Let’s say you’re studying:
всегда
fsee-GDÁ
always
If you see всегда and think “always,” you’re practicing recognition.
Instead, turn it around.
Look at:
always
Now try to produce the Russian word.
Don’t immediately flip the card.
Wait.
Give your brain a few seconds.
Always…
I know this…
…
всегда!
That struggle is useful.
You’re teaching your brain how to retrieve the word instead of simply recognize it.
And that’s exactly what you’re going to need during a conversation.