In this guide, we will explore how to say “give” in Russian. Whether you’re learning the language for pleasure, travel, or business, knowing how to use the word “give” correctly is crucial. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this action, while also providing useful tips and examples. While regional variations exist, we’ll focus on the standard Russian language.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Give” in Russian
When speaking formally, it’s important to use the appropriate register. Here are some common words and phrases to express “give” in formal situations:
1. Дать (Dat’)
The most common verb for “give” in a formal context is Дать. It is a straightforward way to express the action. Here’s an example:
Я могу вам дать информацию о нашей компании? (Ya mogu vam dat’ informatsiyu o nashey kompanii?) – Can I give you information about our company?
2. Предоставить (Predostavit’)
If you want to convey a sense of providing or granting something, the formal verb “Предоставить” is suitable. It is often used in official or professional contexts:
Мы готовы предоставить вам полный отчет о нашей работе. (My gotovy predostavit’ vam polnyy otchet o nashey rabote.) – We are ready to provide you with a full report of our work.
Informal Ways to Say “Give” in Russian
When speaking informally, the language becomes more relaxed and casual. Here are some common expressions for “give” in an informal setting:
1. Дай (Day)
The informal equivalent of “Дать” is “Дай.” This word is commonly used among friends and family:
Дай мне оловянный карандаш, пожалуйста. (Day mne olovyannyy karandash, pozhaluysta.) – Give me a pencil, please.
2. Скинь (Skeen’)
Another way to say “give” informally is by using “Скинь.” This expression is often used when asking someone to quickly give or send something to you:
Скинь мне адрес этого ресторана, пожалуйста. (Skeen’ mne adres etogo restorana, pozhaluysta.) – Give me the address of this restaurant, please.
Tips for Using “Give” in Russian
1. Dominant Word Order
In Russian, the word order is flexible due to the case system. However, the most common word order for expressing “give” is Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object. For example:
Мама дала мне подарок. (Mama dala mne podarok) – Mom gave me a gift.
2. Learning Noun Cases
Since Russian uses cases, it’s essential to pay attention to the noun cases when using “give.” For example, the verb form might change depending on whether the object of giving is in the accusative or dative case.
Examples
Let’s take a look at some more examples to further understand how to use “give” correctly:
- Formal:
Учитель дал студентам задание. (Uchitel dal studentam zadanie) – The teacher gave the students an assignment. - Informal:
Папа дал мне велосипед на день рождения. (Papa dal mne velosiped na den’ rozhdeniya) – Dad gave me a bike for my birthday.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned different ways to say “give” in Russian, both formally and informally. Remember to consider the context and the relationship with the person you are speaking to. Practice using these phrases in your conversations, and don’t forget to pay attention to noun cases and word order. With time and practice, you’ll master the art of expressing “give” in Russian effortlessly!
