What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "I want to learn Russian language".
Which one should you use?
In casual speech, you may use the shortened form Я хочу выучить русский, where the word язык (language) is omitted and the adjective русский (Russian) functions as the object. To express a desire to study the language as an ongoing process rather than focusing on a completed goal or proficiency level, you can use the imperfective verb учить in the phrase Я хочу учить русский язык.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb выучить is in the perfective aspect, which implies the goal of learning the language completely or reaching a certain level of proficiency. In contrast, using the imperfective verb учить shifts the focus to the ongoing process of studying.
How do you pronounce it?
Ya khochu vyuchit' russkiy yazyk
Did you know?
- The Russian word for language язык also means 'tongue'. This mirrors the English use of 'tongue' to refer to a native language.
Examples in context
- Я хочу выучить русский язык быстро.Ya khochu vyuchit' russkiy yazyk bystro.I want to learn the Russian language quickly.
- Я хочу выучить русский язык в этом году.Ya khochu vyuchit' russkiy yazyk v etom godu.I want to learn the Russian language this year.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their goals for the new year.
- Сергей SergeyКакие у тебя планы на год, Екатерина?Kakiye u tebya plany na god, Yekaterina?What are your plans for the year, Ekaterina?
- Екатерина EkaterinaЯ хочу выучить русский язык.Ya khochu vyuchit' russkiy yazyk.I want to learn Russian.
- Сергей SergeyЭто отличная идея, Сергей поможет тебе.Eto otlichnaya ideya, Sergey pomozhet tebe.That is a great idea, Sergey will help you.
- Екатерина EkaterinaСпасибо, я буду очень рада!Spasibo, ya budu ochen' rada!Thank you, I will be very glad!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries выучить, русский, я, язык, CC BY-SA 4.0.
