Commands and the Imperative in Russian: A Clear Guide
In Russian, commands are expressed using the imperative mood. There are different forms for addressing someone informally or formally. Understanding these forms is essential for effective communication.
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The rule
The imperative form is created from the verb stem, and it varies depending on whether you are speaking to one person informally (ты) or formally (вы). For informal commands, the ending typically changes to -и or -й, while for formal commands, the ending changes to -ите. To form negative commands, you simply add 'не' before the verb.
Commands and the Imperative at a glance
| Form | Imperative |
|---|---|
| Informal (ты) | делай |
| Formal (вы) | делайте |
| Negative Informal (ты) | не делай |
| Negative Formal (вы) | не делайте |
Imperative forms of the verb 'делать' (to do)
Examples you can say out loud
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know when to use informal or formal commands?
Use informal commands with friends and peers, and formal commands with strangers or in professional settings.