In Russian, when referring to the language, we use two different expressions – ‘русский язык’ and ‘по-русски’. It is the same with other languages, too. You choose between these two expressions depending on the verb.

We use ‘русский язык’ with verbs referring to learning or knowledge of language: ‘учить’ (‘to learn’),‘знать’ (‘to know’). 

We use ‘по-русски’ with verbs referring to language skills: ‘говорить’ (‘to speak’), ‘читать’ (‘to read’), ‘писать’ (‘to write’). 

The verb ‘to understand’ can be used both with ‘русский язык’ and ‘по-русски’.

Here's a short rule:

Listen to the audio to hear the correct answers

Listen to the audio to hear the correct answers