From zero to A1
Russian for beginners
A clear, realistic route from “I cannot read Cyrillic” to a simple conversation. One-to-one lessons, a twelve-week plan, and no assumption that you already know grammar.
What A1 actually means
A1 is not fluency. It is the point where you can handle simple, predictable situations and keep learning on your own.
- Read Cyrillic signs, names and short texts.
- Introduce yourself, greet people and ask simple questions.
- Talk about your family, work, home and daily routine in short sentences.
- Understand slow, clear speech on familiar topics.
The first three lessons
- 1
Lesson 1: the alphabet without panic
We group letters by shape and sound, including the false friends that look English but are not. You read your first words by the end of the lesson.
- 2
Lesson 2: reading and stress
Russian stress changes pronunciation, so we practise it from the start. You learn to read signs, names and short menus.
- 3
Lesson 3: your first conversation
Hello, my name is, I am from, nice to meet you. A short, real exchange — not a list to memorise.
A 12-week route
This is the typical shape, not a rigid timetable. If you need longer on one step, we take it.
| When | Focus | What you will be able to do |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Alphabet and reading | Cyrillic letters, sounds, stress, reading short words and names. You will read your first sentences aloud. |
| Weeks 3–4 | First phrases and present tense | Greetings, introductions, numbers, polite phrases, and the present tense of common verbs. |
| Weeks 5–6 | Gender, plurals and the accusative | How nouns work, why gender matters, and the case you need for objects and direction. |
| Weeks 7–8 | Location and the prepositional case | Where things are, where you live, and how to talk about your day using в and на. |
| Weeks 9–10 | Past tense and the genitive | Talking about the past, possession, quantities, and the case behind "I have no…". |
| Weeks 11–12 | Putting it together | Short conversations, listening practice, revision, and a clear plan for A2. |
“Russian is too hard”
Russian is different from English, but it is not chaos. The alphabet is learnable in weeks, the cases follow patterns, and you do not need all six cases to have a first conversation. The mistake is trying to learn everything before speaking.
What you need to bring
Twenty to thirty minutes of practice between lessons, a notebook, and a willingness to read aloud badly for a week or two. Everything else — materials, plan and corrections — is provided.
Free 20-minute trial, no card.
Beginner questions
Short, direct answers. If yours is not here, send a message and we will reply within one working day.
How long does it take to reach A1?
With one 60-minute lesson a week and short practice between lessons, most students reach a solid A1 in three to four months. Two lessons a week is faster.
Is the alphabet really the hardest part?
The alphabet looks intimidating but is usually learned in two or three lessons. The harder part is using cases consistently, which is why we introduce them gradually.
Do I need to know grammar terms?
No. We use plain English and examples first, then give the term once you have seen the pattern. You do not need to know what a case is before you start.
Can I start if I am over 60?
Yes. Most students are adults of different ages. The pace is adapted to you, and there is no competition with anyone else.
What happens after A1?
You move to A2: everyday situations, the past tense in more depth, and longer conversations. The plan is agreed at the end of the first block.
Start with the alphabet
A free 20-minute lesson is enough to see whether the method suits you.
- An honest check of your current level
- A recommendation on format and frequency
- A first plan you can start the same week