MGU Russian language centre

At first glance, «очень» and «слишком» look almost identical. Both make an adjective stronger, so many Russian learners use them interchangeably. But they express two very different ideas. Use «очень» when you simply want to emphasize something. It has a positive or neutral meaning and is the equivalent of very: «мне очень нравится Москва» (I really like Moscow), «сегодня очень тепло» (It's very warm today), «этот фильм очень интересный» (This film is very interesting). «Слишком» is different. It means that something has gone beyond a comfortable or acceptable limit. In English, it's usually translated as too: «сегодня слишком жарко» (It's too hot today), «этот чемодан слишком тяжёлый» (This suitcase is too heavy), «ты говоришь слишком быстро» (You speak too fast). In all of these examples, the speaker isn't just describing something. They're saying it's more than they would like. A simple way to remember the difference is this: «очень» makes something stronger, while «слишком» suggests there's a problem because there's too much of it.

💐Buying flowers in Russia? There's one small detail that surprises almost every foreign visitor. For celebrations, Russians usually give an odd number of flowers: 1, 3, 5, 7, and so on. Bouquets with an even numberare traditionally associated with funerals and memorial ceremonies, so they're not given for birthdays, dates, or other happy occasions. The type of flower matters too. Red roses are often associated with romance, white lilies are a popular choice for weddings, and tulips become especially popular in spring, particularly around 8 March, International Women's Day. If you're not sure what to choose, a bouquet of fresh seasonal flowers with an odd number of stems is always a safe choice. It's a small cultural detail, but knowing it can help you avoid an awkward situation and make a great impression.

One of the easiest mistakes to make in Russian is mixing up знать and уметь. Both can be translated as «to know», but they mean different things. Use знать when you’re talking about knowledge: Я знаю русский язык. — I know Russian. Ты знаешь этого человека? — Do you know this person? Use уметь when you’re talking about a skill or ability: Я умею плавать. — I can swim. Она умеет готовить. — She knows how to cook. A simple way to remember it: знать = to know уметь = to know how / to be able to Save to remember!!!

If you spend enough time in Russia, sooner or later you'll hear someone say: «Кто первый встал, того и тапки.» Literally, it means «Whoever gets up first gets the slippers.» The phrase is usually said jokingly when two people want the same thing. The idea is simple: whoever gets there first gets it. Today, Russians use it in all kinds of situations—not just about slippers. The last slice of pizza, the best seat on the sofa, or even the front place in a queue? Кто первый встал, того и тапки! It's one of those expressions you'll rarely find in a textbook, but you'll definitely hear in everyday conversations.

If you ask a Russian to name a singer whose songs everyone knows, chances are you'll hear Vladimir Vysotsky. He was a singer, poet, actor, and songwriter, but people remember him first for the honesty of his music. He sang about friendship, love, courage, everyday life, and the choices people have to make. His lyrics felt so real that many listeners saw themselves in them. What's remarkable is that many of his songs were never officially released during the Soviet era. Instead, people recorded them on cassette tapes and passed them from hand to hand. That's how his music spread across the country—long before the internet or streaming platforms. More than 40 years later, Vysotsky is still part of everyday Russian culture. His songs are played, his poems are studied, and many Russians can quote his lyrics by heart. Have you ever discovered an artist from another country who is considered a true cultural icon?

5 places in Russia that look like another planet 🪐 Think Russia is just forests, snow, and Moscow? These places might completely change your mind. Kamchatka volcanoes An otherworldly landscape of active volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, and geysers. It feels more like Iceland than what most people imagine Russia to be. The Curonian Spit Giant sand dunes, pine forests, and the Baltic Sea all in one place. In some areas, it feels as if you've stepped into the middle of a desert. Lake Elton One of Europe's largest salt lakes. In summer, the water often turns pink because of tiny algae, creating surreal landscapes. The Lena Pillars Towering rock formations stretching for kilometers along the Lena River in Yakutia. They've stood here for millions of years and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chara Sands A real desert in the middle of Siberia. Golden dunes are surrounded by forests and snow-capped mountains—a combination you won't find almost anywhere else in the world. Russia is full of places that don't look "typically Russian." Sometimes it feels like you're traveling across several different planets in one country.Which of these would you visit first?

Condensed milk: why do Russians love it so much? Ask almost any Russian about a favorite childhood treat, and there's a good chance they'll mention сгущёнка(sgushchyonka). It's sweetened condensed milk with a thick, creamy texture. Russians spread it on pancakes, waffles, and bread, use it in cakes, stir it into desserts—or simply eat it straight from the can with a spoon. For many people, it's a nostalgic taste that brings back memories of childhood, family breakfasts, and holidays. You'll also recognize it easily in stores: the classic blue-and-white can has become one of Russia's most iconic food products. If you visit Russia, trying сгущёнка is almost a rite of passage. Have you tried it yet?

Russian without a translator #2 Can you choose the correct answer? How do you say "I'm going to the store" in Russian? A) Я иду на магазин B) Я иду в магазин C) Я иду к магазин Write A, B, or C in the comments before checking the answer. 💬 The first correct answer will be PINNED!

What should you bring home from Russia besides a matryoshka? Looking for a souvenir that's a little less obvious? Here are a few authentic Russian gifts worth packing in your suitcase: • An Orenburg lace shawl — famous for being so fine that some can fit through a wedding ring. • A Pavlovo Posad wool scarf — known for its colorful floral patterns and over 200 years of history. • A painted wooden spoon — one of the most recognizable symbols of traditional Russian craftsmanship. • A samovar (or a miniature decorative one) — a classic symbol of Russian tea culture. • A fur ushanka — the iconic winter hat with ear flaps, still worn in cold regions. • Russian chocolates and candies — brands like Alyonka or Bear in the North are popular gifts to take home. • A birch bark box (берестяная шкатулка) — handmade boxes woven from natural birch bark, a traditional craft from northern Russia. These souvenirs are more than just keepsakes—they each tell a small story about Russian traditions, craftsmanship, or everyday life. Which one would you choose?

We are often asked about the current situation in Moscow and whether it is safe to come. In practice, everyday life in Moscow continues as usual. The city centre, tourist attractions, the metro, cafés, museums, and shops are all operating normally. Street crime remains low, and there is a strong police presence. In recent weeks, Moscow has experienced several Ukrainian drone attacks. Most drones have been intercepted by air defences, although some incidents have led to temporary airport closures and flight disruptions. Despite this, daily life in the city has not been significantly affected. Our educational centre is located in the heart of Moscow, in a busy central district with enhanced security. If you are planning to visit, we recommend following official news, using the metro or Yandex Go, keeping an eye on your belongings, carrying copies of your passport and migration documents, bringing cash or a Russian bank card (foreign Visa and Mastercard do not work in Russia), and installing a reliable VPN before your trip.