How to Say “Walk” in Russian

Ways to say it

The Russian language uses different verbs to describe the act of walking based on whether the movement is habitual, a continuous motion in one direction or done for pleasure. While some forms focus on the physical act of locomotion, others emphasize the rhythm of the steps or the fact that one is traveling without a vehicle.

Which one should you use?

The choice between forms depends on the nature of the movement. Use ходи́ть to describe the general ability to walk, habitual walking or walking around without a single fixed destination. In contrast, use идти́ to describe a single, continuous movement in one direction at a specific moment. To emphasize the rhythmic action of taking steps or a purposeful stride, use шага́ть. If you want to specify that you are traveling by foot rather than using a vehicle, use the phrase идти́ пешко́м. For walking specifically for leisure or pleasure, such as taking a stroll in a park, use гуля́ть.

Related words

Graph theory: a sequence of alternating vertices and edges (noun): прохо́д.

Manner of walking (noun): похо́дка.

How do you pronounce it?

xodítʹ