In Russian, verbs can change to show different kinds of actions. This is super important for some tricky verbs like "идти," which means "to go by foot," and "ехать," which means "to go by vehicle."

These verbs have two main forms based on the type of action they describe: imperfective and perfective. Let’s break them down!

1. Imperfective Aspect

This form shows actions that are ongoing or happen repeatedly.

• For идти:

  • Example: Я иду в магазин.
  • Translation: I am going to the store.

• For ехать:

  • Example: Я еду на работу.
  • Translation: I am going to work.

2. Perfective Aspect

This form shows actions that are completed.

• For идти:

  • It doesn't have a perfective form, but we use пойти to show a finished action.
  • Example: Я пошёл в магазин.
  • Translation: I went to the store.

• For ехать:

  • It changes to поехать to show a completed trip.
  • Example: Я поехал на работу.
  • Translation: I went to work.

3. Summary of Usage

• Use идти and ехать when talking about actions happening now or over and over.
• Use пойти and поехать when you want to say that you’ve started or finished a trip.

Practicing these different forms will make it easier to understand Russian verb changes. It will also help you express yourself better in conversations!