In Russian, there are two verbs: "гулять" and "прогулять." They sound similar but are used in different situations. It’s really important to know when to use each one so you can express yourself clearly.

1. What They Mean:

• Гулять (imperfective): This verb is used for things that keep happening or are ongoing. It usually refers to fun activities, like walking or hanging out outside. Here, the focus is on the action itself, not whether it’s finished.

• Прогулять (perfective): This verb means that something is done or finished. It emphasizes the end result. It often means going for a walk but also suggests that something else was missed, like skipping a class.

2. How to Use Them:

• Гулять:

  • "Я люблю гулять в парке." (I love to walk in the park.)
  • "Каждое утро я гуляю с собакой." (Every morning, I take a walk with my dog.)

• Прогулять:

  • "Он прогулял занятия." (He skipped classes.)
  • "Мы решили прогулять весь день." (We decided to spend the whole day walking around.)

3. Quick Recap: When you need to choose between "гулять" and "прогулять," think about this: "гулять" is about enjoying activities over time, while "прогулять" is about a completed action that might have some consequences. Practicing these differences can help you understand and speak Russian better.