In Russian, when we change questions from direct speech to indirect speech, we need to follow some rules. This mostly involves changing the verb forms and pronouns. Let’s make it simpler to understand.

1. Changing the Verb Form

When we turn a direct question into indirect speech, we usually change the verb to past tense. Here’s an example:

• Direct Speech: "Ты где?" (Where are you?)
• Indirect Speech: Он спросил, где ты. (He asked where you were.)

2. Adjusting Pronouns

We also change pronouns based on who is talking. Here’s how that looks:

• Direct Speech: "Ты хочешь приходить?" (Do you want to come?)
• Indirect Speech: Она спросила, хотел ли ты приходить. (She asked if you wanted to come.)

3. Introduction Phrases

To start indirect speech, we can use certain words or phrases. Here are some common ones:

• спросил(а) (asked)
• узнал(а) (found out)
• поинтересовался(ась) (inquired)

For example:

• Direct Speech: "Когда он приедет?" (When will he arrive?)
• Indirect Speech: Я спросил, когда он приедет. (I asked when he would arrive.)

4. Question Words

When we use question words like что (what), кто (who), когда (when), где (where), как (how), and почему (why), we may need to change their positions a little:

• Direct Speech: "Почему ты не пришёл?" (Why didn’t you come?)
• Indirect Speech: Она спросила, почему ты не пришёл. (She asked why you hadn’t come.)

Summary of Key Changes

• Tense: Change the verb to past tense.
• Pronouns: Change them based on the situation.
• Introduction Verb: Use correct verbs to start your question.
• Question Words: Keep the question format but adjust it to fit.

Try practicing these changes to get better at turning direct questions into indirect speech!