In Russian, we sometimes ask questions in a way that’s not very direct. This is done when we want to be polite or formal. It's important to know how to make these indirect questions so we can talk clearly with others. Here are some easy ways to create indirect questions in Russian.
To change a yes or no question into an indirect question, we use the word "ли," which means "whether." The usual way to do this is to start with the main part of the sentence, then add "ли," and finally put the question.
Example:
We can also use question words to make indirect questions. These words include что (what), кто (who), где (where), когда (when), почему (why), and как (how). The main part of the sentence comes first and then the question word.
Example:
To make an indirect question more polite, we can use words that show we are unsure or make our request softer.
Example:
Another way to form indirect questions is with the word "чтобы," which means "that." We use this to make a request or to show we are confused about a question.
Example:
With "ли": Main sentence + "ли" + question.
Example: Ты знаешь, пойдет ли он? (Do you know if he will go?)
Using question words: Main sentence + question word.
Example: Она спросила, что он хочет. (She asked what he wants.)
Polite requests: Soft wording + question.
Example: Я хотел бы узнать, кто придет. (I would like to know who will come.)
Using "чтобы": Main sentence + "чтобы" + question.
Example: Я не понимаю, чтобы она опоздала. (I don’t understand that she is late.)
By learning these ways to ask questions, you’ll get better at speaking in Russian. This will help you sound polite and smooth, especially when you need to ask questions indirectly.
In Russian, we sometimes ask questions in a way that’s not very direct. This is done when we want to be polite or formal. It's important to know how to make these indirect questions so we can talk clearly with others. Here are some easy ways to create indirect questions in Russian.
To change a yes or no question into an indirect question, we use the word "ли," which means "whether." The usual way to do this is to start with the main part of the sentence, then add "ли," and finally put the question.
Example:
We can also use question words to make indirect questions. These words include что (what), кто (who), где (where), когда (when), почему (why), and как (how). The main part of the sentence comes first and then the question word.
Example:
To make an indirect question more polite, we can use words that show we are unsure or make our request softer.
Example:
Another way to form indirect questions is with the word "чтобы," which means "that." We use this to make a request or to show we are confused about a question.
Example:
With "ли": Main sentence + "ли" + question.
Example: Ты знаешь, пойдет ли он? (Do you know if he will go?)
Using question words: Main sentence + question word.
Example: Она спросила, что он хочет. (She asked what he wants.)
Polite requests: Soft wording + question.
Example: Я хотел бы узнать, кто придет. (I would like to know who will come.)
Using "чтобы": Main sentence + "чтобы" + question.
Example: Я не понимаю, чтобы она опоздала. (I don’t understand that she is late.)
By learning these ways to ask questions, you’ll get better at speaking in Russian. This will help you sound polite and smooth, especially when you need to ask questions indirectly.