Day 10: A Very Formal Complaint
In a block of flats in Minsk where the lift has been broken for a month, a retired history teacher dictates a complaint to his young neighbour.
How to study this lesson 3 steps
- Read the situation under the title.
- Read the dialogue and its translation. The audio for this lesson is coming soon.
- Spend at least 30 minutes listening to native Russian audio, for example from the Resources page. It doesn't matter if you don't understand it yet.
Dialogue
Audio for this lesson is coming soon. For now, read the dialogue and its translation.
Keys: E hide English · ← → previous / next day
-
A
Пишите, Андрей: «Уважаемый начальник! В связи с неисправностью лифта, длящейся уже месяц...»
Write this down, Andrei: 'Dear Sir! In connection with the malfunction of the lift, which has now lasted a month...'
-
B
«Длящейся»... Лев Аркадьевич, так лет сто не пишут. Может, просто: лифт не работает, почините?
'Which has lasted'... Lev Arkadyevich, nobody's written like that for a hundred years. Why not just: the lift's broken, please fix it?
-
A
Просто мы уже писали, трижды. Дальше: «Мы неоднократно обращались к вам, тем не менее меры приняты не были».
We've already written plainly, three times. Next: 'We have repeatedly appealed to you; nevertheless, no measures have been taken.'
-
B
«Тем не менее»... Я сейчас со стула упаду. Ладно, дальше.
'Nevertheless'... I'm about to fall off my chair. Fine, go on.
-
A
«Просим незамедлительно принять меры, ибо пожилые жильцы верхних этажей фактически заперты в квартирах».
'We ask that measures be taken without delay, for the elderly residents of the upper floors are effectively locked in their flats.'
-
B
«Ибо»! Прямо летопись... Хотя, знаете, на их месте я бы испугался.
'For'! A proper chronicle... Although, you know, in their shoes I'd be scared.
-
A
То-то же. Слог, впрочем, можете поправить, но «ибо» оставьте: на начальство действует безотказно.
There you are. You may polish the style, though, but leave 'for' in: it never fails with the authorities.
Your progress is saved in this browser only, with no sign-up. The course page and the menu show where you left off. Well done! Next up: Day 11: Homemade, or Not Quite
If this free course has helped you in your Russian journey, please consider supporting the project. It's a one-person effort, and even small contributions help keep it running and free for everyone.