Я понимаю по-русски
The English phrase "I understand russian" is expressed in Russian as Я понимаю по-русски.
You use Я понимаю по-русски to state that you understand the Russian language. If you want to say "I speak Russian" or indicate that you are fluent in the language, you would instead use Я владею русским языком.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase contains the adverb по-русски, which literally means "in the Russian manner" or "in Russian".
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase uses the adverb по-русски (in Russian) to describe how you understand, rather than using the noun русский язык (the Russian language).
Did you know?
- A Russian speaker might respond to Я понимаю по-русски by saying Ну, посмотрим meaning 'Well, let's see', as a playful way to test your actual proficiency.
- The verb понимать comes from the root meaning 'to take' or 'to grasp', reflecting the idea that understanding is like mentally seizing an object.
- Because по-русски describes the 'way' of speaking, it can also be used to describe acting 'in a Russian way' or following Russian customs.
Examples in context
- Я понимаю по-русски.I understand Russian.Tatoeba #6473010 by marafon, translation #8853842 by deniko
- Да, я понимаю по-русски.Yes, I understand Russian.
- Привет, ты понимаешь по-русски?Hi, do you understand Russian?
- Я понимаю по-русски, но плохо.Ya ponimayu po-russki, no plokho.I understand Russian, but poorly.
- Вы знаете, что я понимаю по-русски?Vy znayete, chto ya ponimayu po-russki?Do you know that I understand Russian?
Example conversation
A tourist is asking a local for directions in a park.
- Александр AleksandrИзвините, вы говорите по-английски?Izvinite, vy govorite po-angliyski?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- Екатерина EkaterinaНет, я не говорю по-английски.Net, ya ne govoryu po-angliyski.No, I don't speak English.
- Александр AleksandrНичего страшного, я понимаю по-русски.Nichego strashnogo, ya ponimayu po-russki.No problem, I understand Russian.
- Екатерина EkaterinaО, это очень хорошо!O, eto ochen' khorosho!Oh, that is very good!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
