когда́
kogdá
The English word 'when' is translated into Russian as когда́ (kogdá).
когда́ is used as a conjunction to mean 'as soon as' or 'at the time that'. It can also function as an adverb to refer to a circumstance or situation, or as a pronoun to ask 'what time' or 'which time'.
Meaning: as soon as, at the time that (conj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a conjunction, когда́ introduces a subordinate clause of time, serving a similar function to 'when' or 'whenever' in English.
How do you pronounce it?
kogdá
Did you know?
- The word когда́ can function similarly to 'if only' when used rhetorically to express a longing for a time that may never arrive.
- In Russian, когда́ is often paired with тогда́ to create a 'when… then' structure, which is far more common and expected than the same construction in English.
- The word когда́ can translate to 'whenever' without any additional words, as the meaning is instead carried by the aspect of the verb in the sentence.
Examples in context
- Том спросил Мэри, когда́ она купила машину.Tom asked Mary when she had bought her car.This sentence shows how to use когда́ in an indirect question.Tatoeba #11152066 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #3619496 by CK
- Когда́ я жил в Каби́лии, я был безрабо́тным.When I lived in Kabylie, I didn't have a job.This sentence demonstrates how когда́ introduces a clause of time.Tatoeba #8085961 by cykel, translation #8085842 by Amastan
- Когда начинается встреча?When does the meeting start?
- В какое время состоится презентация?At what time will the presentation take place?
- В который час начинается церемония?At what hour does the ceremony start?
- Когда это будет: завтра или в выходные?When will it happen: tomorrow or on the weekend?
- Когда собираешься пойти в спортзал?When are you planning to go to the gym?
- Позвони мне, когда́ придёшь домой.Pozvoni mne, kogdá pridyosh' domoy.Call me when you arrive home.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is discussing a phone call during a busy afternoon.
- Анастасия AnastasiaДмитрий, ты будешь дома рано?Dmitriy, ty budesh' doma rano?Dmitry, will you be home early?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, я буду, когда́ закончу работу.Da, ya budu, kogdá zakonchu rabotu.Yes, I will be, when I finish work.
- Анастасия AnastasiaХорошо, я буду ждать.Khorosho, ya budu zhdat'.Okay, I will be waiting.
- Дмитрий DmitryАнастасия, не забудь про ужин.Anastasiya, ne zabud' pro uzhin.Anastasia, don't forget about dinner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “when” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
