How to Say “Can” in Russian

Ways to say it

Russian distinguishes between having a learned skill, having physical/circumstantial ability and achieving a specific result. уме́ть is used for skills you have learned, such as speaking a language, while мочь is used for physical ability or situational possibilities, such as being able to attend an event. To emphasize the successful completion of a difficult task, the perfective form смочь is used. Additionally, you may use Можно to seek permission, which is commonly followed by a noun or an infinitive verb form.

Which one should you use?

Use уме́ть for learned skills like swimming or riding a bike. Use the imperfective мочь for circumstantial ability or physical capability. Use the perfective смочь when you want to emphasize the result of an attempt that was previously uncertain or difficult. For a more formal and heavy way to say one is "in a position to" do something, use the phrase быть в состоя́нии.

Related words

A container used to carry and dispense water for plants (noun): ле́йка.

A more or less cylindrical vessel for liquids (noun): бидо́н, жбан.

How do you pronounce it?

močʹ

What mistakes should you avoid?

Avoid using мочь when you are actually trying to describe a learned skill like riding a bike. In those cases, you should use уме́ть.