Новый год в России
New Year in Russia
Russia's biggest holiday: how families prepare for New Year's Eve, the Olivier salad and tangerines on the table, the Kremlin chimes at midnight, and Ded Moroz with his granddaughter Snegurochka.
You will practice: Impersonal 'they' constructions (отмечают, приносят), the reflexive verb готовиться (готовятся), с + instrumental for congratulating (поздравлять с праздником), and чтобы + infinitive for purpose.
Words to know
Skim these before you read — they carry the story. Tap the star to add one to your saved words.
- Новый годNew Year
- праздникholiday, celebration
- отмечатьto celebrate, to mark
- подарокpresent, gift
- украшатьto decorate
- ёлкаfir tree (New Year tree)
- блюдоdish (course)
- колбасаsausage
- мандаринtangerine
- икраcaviar, roe
- полночьmidnight
- курантыchimes (of a clock tower)
- чокатьсяto clink glasses
- желаниеwish
- Дед МорозDed Moroz, Grandfather Frost
- СнегурочкаSnegurochka, the Snow Maiden
- фейерверкfireworks
Did you get it?
5 quick questions — no grades, just a comprehension check.
1. When is New Year celebrated in Russia?
2. What is the most important dish on the holiday table?
3. What happens exactly at midnight?
4. Who brings presents to children?
5. What do many people do after midnight?
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.