How to Master Future Tense Conjugation in Russian

Understanding the Future Tense in Russian

In Russian, the future tense is used to discuss actions that will happen after the present moment. Unlike some languages, Russian has a unique way of expressing the future through two types of verbs: perfective and imperfective.

Perfective vs Imperfective Futures

Russian verbs come in aspect pairs: one perfective and one imperfective. The perfective future indicates that an action will be completed, while the imperfective future suggests an action will continue over time or be repeated.

Forming the Perfective Future

To form the perfective future in Russian, you conjugate the perfective verb like a present tense verb. These verbs often have specific prefixes which distinctly change their meaning. Here's an example with the verb читать (to read).

Constructing the Imperfective Future

The imperfective future is created using the verb быть (to be) in the future tense along with the imperfective verb. The verb быть is then correctly conjugated according to the subject.

Choosing Between Aspects

Determining whether to use a perfective or imperfective verb depends on the context of the action being completed or ongoing. Consider the intent of the verb usage to decide which aspect is appropriate.

Example Scenarios

If you intend to express that a task will be finished, use the perfective. For example, "I will complete my homework" would use a perfective verb. If discussing a habit or ongoing action, opt for the imperfective, such as "I will be doing my homework regularly."