The Word's Worth

Get to know Russia from the inside out, with podcasts on Russian language, culture and the latest news.

Plug It, Mute It, or Hear It

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

08-11
08:52

Alexei Navalny and the Secret List of Forbidden Words

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

08-04
09:44

And Yet It's Nevertheless, All the Same, After All

The joy of particles (not).

07-28
08:37

A Guide to Giving a Bribe in Russian

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

07-21
08:20

Who is Gulya and Why Do We Care About Her Nose?

The preposition "c" has some weird constructions.

07-14
08:30

Spitting, Eating Your Teeth and Other Weird Gestures

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

07-07
08:35

Take Your Pick: Mutiny, Coup, Uprising or Nothing

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

06-30
10:59

Wait - What Russian Month is This?

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

06-23
10:23

What's in a Name? With Russian Holidays - Everything

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

06-16
12:12

A Gathering of Witches, Dues, Herbs and Classmates

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

06-09
08:37

Buy a Brilliant and Applaud an Artist

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

06-02
08:40

Tricks of the Trade

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

05-12
09:52

Under the Mighty Oak I Sit, Stupidly

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

05-05
10:04

The Cat Cried and Ran By

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

04-28
11:15

Serving and Not Serving in the Military

The confusing terminology of conscripts, reservists and draft dodgers.

04-21
08:47

Two Words, Three Letters and Ten Meanings

Oh, the joy of little Russian words.

04-14
08:48

How a Saint Becomes a Sinner

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

04-07
09:34

Of Courtyards, Grifters and Days Off

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

03-31
09:13

Shame That is Cringeworthy

Understanding teenagers is a struggle that makes you cringe.

03-24
07:57

Of Ear Noodles and Maniacal Printers

How you can spend a day translating three words.

03-17
10:14

polly ridley

This is the first time I have come across this podcast and I want to thank you. I am looking forward to catching up with all the previous episodes!

10-28 Reply

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