Effectively learning any foreign language depends on mastering the basics first, then building up to full sentences--one typically cannot start from nothing and successfully jump straight into learning sentences. This is particularly true in Russian, which uses a different alphabet from English, has numerous unusual consonant combinations and grammar that typically poses a challenge to English speakers. You can learn to say simple phrases commonly used by tourists without learning the Russian language itself, but otherwise learning sentences in any meaningful way requires studying more than just a phrasebook.

Learning Russian Sentences

Use a Russian tourist phrasebook to learn to recognize and pronounce simple phrases associated with travel, menus and basic cash transactions. You do not need to learn the language itself to be able to master a few simple phrases.

Study the Russian alphabet, grammar and sentence structure using a grammar textbook, audiotapes or online Russian language-learning programs. Practice sentences by completing the written exercises that accompany the book or tapes.

Attend Russian classes at a local university or community center. Work with the teacher to ensure you master the correct sentence structure for Russian sentences , beyond basic tourist phrases.

Hire a Russian-speaking tutor or join an online foreign language exchange to improve your ability to speak Russian in full, grammatically correct sentences. Pay attention to social context when talking to native speakers to make sure you are using the appropriate expressions in the right social settings.