and superlative adverbs.

Master Russian numerals.

Master Russian ordinal numerals.

Learn how to tell the time in Russian.

Learn how to tell the dates in Russian.

Learn how to use Russian numerals in other situations.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Includes over 400 exercises with RU/ENG translation, which allows learners to check their understanding and build a strong foundation in Russian
Teaches the Russian case system, which is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences and understanding the structure of the language
Covers Russian nouns, adjectives, adverbs, numerals, pronouns, and verbs, which provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental parts of speech
Features 84 PDF summaries of grammar lessons, which can be helpful for learners who prefer to review material in a written format
Requires learners to understand the Russian alphabet, which may pose a challenge for learners who are completely new to the language
Focuses on grammar and sentence construction, which may not appeal to learners who prefer a more communicative or immersion-based approach to language learning

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Conversational Russian for beginners with these activities:
Review the Cyrillic Alphabet
Solidify your understanding of the Cyrillic alphabet to improve reading and pronunciation skills before starting the course.
Show steps
  • Review each letter of the alphabet.
  • Practice writing each letter.
  • Listen to the pronunciation of each letter.
  • Practice reading simple words.
Read 'The New Penguin Russian Course'
Supplement the course with a comprehensive textbook to reinforce grammar and vocabulary.
View The New Penguin Russian Course: A Complete... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The New Penguin Russian Course'.
  • Work through the early chapters focusing on grammar fundamentals.
  • Complete the exercises in the book.
Practice Russian Cases with Flashcards
Reinforce your understanding of Russian cases through repetitive practice with flashcards.
Show steps
  • Create flashcards for each Russian case.
  • Include example sentences on the flashcards.
  • Practice using the flashcards daily.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create Short Dialogues
Practice conversational skills by writing and recording short dialogues in Russian.
Show steps
  • Choose a common conversational topic.
  • Write a short dialogue in Russian.
  • Record yourself speaking the dialogue.
  • Share your recording with a language partner.
Explore 'Russian for Dummies'
Use a beginner-friendly guide to supplement the course material and reinforce basic concepts.
View Russian For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Russian For Dummies'.
  • Read through the chapters on basic grammar and vocabulary.
  • Complete the exercises and quizzes in the book.
Practice Conversational Russian with a Language Partner
Improve fluency and pronunciation by practicing conversational Russian with a language partner.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner online or in person.
  • Schedule regular practice sessions.
  • Discuss topics covered in the course.
  • Provide feedback to each other.
Translate English Sentences into Russian
Solidify your understanding of Russian grammar by translating English sentences into Russian.
Show steps
  • Find English sentences to translate.
  • Translate the sentences into Russian.
  • Check your translations with a native speaker.

Career center

Learners who complete Conversational Russian for beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Interpreter
An interpreter facilitates spoken communication between individuals who speak different languages. This Conversational Russian for beginners course helps build a foundation for a career as an interpreter, particularly in roles where understanding and fluency in Russian are vital. The focus on Russian grammar and sentence construction helps ensure accurate and coherent interpretation. The course provides a lot of practice with pronunciation, which is helpful for accurately conveying information. The 2000+ words of modern Russian vocabulary, coupled with grammar and sentence-building, support effective real-time conversation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter
Translator
A translator converts written material from one language to another. This Conversational Russian for beginners course may be helpful for anyone aspiring to become a translator. The skills taught in this course, such as mastering basic Russian grammar and learning modern Russian vocabulary, are essential for accurately conveying meaning between Russian and other languages. The course covers Russian nouns, adjectives, adverbs, numerals, pronouns, and verbs, which helps build a strong foundation in Russian. The 400+ exercises included in the course are also helpful, with modern vocabulary and Russian to English translations that allow you to check your knowledge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Tour Guide
A tour guide leads groups of visitors through attractions, providing information and insights. This Conversational Russian for beginners course may be useful for individuals who plan to work as tour guides in regions where Russian is commonly spoken or for Russian-speaking tourists. The course's emphasis on basic Russian grammar and vocabulary prepares the student to communicate effectively with tourists. With a basic understanding of Russian, a tour guide can provide information, answer questions, and offer insights into local culture and attractions, enhancing the tour experience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide
ESL Teacher
An English as a Second Language teacher instructs non-native speakers in the English language. This Conversational Russian for beginners course helps English as a Second Language teachers who work with Russian-speaking students. Knowledge of Russian grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure helps better understand the challenges faced by Russian-speaking learners. The course provides a basic understanding of Russian, which is useful for explaining English concepts by drawing parallels between English and Russian. Additionally, knowing the Russian language will help build a strong relationship with many students.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Teacher
Call Center Representative
A call center representative handles inbound and outbound calls, providing information and support to customers. Conversational Russian for beginners may be helpful for those looking to work as call center representatives, especially in roles requiring Russian language skills. The course helps with Russian grammar and vocabulary, which are essential for understanding and responding to customer inquiries. The course emphasizes language use in everyday conversations, which will help handle customer interactions effectively. Speaking Russian allows handling calls from Russian-speaking clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Call Center Representative
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative provides assistance and support to customers. The Conversational Russian for beginners course may be helpful for those looking to work in customer service roles where Russian language skills are valuable. This course helps with grammar and vocabulary, which are essential for understanding and responding to customer inquiries. The course emphasizes practical language use in everyday conversations, helping the learner handle customer interactions effectively. Knowing Russian will greatly improve interactions with Russian-speaking customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative
Localization Specialist
A localization specialist adapts content for specific regions or markets, ensuring it resonates with the local audience. This Conversational Russian for beginners course may be useful for individuals aiming to work as localization specialists, specifically focusing on Russian-speaking markets. The course's lessons on Russian grammar and vocabulary help understand linguistic nuances that are essential for accurate and culturally relevant localization. The course helps build a strong foundation in the Russian language, which is valuable for adapting websites, software, and other content for Russian-speaking audiences.
See salaries and explore the career path for Localization Specialist
Travel Agent
A travel agent assists customers with planning and booking travel arrangements. The Conversational Russian for beginners course may be helpful for travel agents who frequently assist Russian-speaking clients or those planning trips to Russian-speaking regions. Basic proficiency in Russian helps facilitate communication, understand client needs, and provide personalized recommendations. The course's material on building sentences based on grammar rules and modern Russian vocabulary is especially helpful in supporting effective interactions with Russian-speaking customers and partners.
See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Agent
Social Media Manager
A social media manager oversees a company's online presence on social media platforms. The Conversational Russian for beginners course may be helpful for social media managers responsible for engaging with Russian-speaking audiences. A good sense of Russian grammar and practical vocabulary allows the student to create engaging and culturally relevant content, plus monitor conversations. With the ability to read and write in Russian, social media managers can effectively manage a company's presence and drive audience engagement within the Russian-speaking market.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
Technical Support Specialist
A technical support specialist provides assistance to users experiencing technical issues with software, hardware, or other technology. The Conversational Russian for beginners course may be helpful for technical support specialists who assist Russian-speaking clients. Basic Russian grammar helps understand user issues described in Russian. The course emphasizes practical language use in everyday conversations, which allows the user to effectively guide Russian-speaking customers through troubleshooting steps. By learning Russian, the specialist is able to better cater to the needs of Russian clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. The Conversational Russian for beginners course may be useful for individuals aspiring to work as market research analysts, particularly those focusing on the Russian market. The focus on Russian grammar and practical vocabulary, including 2000+ modern words, allows the student to understand consumer behavior. With the ability to read and speak Russian, one can analyze market trends and conduct surveys with Russian-speaking populations, extracting valuable insights that would otherwise be inaccessible.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst
Immigration Officer
An immigration officer reviews visa applications and determines eligibility for entry into a country. A bachelor's degree is generally required. The Conversational Russian for beginners course may be useful for immigration officers who frequently interact with Russian-speaking individuals. The course's instruction in Russian grammar, nouns, adjectives, phrases, and vocabulary lays a foundation for basic communication and understanding. With a basic grasp of Russian, an immigration officer can more effectively process applications, conduct interviews, and ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Immigration Officer
Intelligence Analyst
An intelligence analyst gathers and analyzes information to support national security and policy decisions. An intelligence analyst typically requires an advanced degree. This Conversational Russian for beginners course helps anyone aspiring to become an intelligence analyst. The skills taught in this course, such as mastering basic Russian grammar and learning modern Russian vocabulary, are essential for accurately understanding written and spoken communications. The course covers Russian nouns, adjectives, adverbs, numerals, pronouns, and verbs, which helps build a strong foundation in Russian. The 400+ exercises are also helpful, providing modern vocabulary and Russian to English translations that allow you to check your knowledge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst
Foreign Correspondent
A foreign correspondent reports news from another country, providing insights and analysis to international audiences. A foreign correspondent typically requires an advanced degree. The Conversational Russian for beginners course helps build a foundation for a career as a foreign correspondent in Russia. The focus on Russian grammar and sentence construction helps in understanding the local language and enables clear and accurate reporting. The course provides a lot of practice with pronunciation, which is helpful for interviews and on-the-ground reporting. The 2000+ words of modern Russian vocabulary, coupled with grammar and sentence-building, support effective real-time conversation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Correspondent
Cultural Attaché
A cultural attaché works in diplomacy, fostering cultural exchange and understanding between countries. A cultural attaché typically requires an advanced degree. The Conversational Russian for beginners course helps build a foundation for a career as a cultural attaché, particularly in roles involving Russia. The focus on grammar and sentence construction helps with effective communication. The course's 2000+ words of modern vocabulary support nuanced conversation. With knowledge of Russian, one can promote cultural initiatives and exchanges.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Attaché

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Conversational Russian for beginners.
Cover image
The New Penguin Russian Course
Save
Comprehensive guide to learning Russian, starting with the basics and progressing to more complex grammar and vocabulary. It aligns well with the course's focus on conversational Russian and provides a structured approach to mastering the language. It is particularly useful for learners who prefer a textbook-style approach with clear explanations and exercises.
The New Penguin Russian Course: A Complete Course...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Russian For Dummies
Save
Offers a lighthearted and accessible introduction to the Russian language. It covers essential grammar, vocabulary, and phrases for everyday conversations. It good supplementary resource for learners who want a less formal and more engaging approach to learning Russian, and it can help build confidence in speaking and understanding the language.
Russian For Dummies
Paperback
$$
Russian For Dummies
Paperback
$$
Russian Phrases For Dummies
Paperback
$
Russian for Dummies (Russian Edition)
Paperback
$$
Russian For Dummies
Kindle Edition
$$
Russian Phrases For Dummies
Kindle Edition
$
Russian For Dummies
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
11 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Станислав Пономарёв
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Includes over 400 exercises with RU/ENG translation, which allows learners to check their understanding and build a strong foundation in Russian
Teaches the Russian case system, which is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences and understanding the structure of the language
Covers Russian nouns, adjectives, adverbs, numerals, pronouns, and verbs, which provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental parts of speech
Features 84 PDF summaries of grammar lessons, which can be helpful for learners who prefer to review material in a written format
Requires learners to understand the Russian alphabet, which may pose a challenge for learners who are completely new to the language
Focuses on grammar and sentence construction, which may not appeal to learners who prefer a more communicative or immersion-based approach to language learning
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