In Russian, the word "когда" means "when." This word is really helpful because it helps us connect different actions in sentences. Understanding how to use "когда" is important for making sentences that are more detailed.

1. Using "Когда" with Tenses

The word "когда" can start shorter sentences that explain actions happening at the same time or at different times. The verb's tense in the shorter sentence usually matches the tense of the main sentence.

a. Present Tense in the Main Sentence

If the main sentence is in the present tense, the shorter sentence after "когда" will also usually be in the present tense.

Example:

• Main Sentence: Я читаю книгу. (I am reading a book.)
• Short Sentence: Когда я читаю книгу, все молчат. (When I read a book, everyone is quiet.)

b. Past Tense in the Main Sentence

If the main sentence is in the past tense, the shorter sentence will also usually use the past tense. This shows that the action happened before.

Example:

• Main Sentence: Я прочитал книгу. (I read a book.)
• Short Sentence: Когда я прочитал книгу, я почувствовал облегчение. (When I read the book, I felt relief.)

c. Future Tense in the Main Sentence

If the main sentence is in the future tense, the shorter sentence will usually be in the future tense too. This shows that the action will happen after the main sentence.

Example:

• Main Sentence: Я буду читать книгу. (I will read a book.)
• Short Sentence: Когда я буду читать книгу, я запомню каждое слово. (When I read the book, I will remember every word.)

2. Special Cases

a. Talking About Past Actions

Even if the main sentence is in the present or future tense, the shorter sentence can still use the past tense if it talks about something that happened before.

Example:

• Main Sentence: Я знаю, что он пришел. (I know that he came.)
• Short Sentence: Когда он пришел, мы были счастливы. (When he came, we were happy.)

b. Comparing with Other Words

It’s important to know the difference between "когда" and other words like "если" (if). The word "если" usually talks about situations that are more imaginary and has different tense rules.

3. Practice Sentences

Try writing your own sentences using "когда" and changing the tenses:

1. Я слышу, он поет. (когда...)
2. Если я усну, она... (когда...)

By practicing with "когда," you can make sentences that clearly show when actions happen. This will help you get better at speaking and writing in Russian!