Football vocabulary!
⚽ Основные слова
Футбол — football, soccer
Мяч — ball
Ворота — goal (the net/structure)
Гол — goal (the score)
Поле — pitch, field
Тренер — coach, manager
Судья — referee
Футболист / игрок — footballer, player
Команда — team
Сборная — national team
Клуб — club
Фанат / болельщик — fan, supporter
Кричалка — chant
Сектор — fan section in the stadium
Дерби — derby (local rivalry)
Ультрас — ultras (hardcore fans)
Забить гол — to score a goal
Победа / поражение / ничья — win / loss / draw
Счёт — scoreline (e.g., 2:1)
⚽ Фразы
Давай! — Come on!
Вперёд, [команда]! — Go, [team]!
Судью на мыло! — Literally “referee to soap!”, slang for “ref sucks!”
Играй до конца! — Play till the end!
Ну как так?! — Oh come on, how did that happen?!
Это пенальти?! — Was that really a penalty?!
⚽ Основные слова
Футбол — football, soccer
Мяч — ball
Ворота — goal (the net/structure)
Гол — goal (the score)
Поле — pitch, field
Тренер — coach, manager
Судья — referee
Футболист / игрок — footballer, player
Команда — team
Сборная — national team
Клуб — club
Фанат / болельщик — fan, supporter
Кричалка — chant
Сектор — fan section in the stadium
Дерби — derby (local rivalry)
Ультрас — ultras (hardcore fans)
Забить гол — to score a goal
Победа / поражение / ничья — win / loss / draw
Счёт — scoreline (e.g., 2:1)
⚽ Фразы
Давай! — Come on!
Вперёд, [команда]! — Go, [team]!
Судью на мыло! — Literally “referee to soap!”, slang for “ref sucks!”
Играй до конца! — Play till the end!
Ну как так?! — Oh come on, how did that happen?!
Это пенальти?! — Was that really a penalty?!
Russian really doesn’t come easy to foreigners — here are the main tricky points they usually struggle with:
🧩 1️⃣ Cases (Declensions)
Russian has six grammatical cases (and actually even more nuances with pronouns and numbers). For example:
* stol (table) → na stole (on the table), u stola (near the table), so stolom (with the table), bez stola (without the table) For English speakers (or anyone whose language doesn’t have cases), this is just mind-blowing.
🧩 2️⃣ Verb aspects
Russian has perfective and imperfective verbs:
* pisat’ / napisat’ (to write)
* chitat’ / prochitat’ (to read) Foreigners often don’t understand why you need two nearly identical verbs — and Russians go, “Well, one is the process, the other is the result!” 😅
🧩 3️⃣ Stress and accent
Stress in Russian shifts. For example, múka (suffering) vs. muká (flour) — completely different words. And the stress is often unpredictable; you just have to memorize it.
🧩 4️⃣ Pronunciation and softness
Soft and hard consonants, sibilant sounds (sh, zh, ch, shch), vowels like y (ы) and yo (ё) — these sound totally exotic to many foreigners. For example, French and English speakers often can’t pronounce ы correctly.
🧩 5️⃣ Word formation
Russian is full of prefixes, suffixes, and diminutives. For example:
* dom (house) → domik (small house) → domishche (huge house) → domishka (shabby little house) → domushka(cozy little house) To a foreigner, this feels like chaos — but to a Russian, it’s just a fun play of nuances.
💭Please, share what is the most difficult thing for you in learning Russian?
P.S. Whatever difficulties you may encounter during your studies, @mgurussiancom will help you!
🧩 1️⃣ Cases (Declensions)
Russian has six grammatical cases (and actually even more nuances with pronouns and numbers). For example:
* stol (table) → na stole (on the table), u stola (near the table), so stolom (with the table), bez stola (without the table) For English speakers (or anyone whose language doesn’t have cases), this is just mind-blowing.
🧩 2️⃣ Verb aspects
Russian has perfective and imperfective verbs:
* pisat’ / napisat’ (to write)
* chitat’ / prochitat’ (to read) Foreigners often don’t understand why you need two nearly identical verbs — and Russians go, “Well, one is the process, the other is the result!” 😅
🧩 3️⃣ Stress and accent
Stress in Russian shifts. For example, múka (suffering) vs. muká (flour) — completely different words. And the stress is often unpredictable; you just have to memorize it.
🧩 4️⃣ Pronunciation and softness
Soft and hard consonants, sibilant sounds (sh, zh, ch, shch), vowels like y (ы) and yo (ё) — these sound totally exotic to many foreigners. For example, French and English speakers often can’t pronounce ы correctly.
🧩 5️⃣ Word formation
Russian is full of prefixes, suffixes, and diminutives. For example:
* dom (house) → domik (small house) → domishche (huge house) → domishka (shabby little house) → domushka(cozy little house) To a foreigner, this feels like chaos — but to a Russian, it’s just a fun play of nuances.
💭Please, share what is the most difficult thing for you in learning Russian?
P.S. Whatever difficulties you may encounter during your studies, @mgurussiancom will help you!
🇷🇺 Textbook “Russia — My Love” — Learn Russian with heart! 💙
Do you want to not just study Russian, but truly understand Russia — its soul, its culture, its people? We created “Russia — My Love” for learners who want to go deeper and fall in love with the language.
📘 What’s inside?
✨ Engaging, modern texts — no outdated or boring dialogues ✨ Fascinating facts about Russian culture, traditions, and daily life ✨ Fun, practical exercises to help you speak, understand, and write with confidence ✨ Beautiful illustrations that capture the spirit of Russia
💡 Who is it for?
✔️ Foreigners at A2–B1 level ✔️ Learners who want to speak Russian naturally and confidently ✔️ Anyone curious about or in love with Russian culture
🌟 Why try it?
Because learning a language is about more than just words and grammar — it’s about feeling, stories, connection. “Russia — My Love” will help you learn Russian with joy and curiosity!
📥 Get the textbook on our website
Do you want to not just study Russian, but truly understand Russia — its soul, its culture, its people? We created “Russia — My Love” for learners who want to go deeper and fall in love with the language.
📘 What’s inside?
✨ Engaging, modern texts — no outdated or boring dialogues ✨ Fascinating facts about Russian culture, traditions, and daily life ✨ Fun, practical exercises to help you speak, understand, and write with confidence ✨ Beautiful illustrations that capture the spirit of Russia
💡 Who is it for?
✔️ Foreigners at A2–B1 level ✔️ Learners who want to speak Russian naturally and confidently ✔️ Anyone curious about or in love with Russian culture
🌟 Why try it?
Because learning a language is about more than just words and grammar — it’s about feeling, stories, connection. “Russia — My Love” will help you learn Russian with joy and curiosity!
📥 Get the textbook on our website
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🌿 The Famous Russian Dance of the “Beryozka” Ensemble — What Foreigners Should Know🇷🇺💃
✨ What is “Beryozka”?
The Beryozka (Birch Tree) Ensemble is one of Russia’s most iconic dance groups, founded in 1948 by choreographer Nadezhda Nadezhdina. It became famous worldwide thanks to its breathtaking, floating dance — when women seem to glide across the stage as if they are weightless.
The dancers wear long, floor-length dresses and move with small, invisible steps, creating the magical illusion that they are gliding or floating like birch trees swaying in the wind.
🌸 Why is it so special?
The “Beryozka step” is a secret technique known only to the ensemble’s dancers; it’s incredibly difficult and requires perfect balance and control.
The choreography is inspired by Russian folk traditions, nature, and poetry, especially the symbolism of the birch tree — a national symbol of beauty, tenderness, and the Russian soul.
The ensemble also includes dynamic dances with ribbons, wreaths, and handkerchiefs, but it’s the floating step that makes audiences around the world gasp in wonder.
💡 Fun facts for foreigners:
✅ No, they are not standing on wheels or a conveyor belt — it’s pure dance mastery! ✅ The birch tree (берёза) is deeply symbolic in Russian culture — often appearing in songs, poems, and art. ✅ The ensemble has toured dozens of countries, becoming a symbol of Russian artistic tradition abroad.
✨ What is “Beryozka”?
The Beryozka (Birch Tree) Ensemble is one of Russia’s most iconic dance groups, founded in 1948 by choreographer Nadezhda Nadezhdina. It became famous worldwide thanks to its breathtaking, floating dance — when women seem to glide across the stage as if they are weightless.
The dancers wear long, floor-length dresses and move with small, invisible steps, creating the magical illusion that they are gliding or floating like birch trees swaying in the wind.
🌸 Why is it so special?
The “Beryozka step” is a secret technique known only to the ensemble’s dancers; it’s incredibly difficult and requires perfect balance and control.
The choreography is inspired by Russian folk traditions, nature, and poetry, especially the symbolism of the birch tree — a national symbol of beauty, tenderness, and the Russian soul.
The ensemble also includes dynamic dances with ribbons, wreaths, and handkerchiefs, but it’s the floating step that makes audiences around the world gasp in wonder.
💡 Fun facts for foreigners:
✅ No, they are not standing on wheels or a conveyor belt — it’s pure dance mastery! ✅ The birch tree (берёза) is deeply symbolic in Russian culture — often appearing in songs, poems, and art. ✅ The ensemble has toured dozens of countries, becoming a symbol of Russian artistic tradition abroad.
🥒 Okroshka: Classic Recipe & History 🇷🇺
📜 The History of Okroshka
Okroshka is a classic cold soup from Russian cuisine, dating back to the 18th century. The name comes from the Russian word “kroshit’” (to chop finely), which makes sense — the base of okroshka is diced vegetables, herbs, eggs, and meat.
Originally, okroshka was made with kvass — a fermented bread drink. Later, variations appeared using kefir, whey, mineral water, or even ayran. Okroshka has always been a summer dish, perfect for refreshing yourself on a hot day.
🍽 Classic Okroshka Recipe (with Kvass)
✅ Ingredients (for 4 servings):
4–5 boiled potatoes
4 boiled eggs
200 g cooked meat or sausage
4–5 fresh cucumbers
5–6 radishes
2–3 tbsp chopped green onion
1 bunch of dill
1 liter kvass (preferably white, unsweetened)
salt and pepper to taste
sour cream for serving
✅ How to prepare:
1️⃣ Dice the potatoes, eggs, meat/sausage, cucumbers, and radishes. 2️⃣ Finely chop the green onion and dill. 3️⃣ Mix everything together in a large bowl. 4️⃣ Add salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice if desired. 5️⃣ Just before serving, pour in the cold kvass. 6️⃣ Add a spoonful of sour cream to each bowl.
🌿 Tip:
If kvass tastes too strong, you can mix it with sparkling mineral water. For a no-kvass version, use a mixture of kefir and water (1:1).
📜 The History of Okroshka
Okroshka is a classic cold soup from Russian cuisine, dating back to the 18th century. The name comes from the Russian word “kroshit’” (to chop finely), which makes sense — the base of okroshka is diced vegetables, herbs, eggs, and meat.
Originally, okroshka was made with kvass — a fermented bread drink. Later, variations appeared using kefir, whey, mineral water, or even ayran. Okroshka has always been a summer dish, perfect for refreshing yourself on a hot day.
🍽 Classic Okroshka Recipe (with Kvass)
✅ Ingredients (for 4 servings):
4–5 boiled potatoes
4 boiled eggs
200 g cooked meat or sausage
4–5 fresh cucumbers
5–6 radishes
2–3 tbsp chopped green onion
1 bunch of dill
1 liter kvass (preferably white, unsweetened)
salt and pepper to taste
sour cream for serving
✅ How to prepare:
1️⃣ Dice the potatoes, eggs, meat/sausage, cucumbers, and radishes. 2️⃣ Finely chop the green onion and dill. 3️⃣ Mix everything together in a large bowl. 4️⃣ Add salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice if desired. 5️⃣ Just before serving, pour in the cold kvass. 6️⃣ Add a spoonful of sour cream to each bowl.
🌿 Tip:
If kvass tastes too strong, you can mix it with sparkling mineral water. For a no-kvass version, use a mixture of kefir and water (1:1).
In Russia, it’s customary to give an odd number of flowers (1, 3, 5, 7…) for happy occasions — birthdays, weddings, dates, celebrations — basically, to any living person.
A even number of flowers (2, 4, 6…) is traditionally brought to funerals or graves.
🕯 Where does this tradition come from?
It goes back to old Slavic and pagan rituals, where even numbers were seen as “complete” — symbolizing death, the end of life. Odd numbers, on the other hand, symbolized life, movement, happiness.
Over time, this rule became deeply ingrained: even today, giving (for example) 4 roses to a woman or 6 tulips for a celebration is considered bad form in Russia.
💡 Good to remember!
If you’re a foreigner, Russians will often forgive this kind of mistake — but if you want to truly impress, count your flowers! 😉 Stick with 5, 7, 9, 11 and you’ll have a beautiful, meaningful bouquet.
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📸 Russia through the eyes of a child 👀
⠀
On June 1, Russia celebrates Children’s Day — and the country transforms!
⠀
🌟 Streets are filled with balloons, soap bubbles, and smiling faces.
🎭 Puppet shows pop up in city parks.
🎨 Kids paint on easels right in the open air.
🎤 Music and laughter echo through town squares.
⠀
From Moscow to Vladivostok — it’s a celebration of childhood and imagination.
⠀
🧒 Want to see a different side of Russia?
Travel on June 1 and feel the country from a child’s perspective — joyful, playful, and full of wonder.
⠀
📍Tip: Many public spaces (zoos, museums, theaters) offer free admission for kids and special events this day.
⠀
📷 Planning to visit Russia or study the language? Don’t miss this date — it says a lot about what Russians value.
⠀
On June 1, Russia celebrates Children’s Day — and the country transforms!
⠀
🌟 Streets are filled with balloons, soap bubbles, and smiling faces.
🎭 Puppet shows pop up in city parks.
🎨 Kids paint on easels right in the open air.
🎤 Music and laughter echo through town squares.
⠀
From Moscow to Vladivostok — it’s a celebration of childhood and imagination.
⠀
🧒 Want to see a different side of Russia?
Travel on June 1 and feel the country from a child’s perspective — joyful, playful, and full of wonder.
⠀
📍Tip: Many public spaces (zoos, museums, theaters) offer free admission for kids and special events this day.
⠀
📷 Planning to visit Russia or study the language? Don’t miss this date — it says a lot about what Russians value.
How to learn words and not forget them
✅ 1. Repetition is the mother of learning
Use spaced repetition (after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, etc.).
Helpful apps: Anki, Quizlet, Memrise.
✅ 2. Use associations and visualization
Create an image or situation related to the word. Example: “арбуз” (watermelon) — imagine eating it on the beach in summer.
Try mnemonics: for example, link the word to something familiar in your native language.
✅ 3. Context is key
Learn words in phrases, not in isolation. Example: not just “umbrella,” but “I take an umbrella when it rains.”
Reading, podcasts, and dialogues help “embed” words into context.
✅ 4. Write and speak
Use new words in your own sentences.
Keep a journal, write messages, or create short stories.
✅ 5. Use themes and categories
Learn vocabulary by topic (e.g., food, travel, summer). It helps organize words logically in your brain.
✅ 6. Play + movement = memory
Play word games, use flashcards, draw or doodle.
Repeat words out loud while moving — the brain remembers better with physical activity.
✅ 7. Test yourself
Do regular mini-checks: “What words do I remember from this week?”
Try the blank page technique: write down all the words you remember without looking.
✅ 1. Repetition is the mother of learning
Use spaced repetition (after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, etc.).
Helpful apps: Anki, Quizlet, Memrise.
✅ 2. Use associations and visualization
Create an image or situation related to the word. Example: “арбуз” (watermelon) — imagine eating it on the beach in summer.
Try mnemonics: for example, link the word to something familiar in your native language.
✅ 3. Context is key
Learn words in phrases, not in isolation. Example: not just “umbrella,” but “I take an umbrella when it rains.”
Reading, podcasts, and dialogues help “embed” words into context.
✅ 4. Write and speak
Use new words in your own sentences.
Keep a journal, write messages, or create short stories.
✅ 5. Use themes and categories
Learn vocabulary by topic (e.g., food, travel, summer). It helps organize words logically in your brain.
✅ 6. Play + movement = memory
Play word games, use flashcards, draw or doodle.
Repeat words out loud while moving — the brain remembers better with physical activity.
✅ 7. Test yourself
Do regular mini-checks: “What words do I remember from this week?”
Try the blank page technique: write down all the words you remember without looking.
June 6 — Russian Language Day
Today, on the birthday of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, the whole world celebrates #RussianLanguageDay.
The history of the Russian language spans more than a thousand years, during which it united tribes and peoples, including in the face of foreign invaders, formed a picture of the world and the values of people who lived and still live on Russian soil.
However, it was Pushkin who finally transformed it into a living, harmonious, flexible, artistic language that we speak to this day. The greatest poet, thinker, playwright, he not only reformed our native language, but also laid the foundation for great Russian literature.
Alexander Sergeevich demonstrated that everything can be expressed in Russian: love and hate, tragedy and comedy, biblical pathos and the living speech of the people. His legacy is inexhaustible and two centuries later he reveals to new generations the beauty of the Russian language and the richness of our culture.
Today, on the birthday of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, the whole world celebrates #RussianLanguageDay.
The history of the Russian language spans more than a thousand years, during which it united tribes and peoples, including in the face of foreign invaders, formed a picture of the world and the values of people who lived and still live on Russian soil.
However, it was Pushkin who finally transformed it into a living, harmonious, flexible, artistic language that we speak to this day. The greatest poet, thinker, playwright, he not only reformed our native language, but also laid the foundation for great Russian literature.
Alexander Sergeevich demonstrated that everything can be expressed in Russian: love and hate, tragedy and comedy, biblical pathos and the living speech of the people. His legacy is inexhaustible and two centuries later he reveals to new generations the beauty of the Russian language and the richness of our culture.