How to get started in Russian?

The peculiarity of Russian is its alphabet, different from ours. As beginners, we must therefore start here.

The basis of Russian

The Cyrillic alphabet actually requires a few hours of work, just like when a child learns to read. The advantage for an adult beginner is that they can read already, which makes it easier for them to learn, even from scratch, as it will help them to successfully decipher Russian words.

Once the alphabet is acquired, it is essential to become familiar with Russian sounds and pronunciation . Spanish or any other Latin language varies greatly from the Slavic language. The phonemes are totally different and in order to develop your ear it will be important to start listening to songs and podcasts in Russian.

Basic expressions in Russian

As with any language, you will have to go step by step. Thus, after having worked well with the Russian alphabet and becoming familiar with Russian sounds, it will be essential to learn some elementary expressions in Russian :

• Добрый день: Good morning.
• Как дела ?: How are you?
• Сколько тебе лет ?: How old are you?
• До свиданья: Goodbye.
• Пожалуйста: Please.
• Я не понимаю: I don’t understand.

A good dictionary such as the Basic Dictionary Russian-Spanish, Spanish-Russian or the Collins Gem Dictionary Russian Dictionary: (Spanish-Russian; Russian-Spanish) are an essential resource to learn Russian and its particularities.  

Russian grammar

Don’t start with grammar if you don’t want to get discouraged, even if you want to advance at a fast pace. However, it will be essential to know some simple rules to be able to form sentences correctly.

Sites like Russian for Every Day or Russian Free  will help you progress in grammar and acquire the basics of Russian conjugation.

You will notice that Russian infinitive verbs end in -ТЬ, -ТИ or -ЧЬ. The Russian verb has conjugated temporal forms and two spectral forms.

If you live in the capital, discover our Russian classes Madrid .