Настоящая русская зима
A Real Russian Winter
Why Russians love their long, frosty winter: cities under a white blanket, dressing in down coats and valenki against −40°, and weekend fun — snowmen, sledding, skating, and skiing — rewarded with hot tea by the fire.
You will practice: чтобы + infinitive for purpose (чтобы не замерзнуть), impersonal нужно + infinitive, the reflexive кататься for winter sports (кататься на коньках, на лыжах), and несмотря на + accusative for concession.
Words to know
Skim these before you read — they carry the story. Tap the star to add one to your saved words.
- зимаwinter
- снежныйsnowy
- морозныйfrosty
- холодcold
- снегsnow
- крышаroof
- замёрзнутьto freeze, to get very cold
- одеватьсяto dress, to get dressed
- пуховикdown jacket
- шапкаhat
- варежкиmittens
- валенкиvalenki (traditional felt boots)
- морозfrost, hard freeze
- снеговикsnowman
- санкиsled
- конькиskates
- лыжиskis
- радостьjoy
Did you get it?
5 quick questions — no grades, just a comprehension check.
1. How cold can it get in some regions, such as Siberia?
2. What are valenki?
3. What do children do in the parks in winter?
4. What is especially pleasant after a long walk in the frost?
5. How does the text describe the Russian winter overall?
Too hard? Pick an easier text in the Russian reading library. Understanding most of a text without translations is the goal — struggling through is not.