где
gde[ɡdʲe]
The English word "where" can be translated into Russian as где (gde) or отку́да depending on the context.
Meaning: at or in what place (adv)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| где | gde | [ɡdʲe] (narrow) |
| отку́да | otkúda |
In Russian, questions preserve the same word order as affirmative statements, with the question indicated by intonation and particles. The word где is the most basic and widely used way to ask "where".
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on whether you are asking about a static location or a point of origin. Use где to refer to a static location (where), while отку́да is used specifically to indicate movement or origin (from where).
How does it change in a sentence?
When asking about a destination or the direction of movement, Russian uses куда (to where / whither) rather than где.
How do you pronounce it?
gde
Did you know?
- The word где can be used to create an 'existential' sentence, such as Где тут выход?, which literally means 'Where here is the exit?' but functions as 'Is there an exit here?'
- The word где is a direct descendant of the Proto-Slavic *kъde, which has remained remarkably stable in its core meaning for thousands of years.
Examples in context
- И где ты был?So where were you?This example shows how to use где in a question about past location.Tatoeba #1927460 by marafon, translation #1664988 by kerbear407
- Где ты их ел?Where did you eat them?This example demonstrates the use of где when asking about the location of an action.Tatoeba #4768807 by odexed, translation #1879493 by Amastan
- Где я? Кто я?Where am I? Who am I?This example illustrates где in a philosophical or existential context.Tatoeba #8538764 by sharptoothed, translation #9234965 by kedymera
- Где находится библиотека?Where is the library located?
- Где это кафе, о котором вы говорили?Where is the cafe you were talking about?
- Где тут/здесь магазин?Where is the shop around here?
- 6758 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga and Dmitry are looking for the car keys in their apartment.
- Ольга OlgaГде мои ключи?Gde moi klyuchi?Where are my keys?
- Дмитрий DmitryЯ не знаю, где они.Ya ne znayu, gde oni.I don't know where they are.
- Ольга OlgaТы видел их на столе?Ty videl ikh na stole?Did you see them on the table?
- Дмитрий DmitryНет, посмотри в сумке.Net, posmotri v sumke.No, look in the bag.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “where” translations and entries где, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries где, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
