How to Use Regular Verbs in the Present Tense in Russian

Using regular verbs in the present tense in Russian is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple guide to help you out.

Step 1: Find the Infinitive

First, you need to get to know the verb in its basic form, called the infinitive. Regular Russian verbs usually end in one of these: -ать, -ить, or -еть. Here are some examples:

• писать (to write)
• говорить (to speak)
• жить (to live)

Step 2: Take Off the Ending

Next, you remove the ending from the verb. This helps you find its stem. For example:

• писать becomes пис-
• говорить becomes говор-
• жить becomes жив-

Step 3: Add the Present Tense Endings

Now it’s time to add the right endings to make the present tense. This depends on what group the verb belongs to:

For -ать Verbs (like писать):

• я пишу (I write)
• ты пишешь (you write)
• он/она пишет (he/she writes)
• мы пишем (we write)
• вы пишете (you write - plural/formal)
• они пишут (they write)

For -ить Verbs (like говорить):

• я говорю (I speak)
• ты говоришь (you speak)
• он/она говорит (he/she speaks)
• мы говорим (we speak)
• вы говорите (you speak - plural/formal)
• они говорят (they speak)

For -еть Verbs (like жить):

• я живу (I live)
• ты живёшь (you live)
• он/она живёт (he/she lives)
• мы живём (we live)
• вы живёте (you live - plural/formal)
• они живут (they live)

Tips for Practice

To get better at using these verbs, try some of these fun activities:

• Practice Speaking: Use these verbs in conversations with your friends or language partners.

• Make Flashcards: Write the infinitive on one side and the present tense forms on the other. This makes it easier to remember!

• Listen and Read: Find simple stories or recordings that use these verbs. This will help you see how they fit into real life.

With these steps and tips, you’ll feel more confident using regular verbs in the present tense! Happy learning!