Parts of the Body
In this lesson we will learn the names of the main parts of the body in Russian. By the end of the lesson you will be able to retell a short text about the body using key vocabulary.
Key Explanation: Parts of the Body
In Russian, nouns have gender: masculine (m), feminine (f), or neuter (n). Most body parts follow regular patterns. For example: нос (nose) — masculine; рука (hand/arm) — feminine; плечо (shoulder) — neuter. When we talk about paired body parts (eyes, ears, hands, legs), we use the plural form: глаза, уши, руки, ноги. To say 'my', use мой (m), моя (f), моё (n), or мои (plural): моя рука, мои глаза.
Reading Passage
Reading: My body
My name is Misha. I want to tell you about the human body. We have a head, a neck, and a body. On the head there are eyes, ears, a nose, and a mouth. With our eyes we see, with our ears we hear, and with our mouth we speak and eat. We have two arms and two legs. With our hands we write, draw, and hold things. With our legs we walk and run. The body is very important, and we must take care of it.
Retelling Tips
When retelling the text, try to:
- Start with a sentence about what the text is about.
- Name the main parts of the body in a logical order (head → body → arms → legs).
- Explain what each part is used for.
- Use your own words where possible — you do not need to memorise the text word for word.
- Use linking words such as: сначала (first), потом (then), также (also), и (and), а (and/but).
Vocabulary Pack
Key Vocabulary — Parts of the Body:
• голова — head • глаза (мн.ч.) — eyes • уши (мн.ч.) — ears • нос — nose • рот — mouth • шея — neck • туловище — body / torso • рука / руки — hand, arm / hands, arms • нога / ноги — leg, foot / legs, feet • плечо / плечи — shoulder / shoulders
Practice Task: Retell the Text
Read the passage 'My Body' again carefully. Then close your book or notes and retell the text in Russian in 5–8 sentences. Try to include: the name of the main character, the parts of the body mentioned, and what each part is used for. You may use the vocabulary pack to help you. Your teacher will listen and give you feedback.
Activity · Flashcards
Study the parts of the body in Russian. Look at each card, then try to recall the translation.
Activity · Matching
Match each Russian word for a body part to its English meaning.
Activity · Fill in the blank
Read the short text about Masha and fill in the missing body parts.
Activity · Fill in the blank
Fill in the English meaning of each phrase from the text 'My Body'.
Activity · Fill in the blank
Complete the sentences from the text with the missing body-part word.
Activity · Flashcards
Review and practise these words at home
Activity · Question set
Homework: check your understanding
Activity · Speaking
Talk about your body and your health! Name two or three body parts and say how you take care of them. For example: 'I have eyes. I try not to stare at a screen for too long.' Speak for 2–3 sentences — you've got this!
Activity · Speaking
Answer this question: what do you do to stay healthy? Tell us about one healthy habit in your family — for example, what you eat, how you stay active, or how much you sleep. Speak for 2–4 sentences.