# First Steps in Russian

**Language:** Russian  
**CEFR Level:** A1  

> Listen in as Юлия and Егор talk about navigating a new city and settling into an apartment in real, everyday Russian. By the end of this course their conversation will feel easy to follow, and you'll be ready to join in.

**Setting:** The story unfolds in the historic Vakhitovsky district of Kazan near the scenic Kaban lakes, where a newly arrived protagonist is trying to find their apartment and settle into the city. Юлия, who leads a local folk choir, helps the newcomer navigate the neighborhood, while her uncle Егор, visiting from his bathhouse job in St. Petersburg, offers warm hospitality and practical local tips.

## Lessons

### 1. Helping someone look for housing

Юлия introduces a newcomer who is looking for an apartment, and Егор points out a good option nearby.

### 2. Describing locations in a neighborhood

Юлия and Егор discuss the location of the apartment near Lake Kaban and talk about walking in the area.

### 3. Talking about work and vacation

Егор explains that he has free time because he is on vacation, while Юлия teases him about his job at the bathhouse.

### 4. Offering food and drinks

Егор explains how he likes to relax, and Юлия offers tea and bread to their guest.

### 5. Discussing hobbies and daily plans

Egor invites Yulia to sit down in a quiet spot, and Yulia mentions her upcoming choir rehearsal, prompting Egor to praise her singing.

### 6. Talking about foreign language skills

Yulia modestly downplays Egor's praise about her singing, and they discuss how well her companion can read simple Russian words.

### 7. Comparing confusing alphabet letters

Egor and Yulia talk about the confusing Cyrillic letters that look like Latin characters but represent completely different sounds.

### 8. Sharing language learning experiences

Egor encourages the learner by saying that studying gets easier, but Yulia is surprised to hear that Egor's friend is also learning Russian.

### 9. Inviting someone to see a house

Egor jokes about how children read, and Yulia invites him to go see a nearby house that is just a two-minute walk away.

### 10. Giving simple directions to a house

Egor decides to finish his tea before heading over, while Yulia provides him with the house number and mentions its lakeside view.

### 11. Describing a host and a view

Egor praises the beautiful view of the location, and Yulia tells him about the kind landlady, Roza, who lives there.

### 12. Asking about someone's baking skills

Egor asks if the landlady bakes bread, and Yulia enthusiastically confirms while complimenting her delicious tea.

### 13. Commenting on someone's habits

Егор suggests going to drink tea in another spot, prompting Юлия to comment on how much tea he has already had today.

### 14. Defending your daily choices

Егор defends his frequent tea drinking by explaining that it is a great day and the tea is good.