Hello! Want to learn Russian?

It all depends on the individual. Some people learn faster, others more slowly. Many factors matter: how much your native language differs from Russian (for a Slavic language speaker it is much easier than for a Japanese speaker), whether you have a good memory, how well you understand spoken language, whether your brain is tired or rested, whether strong stress is blocking new information. Everyone learns at their own pace.

On average, reaching the first level (A1) takes about 80–120 hours of study.
A1 ≈ 80–120 hours
A2 ≈ A1 + 180–200 hours
B1 ≈ A2 + 160–180 hours
B2 ≈ B1 + 380–720 hours
C1 ≈ B2 + 280 hours
C2 ≈ C1 + 180 hours

Russian is not an easy language. But it is very interesting. I often tell my students: “Treat learning the language as an exciting adventure. Sometimes you will walk slowly by foot, sometimes you will drive fast by car, but in any case you will enjoy beautiful nature, talk with interesting people, do interesting things and discover something new and unusual.” I try to make your language learning an exciting journey so that you truly enjoy the process itself.

The best option is to have lessons 2–3 times a week for 45–60 minutes. One lesson per week will allow you to maintain your knowledge of the language. However, you should understand that progress will be slower. I can also offer 30-minute lessons for very busy people who find it difficult to find even one hour a week, or for those who, due to health reasons, find it hard to maintain concentration for a long time.

The trial lesson is a short demonstration of a regular lesson. I teach you Russian, and you see whether this teaching style suits you or not. Bring a notebook and a pen to the lesson.

Before the lesson you may take the test and know your level (approximately). The test shows only grammar results. I will be able to know your other skills (speaking, listening) during the trial lesson.

In class I use Russian as much as possible. The lessons are built so that you understand everything without translation. This is a special method. However, if something is still unclear, I can explain in English, in Japanese, or use an online translator.

Russian is as difficult as any other foreign language. Whether it’s worth starting is more of a psychological question than a linguistic one. You either allow yourself to enjoy and do what your soul asks for, or you forbid it. And it doesn’t matter what we’re talking about — learning a foreign language, dancing, singing, entering university, starting a family, etc.

Of course. With age, many people notice that cognitive abilities slow down a bit and it takes more time to memorize new words than when you were, say, 20. However, learning a foreign language has a very positive effect on the brain and helps it stay active longer. It is definitely a good investment in your health. The most important thing is that you like the language you are studying and take pleasure in the process.

This is not a problem at all! I always have questions ready for you, and I prepare materials in advance. We can watch a film, work with a song, read a text and discuss it, etc. You will always have a topic for conversation, I will always have questions for you, and you will always have grammatical patterns to help you build sentences correctly. And if you can’t express something, I will always help you.

In Russia people may notice your accent. But they do so only because they are interested in foreigners. They will hear the accent, realize you are a foreigner, and start asking: where you are from, where you studied Russian, why you are learning it, why you love Russia, and so on.

There is only one rule in lessons of a foreign language: your speech should be understandable. If you pronounce something very unclearly, we will work on it and correct the sounds.

Russians are very friendly and responsive. Many will be happy to help you even if they don’t understand everything. No one will laugh at you.

Besides, Russian lessons are your safe training space. Here you can practice speaking and make as many mistakes as you need. Your native-speaker teacher will always help you notice and correct the mistakes. It only feels scary in your head. In reality, everything is comfortable, friendly, and fun.

There is no need to be afraid. You have a very patient and kind teacher. Everyone makes mistakes — me, you, and everyone else. A mistake is valuable experience. The more mistakes you make and correct, the more experienced you become. Don’t be afraid of mistakes — there is no scolding for them in my lessons.

No. I only teach adults. Children’s brains and psychology work differently from adults. They require a different program. I recommend you look for a teacher who specializes in teaching children.