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Why do Russian churches have onion-shaped domes?

2026-07-05

1. To skazat' (сказать) - To say. While "to say" exists in English, it doesn't carry the same nuance of a definitive statement or pronouncement. Russian often uses "to skazat'" to emphasize the act of stating something as a fact, with a sense of finality. 2. Pochemuchka (почемучка) - A curious person, especially a child who constantly asks "why?". English has "curious person" or "inquisitive," but "pochemuchka" is a more specific and affectionate term. 3. Toska (тоска) - A deep, often melancholic longing or yearning, a spiritual anguish without a specific cause. English words like "sadness," "melancholy," or "longing" don't fully capture the unique Russian feeling of "toska." 4. Avos' (авось) - A hope that things will turn out well by chance, without any effort or planning. It's a belief in luck or fate. English doesn't have a single word for this distinctly Russian concept. 5. Intelligentsia (интеллигенция) - A social class of intellectuals, artists, and educated people who consider themselves a distinct group with a responsibility to society. While English has "intellectuals" or "educated class," "intelligentsia" has a more specific historical and cultural connotation in Russian. 6. Dusha (душа) - Soul. While English has "soul," the Russian "dusha" often encompasses a broader range of meanings, including the inner self, one's character, and one's emotional core, with a deeper, more profound significance. 7. Blat (блат) - A system of informal connections and favors used to get things done, often circumventing official channels. It's a kind of informal networking or “knowing people.” English equivalents like "connections" or "networking" don't quite capture the often illicit or at least questionable nature of "blat." 8. Vyborgskaia storona (Выборгская сторона) - Literally "Vyborg side," but it's commonly used to refer to a more insular, provincial, or even slightly backward part of a city, in contrast to the more modern or central areas. It implies a certain character or social atmosphere. 9. Sverkhpotrebleniye (сверхпотребление) - Overconsumption. While English has "overconsumption" or "excessive consumption," "sverkhpotrebleniye" is a more concise and commonly used term in Russian to describe the phenomenon of consuming more than is necessary or sustainable. 10. Nedotopleniye (недотопление) - Insufficient heating. This is a very specific word for when a building or room is not heated enough, a common issue in colder climates where heating is a significant concern. English would require a phrase like "inadequate heating" or "not warm enough."

2026-07-04

The bear as a symbol of Russia and the origin of this stereotype

2026-07-03

Schools are trying technology-free days. What happens when children have their tablets taken away for a lesson

2026-07-03

Games are returning to schools as a way to teach. Why are children increasingly being taught through points, levels, and rewards

2026-07-03

The first school AI ethics index is being created in the US. Why is it needed, and what should parents do in the meantime?

2026-07-02

How to explain stereotypes about Russians to a child and not get lost

2026-07-02

Schools around the world are bringing back paper and pen. Why is yesterday's progress suddenly reversing?

2026-07-01

Does the Russian soul really exist

2026-07-01

Russian language level test for a child. Which of the four types is yours?

2026-06-30

Why does a child need Russian in 2026 and 10 honest answers to this question

2026-06-30

Why ChatGPT could completely change school exams

2026-06-30

US authorities are reviewing billions for school internet due to screens. What's behind this decision

2026-06-29

Why schools start teaching slower, and it works

2026-06-29

How to Watch the 2026 World Cup With Your Kids — and Make It About More Than Just Soccer

2026-06-16

How to do a Russian accent, and what those sounds imply

2026-06-15

The Russian Alphabet, A Guide to Cyrillic

2026-06-15

Здравствуйте

2026-06-14

Here are a few ways to say goodbye in Russian, with options suitable for when you're at the door: **Most Common and Versatile:** * **До свидания (Do svidaniya)** - This is the most standard and polite way to say "goodbye." It literally means "until the next meeting." You can use this in almost any situation. **More Informal/Friendly:** * **Пока (Poka)** - This is the equivalent of "bye" or "see ya." It's much more informal and used with friends, family, or people you know well. **When Leaving at the Door (Slightly More Specific):** * **Счастливо (Schastlivo)** - This means "happily" or "be happy." It's often used as a warmer, slightly more personal way to say goodbye, especially when parting with someone you know. It implies "Go well and be happy." * **Всего доброго (Vsego dobrogo)** - This translates to "All the best." It's a kind and warm way to say goodbye, suitable for both familiar and less familiar people. **When you are leaving and the other person is staying:** * **Ухожу (Ukhodzhu)** - I'm leaving. (This is not a direct goodbye, but informs the other person.) **When they are leaving and you are staying:** * **Вы уходите? (Vy ukhodite?)** - Are you leaving? * **Счастливого пути! (Schastlivogo puti!)** - Have a good trip! (If they are going on a journey.) **At the door, the most common and appropriate for most situations would be:** * **До свидания (Do svidaniya)** * **Счастливо (Schastlivo)** (if you know them well) * **Всего доброго (Vsego dobrogo)** (a nice general option) **If you're in a very casual setting with friends:** * **Пока (Poka)**

2026-06-14

How to learn Russian from scratch, a beginner's roadmap for kids

2026-06-13

Thank you: Спасибо (Spasibo) Please: Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta) Excuse me/Pardon me: Извините (Izvinite) You're welcome: Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta) or Не за что (Ne za chto) Hello (formal): Здравствуйте (Zdrastvuyte) Hello (informal): Привет (Privet) Goodbye (formal): До свидания (Do svidaniya) Goodbye (informal): Пока (Poka) Good morning: Доброе утро (Dobroye utro) Good afternoon: Добрый день (Dobryy den') Good evening: Добрый вечер (Dobryy vecher)

2026-06-13

Best Soviet Cartoons. Classics That Are Still Watched Today

2026-06-13

Raising multilingual children, and what multilingualism gives a child

2026-06-11

Russian language facts, numbers, and curiosities

2026-06-10