Lesson 1.3: Question Words

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, you will learn how to ask essential questions in Russian using common question words like “что” (what), “когда” (when), and “почему” (why). These words are vital for forming basic questions in everyday conversations.

Grammar Tip 1: Word Order in Questions

In Russian, the word order for questions is generally more flexible than in English. However, it often follows this basic structure:

• Question Word + Verb + Subject
  • Example: “Что ты делаешь?” (What are you doing?)

Grammar Tip 2: Using “Который” (Which) in Questions

The word “Который” means “which” and is used to ask for a specific choice from a set. It changes its form according to the gender, number, and case of the noun it refers to.

• Example: “Который фильм ты хочешь смотреть?” (Which movie do you want to watch?)

Grammar Tip 3: Difference Between “Сколько” (How Many/How Much)

The word “Сколько” is used both for “how many” (when referring to countable things) and “how much” (for uncountable things).

• Example (How many): “Сколько у тебя друзей?” (How many friends do you have?)
• Example (How much): “Сколько это стоит?” (How much does this cost?)

Example Sentences:

1. Что ты делаешь? (What are you doing?)
2. Когда мы идем домой? (When are we going home?)
3. Куда ты идешь? (Where are you going?)
4. Который твой любимый цвет? (Which is your favorite color?)
5. Как ты себя чувствуешь? (How do you feel?)
6. Кто это? (Who is this?)
7. Почему ты опоздал? (Why are you late?)
8. Сколько у тебя книг? (How many books do you have?)
9. Сколько это стоит? (How much does this cost?)