Russian Verb Conjugation: Present Tense Basics
Russian verb conjugation can seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basic rules of the present tense, you'll find yourself communicating with confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started with Russian present tense verb conjugation. Whether you’re a total beginner or brushing up your skills, this article breaks it all down clearly and simply.
At the Polyglottist Language Academy, we specialize in making Russian grammar approachable and effective for learners at all levels. Check out our Russian classes here if you're ready to get expert instruction and boost your fluency.
Learning verb conjugation is one of the most important steps in gaining fluency in any language. In Russian, it's especially vital because the language uses rich verb forms to express who is doing what and when. Unlike English, where we rely heavily on auxiliary verbs and helper words, Russian often packs all of that meaning directly into the verb itself. Understanding how to conjugate verbs in the present tense is your first gateway to speaking about daily life, habits, and current activities in Russian.
But for many learners, conjugation can be intimidating at first. The idea of memorizing different endings, identifying patterns, and keeping track of exceptions might feel like a mountain to climb. That’s why we’ve created this in-depth guide—to show you that it’s not only doable, but surprisingly logical once you get the hang of it. You’ll discover that many verbs follow predictable patterns and that even the irregular ones make sense with a little practice.
In the sections below, we'll introduce the two main conjugation groups, common endings, and examples of regular and irregular verbs. We’ll also point out helpful memory tricks, spelling rules to be aware of, and tips to build confidence in your conjugation skills. Our goal is not just to show you verb tables, but to help you truly understand how Russian present tense works in real-life communication.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently conjugate dozens of essential Russian verbs and start using them in your everyday conversations. Plus, if you're looking for structured, guided practice, our experienced teachers at Polyglottist Language Academy are here to support your journey with engaging lessons and personalized feedback. Let's dive in and make Russian verb conjugation second nature!
Why Verb Conjugation Matters
Verbs are the engine of any sentence. Without them, you can’t express actions, thoughts, or feelings. In Russian, verbs carry a lot of grammatical information. A single verb form can reveal who is acting, whether the action is ongoing or completed, and whether it's happening in the past, present, or future.
Conjugation is how verbs change their endings depending on the subject. For example, in English, we say "I work" and "she works" – notice how the verb changes. Russian does the same, but it applies changes more consistently and across more grammatical persons.
If you master present tense conjugation, you’ll be able to say things like:
I work
You speak Russian
We read books
They play soccer
It allows you to describe your daily routine, talk to friends, order food, and ask questions. In short: mastering present tense conjugation brings you one step closer to being conversational in Russian.
The Basics of Present Tense in Russian
The Russian present tense is relatively straightforward compared to other tenses. It only applies to imperfective verbs, which describe actions that are ongoing, habitual, or repeated. The present tense cannot be formed with perfective verbs, which describe completed actions.
In everyday Russian, present tense is everywhere. People use it to:
Greet others
Talk about current events
Discuss likes/dislikes
Share routines
This tense is your foundation. You’ll use it hundreds of times every day as you interact with native speakers and build fluency.
Imperfective vs. Perfective Verbs
Every Russian verb comes in two aspects: imperfective and perfective. Understanding this distinction is crucial to using verbs correctly.
Imperfective verbs describe ongoing or habitual actions.
Perfective verbs describe completed actions.
For example:
читать (to read – imperfective)
прочитать (to read – perfective)
You can only conjugate the imperfective form in the present tense.
Try this:
Я читаю книгу. (I am reading a book.)
Я прочитаю книгу. (I will read a book.)
See the difference? In the second sentence, the perfective aspect refers to a future completed action.
Two Conjugation Patterns: First and Second Conjugation
Russian verbs are generally grouped into two major conjugation patterns. Learning which pattern a verb follows will help you predict its endings.
First Conjugation
This group includes most verbs ending in -ать, -ять, and -еть, although there are exceptions. These verbs typically use -е- in their present tense forms.
Example Verb: читать (to read)
я читаю
ты читаешь
он/она читает
мы читаем
вы читаете
они читают
Try These First Conjugation Verbs:
делать (to do)
играть (to play)
слушать (to listen)
Second Conjugation
This group includes most verbs ending in -ить. These verbs typically use -и- in their present tense forms.
Example Verb: говорить (to speak)
я говорю
ты говоришь
он/она говорит
мы говорим
вы говорите
они говорят
Other Common Second Conjugation Verbs:
смотреть (to watch)
любить (to love)
жить (to live)
Personal Endings for Present Tense
Once you know the stem and the conjugation type, just add the appropriate ending:
First Conjugation Endings:
я — -ю / -у
ты — -ешь
он/она — -ет
мы — -ем
вы — -ете
они — -ют / -ут
Second Conjugation Endings:
я — -ю / -у
ты — -ишь
он/она — -ит
мы — -им
вы — -ите
они — -ят / -ат
Pro Tip: Make flashcards showing the six forms of each new verb. Practice saying them out loud in order!
Irregular Verbs
Some high-frequency Russian verbs don't follow the standard conjugation rules. These are worth memorizing early.
есть (to eat)
я ем
ты ешь
он ест
мы едим
вы едите
они едят
дать (to give) — usually used in perfective, but important to recognize.
хотеть (to want)
я хочу
ты хочешь
он хочет
мы хотим
вы хотите
они хотят
Spelling Rules
Some consonants affect how endings are written. Watch for these changes:
After г, к, х, ж, ш, use -у/-ю instead of -у/-ю endings.
After hush sounds (щ, ч, ш, ж), use -е- in place of expected -и-.
Example:
я пишу (I write), not пишю
These rules preserve correct pronunciation and spelling.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t try to memorize every rule all at once. Instead:
Start with 5-10 common verbs
Write their full conjugation tables
Create example sentences
Say them out loud every day
Example:
Я говорю по-русски.
Мы читаем журнал.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a perfective verb in the present tense
Mixing up first and second conjugation endings
Forgetting to apply spelling rules
Translating directly from English without considering aspect
Track your progress. Keep a notebook of verbs you know. Quiz yourself. You’ll be amazed how fast you improve!
Learn with Us!
Conjugating Russian verbs correctly in the present tense is one of the most empowering skills for any learner. It helps you describe your world, talk about what you’re doing, and connect with people. At Polyglottist Language Academy, we make Russian grammar accessible, step-by-step.
Our Russian classes are designed to help you build fluency fast, with professional instructors and flexible schedules in Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. Whether you’re learning online or in person, we’ll guide you to real results.
Keep Learning: Explore More from Our Blog
Check out these student-favorite articles to deepen your Russian: