In Russian, it’s really useful to know how to say when you don’t like something.

In this lesson, we will learn how to change the verb "to like," which is "нравиться" in Russian, into a negative form.

How to Say 'Not'

To make a verb negative in simple Russian sentences, you just add the word "не" before the verb.

So, for "to like," you would say "не нравится."

You can use this in lots of situations.

Basic Sentence Structure

1. Affirmative:
   • Я нравлюсь (I like).
2. Negative:
   • Я не нравлюсь (I do not like).

Using Subject Pronouns

Now, let’s see how to make negative sentences using different pronouns:

• Я (I)

  • Affirmative: Я люблю эту книгу. (I like this book.)
  • Negative: Я не люблю эту книгу. (I do not like this book.)

• Ты (You - informal)

  • Affirmative: Ты любишь этот фильм? (Do you like this movie?)
  • Negative: Ты не любишь этот фильм? (Do you not like this movie?)

• Он (He)

  • Affirmative: Он любит спорт. (He likes sports.)
  • Negative: Он не любит спорт. (He does not like sports.)

• Она (She)

  • Affirmative: Она любит путешествовать. (She likes to travel.)
  • Negative: Она не любит путешествовать. (She does not like to travel.)

• Они (They)

  • Affirmative: Они любят гулять. (They like to walk.)
  • Negative: Они не любят гулять. (They do not like to walk.)

Common Mistakes

When making negative sentences, remember to use the word "не" and place it before the verb.

This is really important to get the sentence right.

Practice Changing Sentences

Try changing these sentences to the negative form:

1. Ты любишь мороженое. (You like ice cream.)
2. Мы любим играть в футбол. (We like to play soccer.)
3. Она любит музыку. (She likes music.)

Answers:

1. Ты не любишь мороженое. (You do not like ice cream.)
2. Мы не любим играть в футбол. (We do not like to play soccer.)
3. Она не любит музыку. (She does not like music.)

By practicing how to say what you don’t like, you will get better at speaking Russian. This way, you can easily share your likes and dislikes in conversations every day.