Quote Originally Posted by Lauratuli
How do you know which syllable is stressed in a Russian word? do you have to learn every single word?
In the beginning -- yes, no question.

After a while, though, you'll be able to recognize patterns and be better at guessing correctly. You will always have to check unfamiliar words, though.

Even words you know could change stress for number or case. Get a good dictionary if you don't already have one

Hey, it's not so bad. You had to look up the word anyway, right? Actually, that's good advice -- whenever you look up a word for the definition/translation, take note of the stress and make sure you say it correctly.

Hope that helps