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B12 min · 115 words

Русские суеверия

Russian Superstitions

Why you mustn't whistle indoors, what to do before a journey, and why Tom sat on a suitcase in silence with three Russians — the superstition survival guide.

You will practice: принято/не принято and нельзя constructions, imperatives in prohibitions (не свисти!), and если-clauses for omens.

Words to know

Skim these before you read — they carry the story. Tap the star to add one to your saved words.

  • суевериеsuperstition
  • нельзяone must not
  • свистетьto whistle
  • порогthreshold
  • приметаomen, sign
  • разбитьto break
  • посудаdishes
  • к счастьюluckily / for luck
  • чёрный котblack cat
  • дорогаroad, journey
  • веритьto believe

Did you get it?

3 quick questions — no grades, just a comprehension check.

1. Why must you not whistle indoors?

2. What do Russians do before a long journey?

3. What does it mean if you break a dish?

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.