я учу русский язык
ya uchu russkiy yazyk
The English phrase "I am learning Russian" is translated into Russian as я учу русский язык (ya uchu russkiy yazyk).
This phrase is a statement used to say that you are currently studying the Russian language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I am learning the Russian language".
Which one should you use?
In casual conversation, speakers often omit the word язык (language) and simply say я учу русский.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb учу is the first-person singular present tense of учить, which covers both the continuous "am learning" and the habitual "learn/study". The word русский (Russian) is an adjective that must agree in gender, number and case with the noun язык (language).
How do you pronounce it?
ya uchu russkiy yazyk
When do people say it?
The word Удачи! means "Good luck!"
Did you know?
- In Russian, the verb учить can mean both 'to learn' something and 'to teach' someone, depending on the grammar of the sentence.
- The word язык does not just mean 'language', but also means 'tongue', the actual muscle in your mouth.
- While я means 'I', it is a distant linguistic relative of the Latin word 'ego' used in English today.
Examples in context
- Я учу русский язык с каждым днем и стараюсь понимать сложные правила грамматики.I am learning Russian with each day and trying to understand complex grammar rules.
- Я с удовольствием изучаю русский язык и мечтаю однажды посетить Россию.I am learning Russian with pleasure and dream of visiting Russia one day.
- Я учу русский язык самостоятельно.Ya uchu russkiy yazyk samostoyatel'no.I am learning Russian by myself.
- Я учу русский язык уже год.Ya uchu russkiy yazyk uzhe god.I have been learning Russian for a year already.
- Я учу русский язык в университете.Ya uchu russkiy yazyk v universitete.I am learning Russian at the university.
Example conversation
Alexander and Maria are talking about their hobbies.
- Александр AleksandrМария, что ты делаешь в свободное время?Mariya, chto ty delaysh v svobodnoye vremya?Maria, what do you do in your free time?
- Мария MariaЯ учу русский язык по вечерам.Ya uchu russkiy yazyk po vecheram.I am learning Russian in the evenings.
- Александр AleksandrЭто очень здорово!Eto ochen zdorovo!That is very cool!
- Мария MariaСпасибо, Александр!Spasibo, Aleksandr!Thank you, Alexander!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries русский, я, язык, CC BY-SA 4.0.
