Russian Idioms and How They Affect Grammar
Introduction: What Makes Russian Idioms So Unique?
Imagine you hear a Russian speaker say, Вот где собака зарыта! (Vot gde sobaka zaryta!). A literal translation would be, Here is where the dog is buried!—but in reality, it means “This is the crux of the matter!”
Idioms like this are part of what makes Russian such a fascinating and sometimes perplexing language for learners. These expressions, deeply embedded in Russian culture, don’t just enrich communication—they also influence grammar in ways that may surprise you. For students at Polyglottist Language Academy, mastering idioms is an important step toward fluency because they affect word order, case usage, and verb aspect in Russian.
In this article, we’ll explore how Russian idioms impact grammar, breaking down the most common patterns and providing real-world examples to help you understand them better. If you're serious about learning Russian, understanding idioms isn’t just an option—it’s essential!
What Are Idioms, and Why Do They Matter in Russian Grammar?
Idioms are phrases that don’t translate word-for-word but instead have a figurative meaning. In Russian, idioms often influence the grammar of a sentence in the following ways:
Case Selection: Certain idioms require nouns to be in specific cases.
Verb Aspect: Some idiomatic expressions determine whether the perfective or imperfective aspect is used.
Word Order: Idioms can follow non-standard word arrangements, making them unique but sometimes challenging for learners.
Example 1: Case Selection in Idioms
A well-known Russian idiom is:
Беречь как зеницу ока (Berech' kak zenitsu oka)
Translation: "To cherish something like the apple of one's eye"
Here, зеницу ока (zenitsu oka, "apple of the eye") is in the accusative case because the verb беречь (berech', "to cherish") requires a direct object. Many idioms in Russian follow specific case rules that must be memorized to avoid grammatical mistakes.
Example 2: Verb Aspect in Idioms
Consider this common Russian idiom:
Куры не клюют (Kury ne klyuyut)
Translation: "More than enough" (literally, "Chickens don’t peck [at it]")
Here, the verb клевать (klevat', "to peck") appears in the imperfective aspect because the idiom describes an ongoing or general state (having an abundance of something). If a learner mistakenly uses the perfective aspect (клюнуть, klyunut'), it would disrupt the meaning of the expression.
Example 3: Word Order in Idioms
Russian idioms can also defy standard sentence structures, making them difficult for learners to decipher. Take this expression:
Дело в шлапе (Delo v shlape)
Translation: "It's a done deal" (literally, "The matter is in the hat")
Here, the prepositional phrase (в шляпе, "in the hat") appears at the end, whereas in standard Russian syntax, one might expect a more direct subject-verb-object order. This reversal is what makes idioms sound natural to native speakers while confusing learners.
How to Learn Russian Idioms Effectively
Mastering idioms requires exposure, memorization, and practice. Here are some strategies to help you internalize them:
Learn Idioms in Context – Don’t just memorize a list. Read idioms in short stories, news articles, or dialogues.
Understand the Grammar – Pay attention to the cases and verb aspects used in idioms.
Practice with Native Speakers – The best way to sound natural is to use idioms in real conversations.
Write Your Own Sentences – Incorporate idioms into short texts to reinforce their grammatical structure.
Use Flashcards with Sentences – Instead of just translating, include full sentences with idioms to reinforce their correct usage.
Common Russian Idioms That Affect Grammar
Here are five more Russian idioms with explanations of their grammar:
1. Сидеть на двух стульях (Sidet' na dvukh stulyakh)
Translation: "To sit on two chairs" (To be in two places at once, trying to please everyone)
Grammar Tip: The preposition на requires the prepositional case (на двух стульях).
2. Крыша едет (Krysha yedet)
Translation: "The roof is moving" (To lose one’s mind)
Grammar Tip: The verb ехать (yekhat', "to move/go") appears in the imperfective aspect, emphasizing a state rather than a completed action.
3. Как с гуся вода (Kak s gusya voda)
Translation: "Like water off a goose’s back" (Something doesn’t affect someone)
Grammar Tip: С (s, "off") takes the genitive case (с гуся).
4. Пойти по козьей тропе (Poyti po kozyey trope)
Translation: "To go down a goat’s path" (To take a risky or unknown route)
Grammar Tip: По (po, "along") governs the dative case (по козьей тропе).
5. Поставить точку (Postavit' tochku)
Translation: "To put a period" (To put an end to something)
Grammar Tip: The verb поставить (postavit', "to put") takes a direct object in the accusative case (точку).
Explore More About Russian Grammar and Culture
Want to dive deeper into Russian? Check out our related articles:
Mastering Russian Cases: A Beginner’s Guide
The Russian Verb System: Perfective vs. Imperfective
Common Russian Proverbs and Their Meanings
Understanding Russian Sentence Structure
How to Sound Natural in Russian: Essential Tips
And if you're ready to take your Russian to the next level, check out our Russian Online Classes at Polyglottist Language Academy!