How to Say “Jump” in Russian

Ways to say it

All forms of these verbs describe propelling oneself rapidly upward so that the body becomes airborne. The noun прыжо́к is used to describe an instance of jumping, such as a jump from an elevated location or a parachute jump.

Which one should you use?

The imperfective verb пры́гать is used for the ongoing process of jumping or for repeated jumping. In contrast, the perfective verb пры́гнуть is used for a single, completed jump or a one-time, immediate action. Another set of verbs, скака́ть (imperfective) and скакну́ть (perfective), describes a more rhythmic, repetitive or bouncy movement such as skipping or bounding. While пры́гать is neutral, скака́ть implies this more energetic, rhythmic motion.

Related words

Instance of causing oneself to fall from an elevated location (noun): прыжо́к.

Instance of employing a parachute to leave an aircraft or elevated location (noun): прыжо́к.

How does it change in a sentence?

The perfective form пры́гнуть is used to describe a single, completed action of jumping. Similarly, the perfective form скакну́ть is used to describe a single, completed instance of bounding or skipping.

How do you pronounce it?

prýgatʹ