Verbs · Lesson 3
Глаголы движения
Motion verbs
Russian splits «go» into how you move, and whether the trip is one-way or multi-way. Then prefixes pin down arrive, leave, enter, cross…
How it works
Russian splits «go» into how you move, and whether the trip is one-way or multi-way. Then prefixes pin down arrive, leave, enter, cross…
Then open Tables, Notes, Exceptions, and Examples in that order.
When to use it
- Unidirectional (идти, ехать, лететь…): one trip in one direction, often right now or as a plan.
- Multidirectional (ходить, ездить, летать…): round trips, habits, wandering, ability, motion in general.
- идти / ходить = on foot. ехать / ездить = vehicle (bus, car, train, bike).
- Prefixes attach to both: прийти / приходить, уехать / уезжать.
Pro tip
First pick the root (foot / vehicle / fly / carry). Then pick one-way vs around. Then, if needed, add a prefix for arrive / leave / in / out.