Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| идти́ | idtí | imperfective |
| ходи́ть | xodítʹ | |
| е́здить | jézditʹ | |
| е́хать | jéxatʹ | imperfective |
In Russian, you must choose your verb based on the method of transport and the nature of the movement. Use идти́ or ходи́ть when moving on foot, such as in the phrase идти пешком (to go on foot). Use е́хать or е́здить when traveling by a vehicle, such as in the phrase ехать на автобусе (to go by bus). Other common directional phrases include идти вперед (to go forward) and пойти туда (to go there). Note that го is a noun meaning 'board game' and попы́тка is a noun meaning 'attempt'.
Which one should you use?
The verbs are split into two categories: how you travel and how often you travel. For movement on foot, use идти́ for a single direction (unidirectional) and ходи́ть for habitual, repetitive or round-trip movement (multidirectional). For movement by vehicle, use е́хать for a single direction (unidirectional) and е́здить for habitual, repetitive or round-trip movement (multidirectional).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperfective aspect of 'to go on foot' is идти́, while the imperfective aspect of 'to go by vehicle' is е́хать.
How do you pronounce it?
idtí
Did you know?
- In Russian, you can use the verb идти́ to describe a clock 'going' or a rain 'going' down. English uses 'run' or 'fall' for these, but Russian views the movement as a steady progression.
- While 'to go' in English is quite broad, Russian uses the verb идти́ to describe the 'going' of a film or a play in a cinema, much like 'the movie is playing'.
- The distinction between unidirectional and multidirectional movement means that if you tell a Russian friend you 'went' somewhere using ходил, they will assume you went there and came back, rather than just arriving.
Examples in context
- То́му бы́ло неохо́та идти́.Tom was reluctant to go.This sentence shows how to express reluctance using the form идти́.Tatoeba #8085263 by cykel, translation #1092360 by CK
- Вы должны идти прямо и свернуть налево на следующем перекрестке.You should go straight and turn left at the next intersection.
- Он пойдет за продуктами в ближайший супермаркет.He will go for groceries to the nearest supermarket.
- Мы должны ехать на встречу по делам.We have to go to the meeting for business.
- Иди вперед и посмотри, что там есть.Go ahead and see what's there.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Andrey are walking together in the city.
- Анастасия AnastasiaАндре́й, куда ты идёшь?Andrey, kuda ty idyosh?Andrey, where are you going?
- Андрей AndreyЯ иду́ в магази́н.Ya idu v magazin.I am going to the store.
- Анастасия AnastasiaЯ тоже иду́ туда́.Ya tozhe idu tuda.I am going there too.
- Андрей AndreyТогда́ дава́й идти́ вме́сте.Togda davay idti vmeste.Then let's go together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
