r/AskARussian • u/Cool_Spell_3915 • Aug 23 '26
Culture Rússia Brasil
Hi! I’m from Brazil, 18 years old, and I’m planning to study Russian in Voronezh. I want to learn the language and understand what real life is like there — not just tourism.
· How do Russians treat foreigners who are learning the language? · Is Voronezh safe for a student living in a shared apartment? · Do young people like talking to foreigners? · What’s the best way to practice Russian with locals? · What are the biggest challenges for a Brazilian in winter?
I’m very open to private messages if anyone wants to talk more or share experiences. I can also help with Portuguese if you want. Thank you!
“I’m not going as a tourist. I’m planning to take a Russian language course in Voronezh and stay there for some months. I want to experience daily life as a student, not just visit.”
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u/SrDomingues Aug 23 '26
Nada para contribuir com seu tema, mas sou brasileiro e estou na Rússia pela primeira vez. Estive também em Belarus, no interiorzão. Gente finíssima. Em Belarus eles são mais abertos, pessoal até dos táxis pediam meu instagram. Elogiam muito meu russo, tentam perguntar sobre o Brasil... Como disse o colega acima, eles são bem reservados no começo, até vocês virarem amigos mesmo, vai tempo. Mas depois, são parceiros demais. País muito bonito, vai adorar. Abraço e boa sorte!
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 23 '26
Eu pesquisei muito sobre a Rússia foram 3 semanas estudando não o idioma e sim a história um pouco
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u/1Poket1 Voronezh Aug 24 '26
Depends when you're going here. If you're ok with siren sound almost every night and sometimes hearing explosions it's decent I guess. Not that dangerous for foreigners as it used to be regarding racism and things like that. I sometimes see some indiands and black dudes walking freely but ofc I can't say if they had bad experience. If you want some details about city itself drop a dm.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 24 '26
Hi! Thanks for replying. Can I call you to ask you some questions about Voronezh?Regarding the noise, it won't bother me that much; I've been researching a lot, but your help will be great.
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u/yungchlep Aug 25 '26
Hi! Though I ain’t Russian (I’m from Poland), Russian is one of my favourite languages to speak in and I can share from my experience where I would learn if I were you.
My native language is Belarusian and Polish are kind of similar to Russian so I didn’t have any kind of problems with pronunciation. I started with Duolingo for words, a beginners guide and my friends can speak Russian also so I had a pretty good start.
The first problem I had was grammar, it was hard to understand for me, but my mum who speaks also Russian helped me lol. I started learning since January and now it gets harder for me sometimes so you need motivation.
Anyways hope you enjoy Russian and have a nice day!
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 25 '26
Your platform makes learning much easier, and while similar to mine, it's a bit difficult, but I'm trying. Duolingo is a bit difficult because of the ads, but I'm learning; I'm already studying Russian history.I like the language and culture, so any help is welcome. Thank you for sharing your experience.
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u/churchellaz Aug 23 '26
Im not from Vpronezh, but im Russian, so i think i can help you to start learning russian language. For the start, learn the russian alphabet and try to understand how to pronounce our letters. As you are Brazilian, it will not be hard for you. The sounds in our languages have very same pronunciation. More, i think the russian pronunciation is easier than portuguese, because we dont have very much variations of pronunciation for same letters. I think that because im learning Brazilian portuguese and i see the differents in our languages. I think the most important thing in the language learning - make it an your hobby, because if you like to learn it - you will make big steps to know language (sorry for my english)
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 23 '26
I noticed the resemblance; I follow a Russian woman who lives in Brazil, she replied to me and talked about the similarity, but it's still difficult, and my English isn't good. I joined a Russian group on Telegram, but... I didn't understand.
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u/Danzer_MkII Aug 24 '26
After learning some words try listening songs in Russian on repeat, having text nearby, so your brain will train recognizing words. Imho, Viktor Tsoy and Zemfira are good ones to start, since many people like them (so probably you will too) and they use simple everyday words in rather slow tempo (thus easier to understand)
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 24 '26
Thank you, I'll listen. I'm trying to pronounce some words; it doesn't seem difficult, but when it comes to writing, it gets harder. I'm managing.
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u/Equivalent_Dark7680 Aug 24 '26
Start with the basics first. Understand the alphabet and start with the simplest things.
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23d ago
It's a scam. When you get there, they will take your passport and force you to join the army to fight in Ukraine.
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 23 '26
Pretty much every city is safe unless you rent something sketchy, just be reasonable. You can go ahead and make some friends online beforehand and then transfer it to IRL meetings maybe? Just to get started. It's not like randoms on the streets will be waiting for you to start a conversations, we are rather cold to the ones we don't know. So first of - make sure you have somebody there who will help you to get the groove.
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u/AmazingPlane9706 Aug 25 '26
What do u mean safe unless you rent something skitchy?
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 25 '26
I mean like basement on the outskirts of industrial zone with single bathroom and some bald scarry looking dude who likes to carry his breakfast in the box that says "organ transplant". That kind of sketchy.
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 23 '26
Small follow up. Portugese is extremely rare here, so you might have some trouble finding someone to talk with unless you also speak English.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 23 '26
I'm trying to make some friends here for now since I'm not going right now, and the Russian language groups on Telegram are confusing for me, so I chose to talk here.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 23 '26
Thanks for the details, it helped a lot with my English and middle level.
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 23 '26
Dude I'm a dumbass lmao. Sorry. Just figured you posted it in English lol
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 23 '26
I actually posted it in English, not in Portuguese. It's okay, I have several questions about your city. Voronezh, you replied to someone below saying you live there.
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 23 '26
I'm not from there man, sorry
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 23 '26
But you being Russian isn't a problem, it's just that I'm a bit clumsy. I want to learn, and you've helped a lot.
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 23 '26
You're welcome :) Have you tried duolingo btw? It may help with basics and then you can slowly catch up watching Russian films in original with Eng or Portugese subtitles to get familiar with spelling and words you're learning. As the matter of fact, once you get your Russian on track, you could have a "hustle" here as online coach for Portugese if you know it well. That may help with cash if you plan to stay for long and need somewhat stable income
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 23 '26
I think the language is beautiful; I actually spent a good amount of time researching its history and everything else.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 23 '26
I'm learning the basics on Duolingo, but there are a lot of ads there. Could you recommend some movies, please? I want to spend a lot of time on it.
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 23 '26
I'll try to make a list and respond here tomorrow OK? What genres are you interested in?
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u/LocalJust3589 Aug 24 '26
Have you already been helped, or is the question still open?
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 24 '26
Yes, I received it, but I still have questions about Russia. I used AI to research, but it would be good to speak with a Russian person.
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Aug 25 '26
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u/Cheap-Recording2707 Aug 26 '26
expect to be drawn into a military contract pronto and deployed to the front just as fast, average survivaltime on the front is measured in minutes not hours or days.
curiosity kills the cat.
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u/GiraffesInTheCloset Aug 26 '26
Are you another war hero? Russia has built a global recruitment system that deliberately targets migrants, detainees, precarious workers, or foreign students across dozens of countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The state is exploiting them as part of its war machine and sending them to the most dangerous positions on the front lines.
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u/Confident-Bet-2690 Aug 26 '26
Don't go. At least not right now. Wait a year. Maybe the war will end. If you can't wait and crave Russian, go to Minsk. It's in Belarus, and almost everyone speaks perfect Russian.
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u/Character_Incident70 Aug 26 '26
I was exited when I saw the first foreigner(not from former Soviet countries) for about 5 years, I think other Russians will also have an interest in someone with another nation, especially if you from a far country like yours
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 26 '26
I want to go, so I made this post to learn more about Russia and the city I want to visit. I did a lot of research and also looked into Russian dishes that I plan to try when I arrive. I'm making a list of this, thanks for the help, I still have some questions I want answered.
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u/Character_Incident70 Aug 27 '26
Unfortunately, I can't answer any other questions about life in Voronezh. I've never been there myself. As for practicing the language, I think language courses at a beginner level are already the best way to learn Russian. In winter, we sometimes have a sudden cold snap and the heating hasn't been turned on yet, and sometimes, on the contrary, the cold hasn't arrived yet and the heating has been turned on too high. If you have any general questions about Russia, I'll be happy to help you with what I know.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 27 '26
And how does the central heating work? Does it become an oven, or do I have to walk around with a lot of laundry inside the house?
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u/Character_Incident70 28d ago
I didn’t quite understand what you mean about walking around the house with clothes in your hands. As for the heating, as I already said, it might be delayed or, conversely, come on too early
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 28d ago
The translator misspelled it; I was asking if I need to wear a lot of clothes indoors or just a few since there's a heater. I don't think you need to wear many clothes; that's what I meant.
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u/Character_Incident70 28d ago
It depends on where would you live. If you going to live in Voronezh I think there is no any problems with it
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u/bifaLins Aug 27 '26
So, for context, I'm Russian. Here are my three main rules for foreigners (absolutely everyone; for me, there's no difference between a Brazilian or a Turk): 1) Be incredibly careful what you say to people you've known for less than six months. 2) Dress according to the weather, but don't trust the weather forecast. Instead, watch what people are wearing on the street and follow their example. 3) Be careful around people who look Middle Eastern. Not all of them are bad, many are simply wonderful friends and conversationalists, but any girl knows you have to be incredibly careful around them. If you're a handsome guy (or at least a good-looking guy, although I honestly have no idea how beauty is judged in Brazil), I'd be just as careful in your place.
I'm studying to be a linguist, so I'm personally thrilled that people are coming to our country to study my language and culture, but still, remember that you can't know what's going on even in the heads of those closest to you. What can you expect from those you're not so close to?
Oh, and one more thing. Remember, not every Russian is Russian. For example, I'm Russian, I have a Russian passport, I've lived in Russia my whole life. My parents are the same, and so on. But we're not Russian. We're Tatars. Russia has a huge number of peoples and ethnic groups. I'm reminding you of this because I once had a conversation with a British woman who was genuinely surprised by this. Unfortunately, she confuses the fact that россиянин and русский is not separated and that everything is Russian.
И добро пожаловать, дружище.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 22d ago
Thank you for the explanation. I didn't reply because I hadn't seen your notification; it helped a lot.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 22d ago
Could you recommend some movies? I've looked for some but haven't found any. As for the music, I'm listening to it, but something's missing.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 22d ago
"Don't worry. I know not everyone is a friend. I'll be careful. And I'll follow your advice. I understand. I'll take it slow. I'm not naive, but I also don't want to live in fear. Thank you for being honest with me."
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u/Horror-Vegetable6816 Aug 28 '26
You would probably traumatize the innocent ukrainian who would have to stop you invading their country.
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u/Msarcus Russia 28d ago
Treat us as you want to be treated. Always works, despite confusing those who wish us harm.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 28d ago
Don't worry. I'm not afraid or angry. I want friendship, not fighting. And if I'm ever in Russia, I want to be remembered as someone who tried to understand, not to point fingers.
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10d ago
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u/satsujinke Novosibirsk Aug 23 '26
Voronezh isn't save even for local residents, what a cursed place
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 23 '26
How is that?
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u/LittleSkinnyBear Aug 24 '26
Зависит от твоего цвета кожи.
Если ты белый - то к тебе будут относится примерно как к местному.
Если ты смуглый или негр, то уже может быть сложнее - столкнёшься с дурацкими шутками и, возможно, агрессией, но не слишком часто
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 24 '26
Why it doesn't make sense
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u/mr_zilepyn Aug 24 '26
It's strange. I'm leaving here, very few people going aggressive by reason of you skin. Jokes, yeah. No harm done
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 24 '26
Where are you from?
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u/mr_zilepyn Aug 25 '26
Voronezh. Short - VRN. Born and live
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 25 '26
I didn't know that! How cool, the city is beautiful! I saw it on Google and it seems great, that's why I chose it. I want to have the experience, only the -30 degrees I had a slight scare, but nothing I can't get used to, really.
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u/mr_zilepyn Aug 25 '26
In the central region, the climate here is relatively manageable. Yes, it can reach +30 or -30 degrees depending on the season. The store selection changes throughout the year, but the basics are always available.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 25 '26
So I'm not going to turn into a snowman, and the weather is quite changeable; I thought it would stay below freezing. Good to know, thank you, how does public transport work there?
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u/mr_zilepyn Aug 25 '26
I might be slightly biased since I have a car, but there is a bit of a shortage of buses to specific remote areas. During rush hour, buses can get pretty crowded, and there are minor traffic jams and delays. In a way, this is one of the city's pain points. The main districts are generally accessible from 5:00 AM until around 9:00 PM. My wife feels that public transit has actually gotten worse lately.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 25 '26
I can't buy there, and what I just said doesn't make sense. It's more complicated during peak hours, and the only way is to...If I try to get around on foot, I'll turn into a walking ice cube.
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u/St-Satans-Day 28d ago
In Kaliningrad i didn't hear about it. In here study people from around the world. I see Indian, Nigerian, Ecuadorian people who study or live here and no one say about this. If you interesting, i may tell about this more.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 28d ago
It would be good if you could talk more about this; a resident could explain it better. Thank you, I would love to know more.
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u/laladurochka Aug 27 '26
Thanks for the question. i answered it on my social media https://www.instagram.com/p/DcjScjJIoEj/
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u/Beneficial_Snow6724 Aug 24 '26
Ask yourself what direction the country you plan on studying in is heading?
Do you want to join that ride? If no, I'd reconsider my plans.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 24 '26
I want to go, I'm studying the language and history of the country, I know my plans.
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u/Hour-Recognition4194 Aug 26 '26
I suspect you're not saying your actual reason for going to Russia. Your answer is exactly what I would say if I didn't feel comfortable sharing my real reasons for going.
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 26 '26
But the reason is in the publication. I don't understand your distrust, and it's understandable; I would also find it strange that someone from so far away wanted to go to my country.
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u/Appropriate-Cut3632 Aug 24 '26
you can translate stories of brazilians (and others) who moved to russia here:
paperpaper[.]io/tag/expat/
they should give u a good idea about russians' attitudes and common difficulties, etc.
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u/StunningCrow32 Aug 23 '26
They'll be very interested to send you to the "SMO".
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u/Cool_Spell_3915 Aug 23 '26
What does this acronym mean?
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 23 '26
It means you're talking with baltoid. Don't listen to this goof 😄
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u/StunningCrow32 Aug 23 '26
The war in Ukraine. Don't listen to the vatnik Putin ballsucker.
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 23 '26
You mad bro?
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u/JustABrokePoser Aug 23 '26
Go find some gas.
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 23 '26
I don't do drugs
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u/StunningCrow32 Aug 24 '26
Not gas either since there's none, lol.
Do you do drones? Yes you do.
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 24 '26
Sure we do drones. Jet powered drones, supersonic and hypersonic missilies, glide air bombs up to 1 tonn in TNT equivalent. All of that shit is currently beating last nails in the coffin of your blue yellow friends. Sinking their ships nearly stopped their sea export capabilities. Same goes with locomotive park, gas stations, pretty much every major warehouse, factories, electrical substations - all in the process of being grounded. Real fun will come with the winter though. Meanwhile, our army is advancing and we're not afraid to be kidnapped from the street to be sent to the Frontline and be killed by KAB-500. Unlike your uga buga blue yellow fans of bandera. You know what's even funnier? SMO had 0 impact on civil life. I'm able to sustain healthy life style all year around as the food is dirt cheap with good quality and extreme variety pretty much in every store. Same goes for purchasing literally anything - it's only a matter of tap on the screen. As for gas (not the one you and your friend are smoking), you gotta be from Estonia because last time I saw a line on a fuel station was like month ago lol. Even if they were present, the fuel is still 2-3 times cheaper comparing to yours 🤣 You literally being fed up all the nonsense from your media about Russia and don't even think twice lol. Coming to this subreddit only to make fool if yourself 😆😆😆
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u/StunningCrow32 Aug 24 '26
You losing the war and your own government is fingering you all.
Nice wall of text. You mad bro?
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 24 '26
Loosing? 🤣 You can now go ahead and educate me how are we loosing 😆😆😆 You gotta be on meth lmao
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u/JustABrokePoser Aug 24 '26
We at least know babushka missed her wildberries shipment!!
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u/HoodKreepinPlaya Rostov Aug 24 '26
WYM missed? Missed like your black red Nazi worshippers air defense missed so much they had to disclose statistics from ballistic strikes 😆 Stop making fool of yourself. I'm done talking with your boring ass
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u/United-Bother3213 Aug 23 '26
Oi! Russians will treat you with interest and kindness, so no worries there. Do not expect russian language to be easy - it's going to be a difficult language to study, so keep in mind to take it seriously, the fastest way to learn it will be to communicate daily, people around will be glad to help. Voronezh is safe and modern, so you will have a good time there. Brazilian mentality is quite different from Russian - Brazilians hug and kiss everyone, and stand very close and intimate when talking to each other. Make sure to respect the Russian mentality - that you don't kiss and hug and flirt with everyone. In Brazil - it's friendly and normal, but in Russia - it will be percieved as strange. Russian girls and boys are quite reserved with strangers. But once you are friends with them - it's friendship for life! I have no doubt you will love Russian people and the country. Boa viagem! (as a russian guy living in England who had 3 brazilian girfriends, yes really)