A2-C2 Learn Russian with a TV Icon: «Дава́й поже́нимся» 🎥🤵🏻💍👰🏻
- Arina Novikova
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 10
Say «Дава́й поже́нимся» to a Russian speaker — and they’ll immediately think of Roza Syabitova, emotional on-air dialogues, and iconic phrases. This show has become not only part of pop culture but also a real treasure trove for learners of Russian as a foreign language.
In this article, we’ll explore:
What this show is and why it’s worth watching
Vocabulary by level (from A1 to C2)
The grammar construction «дава́й + verb»
Cultural allusions and how they help you understand Russian more deeply
📺 Quick Facts About the Show
«Дава́й поже́нимся» (on Channel One since 2008) is a matchmaking talk show. One participant (a groom or bride) chooses a partner from three candidates with the help of matchmakers.
🎤🎥Larisa Guzeeva, a Russian actress and the central figure of the show, who guides the conversation, challenges the participants, and often gives candid, sometimes sharp advice based on her intuition and experience.
🏘️💰Roza Syabitova, Russia’s most famous professional matchmaker, takes a practical, traditional approach to relationships. She often emphasizes material stability, focusing on issues like property ownership, financial security, and dowry (прида́ное, neutral, singular) when assessing a potential match.
🪐💫Vasilisa Volodina, an astrologer, evaluates compatibility based on zodiac signs and birth charts. Her advice blends mysticism with psychological insight, offering a unique perspective on relationships.
Unusual participants tend to draw special attention: eccentric, charismatic, and sometimes just plain odd brides and grooms who leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Surprises are an essential part of the show: contestants often recite poems, perform dances, or even stage mini-performances in an effort to impress. All of this adds color and turns the program into a true spectacle.
The show is known for dramatic arguments, direct questions about money, children, and apartments, as well as signature lines like:
«А что там звёзды говоря́т?»
«Мужчи́на — то́же челове́к»
«А кварти́рка-то есть?»
🧠 Vocabulary by Level
🔹 A1–A2 (Beginners)
First words for love, weddings, and choosing the perfect match!
жени́х — a groom 🤵🏻
неве́ста — a bride 👰🏻
сва́дьба — a wedding 💒
люби́ть — to love ❤️
выбира́ть — to choose ✅
па́ра — a couple 👫
краси́вый / краси́вая — handsome / beautiful ✨
у́мный / у́мная — smart / intelligent 🧠
бога́тый / бога́тая — rich 💰
🔹 B1–B2 (Intermediate)
Things are getting serious — words for dating, commitment, and breakups
встре́титься — to meet up / go on a date 👫
нача́ть отноше́ния — to start a relationship 💞
разочарова́ться — to be disappointed 😕
развести́сь — to get divorced ⚖️💔
избра́нник / избра́нница — chosen one 💘
серьёзные наме́рения — serious intentions 💍
фина́нсовая стаби́льность — financial stability 💼
ты мне не подхо́дишь — You’re not right for me ❌💔
🔹 C1–C2 (Advanced)
Allusions, irony, and real-life drama — language that says more than words
Мы не на “Дава́й поже́нимся”, хва́тит своди́ть меня́ с Макси́мом!
We're not on “Дава́й пожени́мся” — stop trying to set me up with Maksim!
Ты как Ро́за Сяби́това — сра́зу в лоб про зарпла́ту и ипоте́ку.
You're like Roza Syabitova — straight to the point about salary and mortgage.
💡 Key Phrases:
брак по расчёту — marriage of convenience 💍➗
семе́йные це́нности — family values 🏡❤️
знать себе́ це́ну — to know your worth 👑
🧠 Set Expressions:
встре́титься лицо́м к лицу́ — to come face to face 🧍♂️🧍♀️
игра́ть на пу́блику — to play to the crowd / be theatrical 🎭
всё реши́т судьба́ — fate will decide it all 🎲
🔤 Grammar: The “дава́й + verb” Construction
«Дава́й» (or «дава́йте» — for polite/formal address or when speaking to more than one person) is used when you want to propose a shared action — something you and the listener(s) will do together.
It’s similar in meaning to “Let’s + verb” in English.
📌 Form
🔹 дава́й / дава́йте + глаго́л соверше́нного ви́да (СВ) в фо́рме 1-го лица мно́жественного числа́ (мы) бу́дущего вре́мени
🔹 дава́й / дава́йте + perfective verb in the 1st person plural (мы) form of the future tense
Russian | English Meaning | Comment |
Дава́й поже́нимся! | Let’s get married! | Title of the TV show. |
Дава́й встре́тимся за́втра. | Let’s meet tomorrow. | Making plans. |
Дава́й посмо́трим кино́. | Let’s watch a movie. | Suggesting a shared activity. |
Дава́йте обсу́дим э́то. | Let’s discuss it. | Polite or plural form. |
🎯 Want More?
If you’d like to learn even more expressions from «Дава́й поже́нимся», explore cultural allusions, discuss real-life Russian communication — or watch an episode together with commentary — I invite you to start learning Russian with me!
📚 I offer individual lessons for all levels — from absolute beginners to advanced speakers. We learn through real language, culture, and engaging content.
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