Language/Russian/Grammar/Verbs-of-Motion

Russian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Verbs of Motion

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the fascinating topic of Russian verbs of motion. Understanding how to use these verbs is crucial for expressing movement and direction in the Russian language. We will also delve into the concept of prefixes and suffixes, which greatly influence the meaning and usage of verbs. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in Russian verbs of motion and be able to construct sentences with confidence.

Verbs of Motion

Verbs of motion in Russian are used to describe physical movement from one place to another. These verbs not only indicate the action of moving but also specify the manner in which the movement occurs. In English, we typically use separate verbs such as "go," "come," or "run" to convey different types of movement. However, in Russian, a single verb can encompass multiple meanings depending on the context and the presence of prefixes and suffixes.

Prefixes

Prefixes are added to the beginning of a verb to modify its meaning. They can indicate direction, intensity, or repetition. The choice of prefix depends on the specific type of motion being described. Let's look at some common prefixes used with verbs of motion:

Russian	Pronunciation	English Translation
идти	eed-TEE	to go (on foot)
пойти	poi-TEE	to go (on foot) (perfective)
ходить	ho-DEET'	to go (on foot) (imperfective)
подойти	pa-do-EE-tee	to approach
подходить	pa-do-HO-deet'	to approach (imperfective)
прийти	pree-TEE	to come
приходить	pree-ho-DEET'	to come (imperfective)

As you can see, adding prefixes to the base verb changes its meaning. For example, "идти" means "to go (on foot)," while "пойти" means "to go (on foot)" in the perfective aspect, indicating a completed action. Similarly, "ходить" means "to go (on foot)" in the imperfective aspect, indicating an ongoing or repeated action.

Suffixes

Suffixes, on the other hand, are added to the end of a verb to modify its meaning. They can indicate direction, mode of transportation, or the presence of a companion. Let's take a look at some common suffixes used with verbs of motion:

Russian	Pronunciation	English Translation
ехать	ye-KHAT'	to go (by vehicle)
поехать	po-ye-KHAT'	to go (by vehicle) (perfective)
ездить	ye-ZDEET'	to go (by vehicle) (imperfective)
уехать	u-ye-KHAT'	to leave (by vehicle)
уезжать	u-yezh-ZHAT'	to leave (by vehicle) (imperfective)
приехать	pree-ye-KHAT'	to arrive (by vehicle)
приезжать	pree-yezh-ZHAT'	to arrive (by vehicle) (imperfective)

By adding suffixes to the base verb, we can indicate different modes of transportation and specify the direction of the movement. For example, "ехать" means "to go (by vehicle)," while "поехать" means "to go (by vehicle)" in the perfective aspect, indicating a completed action. Similarly, "ездить" means "to go (by vehicle)" in the imperfective aspect, indicating an ongoing or repeated action.

Usage and Examples

Now that we have an understanding of prefixes and suffixes, let's explore how to use verbs of motion in sentences. It's important to note that the choice of verb, prefix, and suffix depends on the context and the intended meaning. Here are a few examples to illustrate the usage:

• Я иду в магазин. (Ya ee-DOO v ma-ga-ZEEN) - I am going to the store. (on foot)
• Она пришла на работу. (O-na pree-SHLA na ra-BO-too) - She came to work.
• Они уезжают на поезде. (O-nee u-ezh-ZHA-yut na po-YEZ-de) - They are leaving by train.

In these examples, we can see how the choice of verb, prefix, and suffix convey different meanings. "Иду" indicates movement on foot, "пришла" indicates arrival, and "уезжают" indicates departure by train. This demonstrates the versatility and nuance of Russian verbs of motion.

Conclusion

Russian verbs of motion, with their prefixes and suffixes, add depth and specificity to the language when expressing movement. By understanding the various combinations of verbs, prefixes, and suffixes, you will be able to accurately convey different types of motion and direction. Practice using verbs of motion in context, and soon you will master this essential aspect of the Russian language.

Table of Contents - Russian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Alphabet and Pronunciation

• Cyrillic Alphabet
• Pronunciation Rules

  ---

Basic Phrases and Greetings

• Greetings and Introductions
• Everyday Phrases

  ---

Nouns and Gender

• Noun Gender
• Plurals

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

  ---

Cases and Prepositions

• Nominative Case
• Prepositional Case

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships and Marital Status

  ---

Verbs and Conjugation

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Dining Out

  ---

Russian Traditions and Holidays

• National Holidays
• Traditional Celebrations

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparatives and Superlatives

  ---

Hobbies and Leisure Activities

• Hobbies
• Entertainment

  ---

Russian Literature and Arts

• Famous Writers
• Russian Art and Music

Sources

• Verbs of Motion - Russian Language Lesson 16
• Russian Verbs Of Motion – StoryLearning
• Verbs of Motion - Russian Grammar

Other Lessons

• Common Mistakes
• Conditional Mood
• Plurals
• Personal Pronouns
• Russian cases
• Dative Case
• 0 to A1 Course
• Introduction to Pronouns
• Порядок слов в русском предложении
• Pronouns