First, see the system
The Russian alphabet is Cyrillic. Start with three groups: vowel letters, consonant letters and two signs. This makes the 33-letter alphabet easier to navigate. Tap or hover over the cards.
You do not need to memorise all 33 letters at once. Use the explorer below, then return to the letters that still feel unfamiliar.
Explore all 33 letters
Click any letter. Your progress is saved in this browser, so you can come back later and continue where you stopped.
А · open ah
Like the vowel in father.
Vowel, consonant or sign?
Use the category game to practise identifying vowels, consonants and signs.
What kind of letter is this?
Choose vowel, consonant or sign.
Two letters with no sound of their own
The Russian alphabet includes two special signs: Ь and Ъ. They are counted as letters in the alphabet, but they do not represent separate sounds.
This article only introduces their place in the alphabet. For a full explanation with examples and practice, continue to the separate lesson on Ь and Ъ.
Mini alphabet quiz
Check whether you can recognise the main letter groups and signs. Your best score is saved in this browser.
What to remember
Visual guide
Russian alphabet: 33 letters
A compact reference for the full alphabet, its main groups and your first review of Cyrillic.
Pin this infographicWhat to learn next
Continue with one of these closely related topics.
In a free 30-minute trial, we can check your starting point and choose the first reading, pronunciation and speaking skills to work on.