Beginning Learner's Russian Dictionary

One of the biggest frustrations when starting Russian is opening a standard dictionary and being met with dozens of definitions for a single word, many of which are rare or overly technical. This dictionary is designed to solve that specific beginner overwhelm by focusing strictly on the meanings and vocabulary you actually need at the A1 (Elementary) level. By narrowing the scope to the 1,000 most essential words, including the official Lexical Minimum for the TORFL exam, you can navigate the language without getting lost in entries intended for advanced study.

A Grammar Guide Hidden in Your Word List

What sets this book apart is that it does more than define words; it shows how they behave. Rather than assuming prior mastery of the Russian case system, clear grammatical tables are embedded directly into the entries themselves.

For example, when you look up the word дочь (daughter), you will find a complete declension table covering all six cases. Likewise, verbs such as писа́ть (to write) include full present and past tense conjugations. This design allows you to absorb grammar naturally, word by word, without constantly flipping to a separate grammar appendix.

Precision in Pronunciation and Usage

Pronunciation is one of the most challenging aspects of Russian because stress placement is unpredictable and often changes when a word is inflected. To address this, accent marks are included on every polysyllabic word. This feature, rarely found in materials for native speakers, is essential for learners.

You can clearly see stress shifts, such as from the second syllable in цена́ (price) to the first syllable in the plural це́ны(prices). The dictionary also includes targeted usage notes, such as the warning for арти́ст, which clarifies that in Russian it refers to an entertainer or performer rather than a painter.

How to Use This Book Effectively

This dictionary is intended to be an active learning tool in your daily study routine. Rather than looking up a word and moving on, you are encouraged to read the example sentences provided with each entry. These examples are written exclusively using other A1-level vocabulary, so you never need a second dictionary just to understand the first one.

For best results, pair your reading with the free accompanying audio. Each audio track corresponds directly to page numbers in the book, making it easy to listen and repeat. This is especially useful for words like коне́чно (of course), where the spoken form differs noticeably from the written spelling.

What You Can Achieve

By the time you work through this dictionary, you will have gained far more than a list of translations. You will develop a practical understanding of how Russian vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation fit together.

Whether you are preparing for the TORFL A1 exam or simply want to handle everyday situations such as introducing your family, describing your routine, or navigating daily life, this book provides the lexical foundation you need. You move beyond word-by-word translation and begin to recognize patterns, giving you a solid base for confident communication and a smooth transition into A2-level studies.