Russian Verbal Aspect: Imperatives with Imperfective and Perfective Verbs
Imperatives are used to express commands, requests, instructions, and advice. When using imperatives in Russian, like with all other verbs in the Russian language, you must use the correct verbal aspect – as an imperfective or perfective verb. Thankfully, the rules for verbal aspect remain quite consistent whether it’s a regular verb, an infinitive, or an imperative.
Today, we’ll look at the rules for when to use the imperfective aspect in imperatives and when to use the perfective. For some extra practice to make sure you’ve understood the topic, check out the quiz and the additional resources at the bottom!
Last updated: 5/23/2022
So, let’s get started with some general rules and examples!
Imperatives in Russian Verbal Aspect
Imperfective Imperatives
- To invite or request the beginning of an action which you don’t want to rush – The process is important, not the result
- Пожалуйста, заходите, раздевайтесь. – Please, come in, take off your coat.
- Пожалуйста, угоща́йтесь то́ртом. – Please, help yourself to the cake.
- Да́мы и господа, сади́тесь пожалуйста. – Ladies and gentlemen, please sit down.
- Приса́живайся и чу́вствуй себя как дома! – Sit down and make yourself at home!
- Ребята,пишите диктант. – Children, write the dictation.
- To invite or request the continuing of an action – The process is important, not the result
- Продолжа́й свою́ исто́рию. Э́то так интересно! – Go on with your story. That is so interesting!
- Ты что, уже убираешь свой альбом? Мне очень интересно увидеть твои остальные фотографии. Давай, показывай дальше! – What, you’re already taking away your album? I’m really interested to see the rest of your photos! Come on, show further!
- Пой дальше! У тебя такой красивый голос! – Sing more! You have such a beautiful voice!
- To invite or request a repeated or long-term action – Often used with frequency adverbs like “каждый день” or “два раза в день.”
- Е́шьте больше овоще́й. – Eat more vegetables. (In general)
- Чи́сти зу́бы после ка́ждого приёма пищи. – Brush your teeth after every meal.
- Принима́йте э́то лекарство ка́ждый раз пе́ред едо́й. – Take this medicine every day before eating.
- Чащеходите – ведь, это полезно для здоровья. – Go for walks more often – after all, it’s good for your health.
- Чита́йте как можно больше книг. – Read as many books as possible.
- To forbid an action – You don’t want someone to do something, something that shouldn’t be done or is against the rules
- Не курите здесь! – Don’t smoke here!
- Пожалуйста, не открыва́й окно́. – Please, don’t open the window.
- Ни в ко́ем слу́чае нико́му не говори́. – Do not tell anyone under any circumstance.
- Не курите здесь! – Don’t smoke here!
- Пожалуйста, не открыва́й окно́. – Please, don’t open the window.
- Не ходите вокруг да около. – Don’t beat around the bush.
Perfective Imperatives
- To invite, request or demand a one-time action – The result is what’s desired
- Пожалуйста, скажи́те, в кото́ром ча́су отправля́ется по́езд? – Please, tell me what time the train leaves?
- Поезжа́й туда обратно и извини́сь пе́ред ней. – Go back there and apologize to her.
- Закро́й за собой дверь. – Close the door behind you.
- Прочита́й к пя́тнице четвёртую главу́. – Read chapter four by Friday.
- Позвони мне завтра вечером. – Call me tomorrow evening
- Зайди́те ко мне, когда освободи́тесь. – Come stop by when you’re free.
- To warn someone NOT to do something – A consequence may occur as a result
- Не забудь вы́ключить газ, пе́ред тем как вы́йти из до́му. – Don’t forget to turn off the gas before leaving the house.
- Осторо́жно, не упади́. – Be careful, don’t fall.
- Не опозда́й на рабо́ту. – Don’t be late for work.
- Вот тебе мой ключ от квартиры. Только, смотри, не потеря́й его. – Here’s my apartment key. Just don’t lose it.
An Overview
Russian Imperative Verbal Aspect Quiz
Additional Resources
Check out the websites and videos below for some extra resources to help you understand Russian verbal aspect!
- Learn Russian – Imperative Forms
- How to Get Fluent with Dr. Popkins – Get Russian Verb Aspects Right Every Time
- Russificate – Russian Imperative: Intermediate
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