Understanding the difference between "кто" and "что" in Russian questions is really important for speaking well. Both words mean "who" and "what," but you use them in different ways.

"Кто" – Who?

1. When to use it: Use "кто" when you're asking about people or living things.

   • Example 1: Кто это? (Who is this?)
   • Example 2: Кто придет на вечеринку? (Who will come to the party?)

2. How to ask: When you say a question with "кто," make your voice go up at the end. This shows you want to know something.

"Что" – What?

1. When to use it: Use "что" when you're asking about objects, things, or situations. This means you're talking about non-living things.

   • Example 1: Что это? (What is this?)
   • Example 2: Что ты делаешь? (What are you doing?)

2. How to ask: Just like with "кто," when you ask a question with "что," your voice should go up at the end to show it's a question.

Key Differences

• Who or What: Use "кто" for people and "что" for things.
  • People: "кто" is for humans, like friends and family.
  • Things: "что" is for non-living items, like books and food.

Practice Questions

To help you understand better, try these practice questions. Decide if you should use "кто" or "что":

1. ___ говорит по-русски? (___ speaks Russian?)
2. ___ на столе? (___ is on the table?)
3. ___ твой любимый фильм? (___ is your favorite movie?)
4. ___ эти люди? (___ are these people?)

Conclusion

By learning when to use "кто" and "что," you can really improve your Russian speaking skills. Always think about what you want to ask and use the correct word. Also, remember to raise your voice at the end of your questions. Practicing with real-life situations will help you remember and speak more easily.