Conditional sentences in Russian help us talk about possible situations and what might happen because of them. It’s important to know some specific phrases to create these sentences.

1. Если (If): This is the most common word we use to start conditional sentences.

   • Example: Если я выиграю в лотерею, я куплю новый дом.
     (If I win the lottery, I will buy a new house.)

2. Когда (When): This word is used for situations we think will really happen.

   • Example: Когда ты придешь, мы начнем ужин.
     (When you come, we will start dinner.)

3. Хотя бы (Even if): This phrase shows a situation that might not be great, but it’s still okay.

   • Example: Хотя бы я не получил награду, я буду счастлив.
     (Even if I don’t get the award, I will be happy.)

4. Если бы (If only): This phrase is about ideas that aren’t true but are things we wish were real.

   • Example: Если бы я знал это раньше, я бы поступил иначе.
     (If I had known this earlier, I would have acted differently.)

Using these phrases lets you create longer and more interesting sentences in Russian. This is a valuable skill for having deeper conversations and writing better.