Educational Discovery: 33 Steps across Russia. Letter В

Step 3

Letter В, в [v]

Letter В is величавая (sublime), ведущая (guiding), вдохновляющая (inspiring)! It is a letter that sets out the direction and opens up new horizons.

Origin of the name

Каждая буква — как компас: она помогает не сбиться с пути и найти нужное слово даже в самом запутанном лабиринте языка. У славян буква «В» называлась «веди» и означала «знаю». Буква «В» издревле говорит нам: не запоминай, а понимай, узнавай больше. Третья буква алфавита предлагает не стоять на месте, а идти вперёд, развиваться, замечать интересные детали. Можно представить, что и форма буквы напоминает извилистый путь. Твоё «веди», твоё знание начинается здесь — в вузах России! «В» идёт рядом: она про то, как из маленьких открытий складывается цельный образ.

Each letter is like a compass: it helps you stay on track and find the right word even in the most confusing maze of language. The Slavs called the letter В “vedi,” which meant "I know." Since olden times, the letter В has been telling us: don't just memorize, but understand, and learn more. The third letter of the alphabet suggests that we make progress and move forward, develop, and notice interesting details. You can imagine that the shape of the letter resembles a tortuous path. Your "vedi," your knowledge, begins here—at Russian universities! The letter В walks beside you: it is about how small discoveries make up the whole picture.

Guide words that begin with the letter В:

Валаа́м (Valaam)

A group of over 50 islands in the northern part of Lake Ladoga

Ва́ленки (Valenki)

Winter footwear made of sheep wool 

Владивосто́к (Vladivostok)

A major port city in the south of the Russian Far East

Во́лга (Volga)

Russia's main waterway

Вуз (Vuz/University)

Higher education institution

Вы́ставка (Vystavka/Exhibition)

A place where various objects or works are collected and displayed

Верниса́ж (Vernisazh/Vernissage)

The solemn opening of an art exhibition

Guide word

Волейбол (Voleibol/Volleyball)

This is a word that starts with the letter under study, a step word on your educational path.

The letter В continues the journey of the letter Б. If Б is support, В is movement along a joyful and reliable path. It is the same with the word "volleyball": every step and leap forward is important. The letter В sets the pace—keep up with it and continue further along with this important and joyful column!

Волейбол

This is a sport where both movement and team unity are important. Here, every second counts, and one well-placed shot can bring victory and joy to the entire team.

Many Russian universities have gyms with volleyball courts. Once you enroll, you can try your hand at this game. A special energy is generated on the court: it unites both athletes and fans, creating an atmosphere of true unity.

Over time, the game can become more than just a hobby, but a healthy habit—regular activity improves your health and teamwork skills. In Russia, volleyball has long been part of sports culture: it is actively promoted in schools and universities, tournaments are held, and student leagues are supported—and everyone has the chance to become part of this dynamic environment.

Beach volleyball

This is a great option for athletes. You can get together and not only play but also enjoy the warm weather.

Student leagues

For example, the Championship of the Association of Russian Student Sports Clubs brings together clubs from hundreds of universities. This is an opportunity not only to play volleyball, but also to test your physical and mental abilities as well as reaction speed in a truly competitive environment! Most importantly, anyone can train on a team at the university. This is a great opportunity to fit in with a new team!

Students who regularly participate in team sports are better able to cope with stress during exam periods. 

University and Sports: The Common Path to Achievement

For international students, some universities hold open volleyball training sessions, which is an easy way to get used to a new place. Building athletic skills, you can also make your first friends and feel excitement and support of the team.

History of the word

"Volleyball" is a word that travels: it doesn't stay long in gyms, but has flown around the world along with people in a fast-paced game.

It is good when you come across something dear or already familiar to you among a multitude of unfamiliar words — it seems to give you a sense of support. You can find volleyball everywhere in Russia: in sports clubs, on posters, and in student conversations.

The word came from the English language at the beginning of the 20th century: volley + ball. It seems to capture all the dynamics of the game—the flight of the ball, the shot, and thrill of the competition.

In the 1920s, volleyball became popular in the USSR, and the word came into common use. Today, almost every student has played volleyball at least once. It is played in schools, colleges, and universities across Russia. It is not just a sport — it is an easy way to fit in with the student community. Before you can even get embarrassed, the ball is already on its way to you: go on and hit it back! 

Fact

The Association of Russian Student Sports Clubs gives a change to everyone. Hundreds of universities participate in student tournaments. This is a great way for international students to integrate into a new environment. On the court, they value the desire to play rather than experience. Here you can easily feel part of a team, where people can find a common language even without words.

Tasks

Dear reader, we suggest that you:

1. Think of some words related to sports (in Russian or English) that begin with [v]

• Let's start in Russian: велоспорт, вольная борьба, выносливость, вратарь...
• Or in English: vault, velodrome, victory...

2. Think of three lines for a volleyball player, each of which must include a word starting with the letter В.

• Let's start in Russian: «Вперёд!» (Forward!), «Верь в команду!» (Believe in your team!), «Все только начинается!» (it's just the beginning!)

3. Write a few words in which the letter B is the last one.

• Let's start in Russian: устав, архив, отзыв, норматив

Riddles

Dear reader, we suggest that you:

Guess the words and write them in your native language. Try to understand what they mean. The clue is in the picture.

• These are authentic Russian winter boots — they are made of sheep wool using the felting technique. You will not feel hot wearing them. They keep your feet warm, so you don't have to be afraid of severe frosts.

How do you spell this word in Russian and in your native language?

• Место, где показывают разные предметы, картины, фотографии

Do you know this word?

Word of the day

VDNKh

The largest exhibition space in Moscow

Answers:

Валенки
Выставка

See you in the next article! The fourth letter of the alphabet—Г—is waiting for you. Get ready for an exciting journey: unexpected associations as well as curious facts and discoveries will reveal a new sound of the Russian language to you. We will be happy if you solve our problems and riddles!