The Present Tense in Russian: A Clear Guide
The present tense in Russian is used to describe actions happening now or regularly. It is formed by conjugating verbs according to their subject. Understanding the present tense is essential for basic communication.
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The rule
In Russian, the present tense is formed by changing the verb endings based on the subject pronoun. Regular verbs typically follow a pattern based on their infinitive form. For example, the verb 'говорить' (to speak) is conjugated by removing the infinitive ending and adding the appropriate present tense endings.
The Present Tense at a glance
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Я (I) | говорю |
| Ты (You, singular) | говоришь |
| Он/Она/Оно (He/She/It) | говорит |
| Мы (We) | говорим |
| Вы (You, plural/formal) | говорите |
| Они (They) | говорят |
Conjugation of the verb 'говорить' (to speak) in the present tense
Examples you can say out loud
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know which verb is regular?
Most verbs that end in -ить, -еть, or -ать are regular, but it's best to check a dictionary.