The Word's Worth

Plug It, Mute It, or Hear It 11.08.2023 8:52 ↓

The words for things that shut out sound and let you hear it are the same in Russian. Of course they are.

Alexei Navalny and the Secret List of Forbidden Words 04.08.2023 9:44 ↓

It's hard to know where general language ends and criminal slangs begins.

And Yet It's Nevertheless, All the Same, After All 28.07.2023 8:37 ↓

The joy of particles (not).

A Guide to Giving a Bribe in Russian 21.07.2023 8:20 ↓

What you say when you bribe depends on whether you want something or they want something.

Who is Gulya and Why Do We Care About Her Nose? 14.07.2023 8:30 ↓

The preposition "c" has some weird constructions.

Spitting, Eating Your Teeth and Other Weird Gestures 07.07.2023 8:35 ↓

When a person eats his teeth, is that bad or good? Or even possible?

Take Your Pick: Mutiny, Coup, Uprising or Nothing 30.06.2023 10:59 ↓

What happened last week is a changing story that depends on speaker, day, mood and the subjunctive.

Wait - What Russian Month is This? 23.06.2023 10:23 ↓

If you thought you knew the names of the months in Russian, think again.

What's in a Name? With Russian Holidays - Everything 16.06.2023 12:12 ↓

This week Russia celebrated Russia Day. If you have no idea what that holiday is, join the gang.

A Gathering of Witches, Dues, Herbs and Classmates 09.06.2023 8:37 ↓

Сбор and сборы are unusual words: sometimes the singular and plural forms have unrelated meanings.

Buy a Brilliant and Applaud an Artist 02.06.2023 8:40 ↓

Oh, those false friends... every translator's nightmare.

Tricks of the Trade 12.05.2023 9:52 ↓

Using the right verb and the right case to express changing and exchanging is a big headache.

Under the Mighty Oak I Sit, Stupidly 05.05.2023 10:04 ↓

Sitting on stumps, falling out of trees and stepping in rotten logs figure prominently in Russian expressions.

The Cat Cried and Ran By 28.04.2023 11:15 ↓

Cats are popular pets In Russia but unpopular in folk expressions.

Serving and Not Serving in the Military 21.04.2023 8:47 ↓

The confusing terminology of conscripts, reservists and draft dodgers.

Two Words, Three Letters and Ten Meanings 14.04.2023 8:48 ↓

Oh, the joy of little Russian words.

How a Saint Becomes a Sinner 07.04.2023 9:34 ↓

How some Russian words change meaning in and out of church.

Of Courtyards, Grifters and Days Off 31.03.2023 9:13 ↓

All about things and people that pass by, pass through, and ought to pass off forever.

Shame That is Cringeworthy 24.03.2023 7:57 ↓

Understanding teenagers is a struggle that makes you cringe.

Of Ear Noodles and Maniacal Printers 17.03.2023 10:14 ↓

How you can spend a day translating three words.

Please Don't Hit on Me, Bug Me, or Harass Me 10.03.2023 7:06 ↓

How everyone from gangsters to presidents keep people calm and in their place.

A Pocketful of Somethings 03.03.2023 8:10 ↓

How can I say something? Let me count the ways.

A Year of the Language of War 24.02.2023 10:53 ↓

A new set of language norms have taken hold in Russia.

The Ears Have It 17.02.2023 7:58 ↓

Russian ears are more athletic than English ears.

Travels, Trips and Tours 10.02.2023 10:51 ↓

Trips with goals, aimless travels, and all-inclusive tourist packages.