был
byl
The English phrase 'was' is translated into Russian as был (byl).
This word is the past tense of the verb 'to be' and is used to describe a state or identity in the past.
Which one should you use?
While был is the masculine singular form, other forms are used depending on the gender and number of the subject. Use была for feminine subjects, было for neuter subjects and были for all plural subjects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes to match the subject: был is the masculine singular form, была is used when the subject is a feminine noun or pronoun, было is used when the subject is a neuter noun or pronoun and были is used when the subject is plural.
How do you pronounce it?
byl
Did you know?
- In the present tense, Russian usually omits the verb 'to be' entirely, but the past tense был is almost always explicitly spoken.
- The word был is the root of the Russian word быль, which refers to a true story or a factual account of the past.
- The Russian past tense forms like был and была function more like adjectives than typical verbs because they must match the noun's gender and number.
Examples in context
- Я был с ним.I was with him.This sentence shows how to use был to indicate being with someone.Tatoeba #3969170 by odexed, translation #3903088 by CH
- Я был с ней.I was with her.Tatoeba #3969193 by odexed, translation #3903089 by CH
- Я был в Риме.I was in Rome.This sentence shows how to use был to indicate being in a location.Tatoeba #2199337 by Selena777, translation #4646731 by pinkmpnster
- Он был здесь.He was here.
- Она была доктором.She was a doctor.
- Это было невероятно.It was incredible.
- Я был в школе вчера.I was at school yesterday.
- Ты была очень умна.You were very smart.
- 10092 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sergey and Olga are talking about a former colleague.
- Ольга OlgaОн был очень добрым человеком.On byl ochen' dobrym chelovekom.He was a very kind person.
- Сергей SergeyДа, он был отличным коллегой.Da, on byl otlichnym kolegoy.Yes, he was a great colleague.
- Ольга OlgaГде он был вчера?Gde on byl vchera?Where was he yesterday?
- Сергей SergeyЯ не знаю, где он был.Ya ne znayu, gde on byl.I don't know where he was.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
