Verbs in every language play a key role. They outline action. Our lives are mostly actions, rarely states and objects. So, today, let's learn 20 verbs that will outline actions!
1. Быть (to be)
The verb "быть" is one of the most fundamental verbs in Russian, though it’s often omitted in the present tense. It is, however, essential in past and future tenses. For example:
Я учитель. (I am a teacher.) - here we don't have быть because it's present tense
Они были здесь вчера. (They were here yesterday.)
Ты будешь в Москве? (Will you be in Moscow?)
2. Сказать (to say)
Used for stating or saying something, this verb is often used in formal and casual contexts. It’s commonly paired with indirect speech or quotations. For example:
Он сказал, что все будет хорошо. (He said that everything would be fine.)
Скажи мне, куда мы идем? (Tell me, where are we going?)
3. Мочь (to be able)
This verb expresses ability, permission, or potential. It’s incredibly versatile and often accompanied by an infinitive verb:
Я могу это сделать. (I can do this.)
Она могла сосредоточиться. (She was able to concentrate.)
4. Знать (to know)
Expresses knowledge or familiarity. It’s frequently used with facts, skills, or people:
Я знаю русский язык. (I know Russian.)
Мы знали правду. (We knew the truth.)
5. Говорить (to speak)
Essential for verbal communication. It can refer to general speech, talking about something, or speaking in a specific language:
Мы говорим о погоде. (We are talking about the weather.)
Она говорит на английском. (She speaks English.)
6. Есть (to eat)
This verb is used for the act of eating. It’s straightforward but essential in daily conversations:
Что ты ешь? (What are you eating?)
Он любит есть мороженое. (He loves eating ice cream.)
7. Хотеть (to want)
Used to express desires or preferences. It’s often followed by an infinitive verb:
Я хочу пойти в кино. (I want to go to the cinema.)
Что они хотят? (What do they want?)
8. Видеть (to see)
This verb is used for vision or noticing something. It’s a common choice in descriptive sentences:
Ты видишь это? (Do you see this?)
Мы видели её в парке. (We saw her in the park.)
9. Идти (to go)
This verb describes motion in a specific direction. It’s often used for present or near-future actions:
Она идёт в школу. (She is going to school.)
Мы идём домой. (We are going home.)
10. Стоять (to stand)
Describes a static position. It’s often paired with prepositions of place:
Он стоит у двери. (He is standing by the door.)
Стулья стоят в углу. (The chairs are standing in the corner.)
11. Думать (to think)
Used for expressing thoughts, opinions, or reasoning:
Я думаю, это хорошая идея. (I think this is a good idea.)
О чем ты думаешь? (What are you thinking about?)
12. Жить (to live)
This verb is essential for discussing life and residence:
Где ты живёшь? (Where do you live?)
Мы живём в центре города. (We live in the city center.)
13. Смотреть (to watch)
Used for watching or observing something, often entertainment:
Мы смотрим фильм. (We are watching a movie.)
Ты смотрел этот сериал? (Have you watched this series?)
14. У меня есть (to have)
While technically a construction, this phrase is vital for possession:
У меня есть собака. (I have a dog.)
У него есть вопрос. (He has a question.)
15. Сидеть (to sit)
Describes being seated or staying in one place:
Она сидит на диване. (She is sitting on the couch.)
Мы сидим за столом. (We are sitting at the table.)
16. Делать (to do)
Used for general actions or tasks:
Что ты делаешь? (What are you doing?)
Я делаю домашнее задание. (I am doing homework.)
17. Сделать (to make)
This is the perfective aspect of "делать" and focuses on completed actions:
Я сделал всё, что мог. (I did everything I could.)
Ты сделал свой выбор. (You have made your choice.)
18. Понимать (to understand)
This verb is critical for learning and communication:
Ты понимаешь меня? (Do you understand me?)
Мы понимаем, как это работает. (We understand how it works.)
19. Давать (to give)
Used for giving or offering something:
Я дам тебе совет. (I will give you advice.)
And it's also used for suggestions:
Давай встретимся завтра. (Let’s meet tomorrow.)
20. Пойти (to go)
This perfective verb indicates setting out or starting to go somewhere:
Я пойду в магазин. (I will go to the store.)
Пойдём вместе? (Shall we go together?)
Mastering these 20 verbs will significantly enhance your ability to communicate in Russian, but if you want to dive deeper and learn 100, 1000 verbs in Russian, then head over to BeFluent Camp with the image below!
