If you’ve ever seen a native Russian speaker’s handwriting, your first thought was probably: What on earth is this? Russian cursive looks like a series of loops, waves, and squiggles that bear little resemblance to printed Cyrillic. But there’s a method to the madness - and with a bit of practice, you can learn to read it.
Why Russian Handwriting Looks So Different
Russian cursive isn’t just messy - it’s a product of history, efficiency, and a few quirks of the Cyrillic alphabet. Here’s why it’s so distinct:
- Designed for speed: Russian cursive is optimised for writing quickly. Many letters connect in ways that minimise pen lifts, leading to fluid, looping strokes.
- Shared letterforms: Some Cyrillic letters look identical in cursive (like и and м), relying on context to tell them apart.
- Soviet-era standardisation: The USSR promoted a uniform cursive style in schools, which stuck. Even today, most Russians learn the same handwriting system.
The Trickiest Letters (And How to Spot Them)
Some Cyrillic letters transform almost beyond recognition in cursive. Here are the biggest offenders:
| Printed | Cursive | Trick to Remember |
|---|---|---|
| д | Looks like a cursive 'g' | Imagine it as a 'd' with a loop. |
| т | Resembles 'm' | The top bar is often omitted. |
| ш | Three humps, like a 'w' | Think of it as a squashed 'ш'. |
How to Practise Reading Russian Cursive
- Start with slow, clear examples. Russian folk songs often have handwritten lyrics - great for beginners.
- Write it yourself. The more you practise forming the letters, the easier they’ll be to recognise.
- Use context. If a word starts with what looks like 'g', but 'g' doesn’t make sense, it’s probably 'д'.
Курсив
[kʊrˈsʲif]“Cursive”
Once you crack the code, Russian handwriting stops being an impenetrable scribble and starts feeling like a secret language you’re in on. And if you ever need a break from deciphering cursive, try learning some Russian superstitions - they’re much easier to read in print.
