Russian Language - LESSON 2:
Basic Grammar
1. Absence of 'to be':
The present tense verb 'to be' is not used in Russian, but is understood from context.
Sentences that equate a subject directly to its description use a dash to replace the 'to be' verb.
When using это (this/that), вот (here/there is) or a pronoun there will be no dash.
Элеонора - студентка.
Eleonora is a student.
Это компьютер.
That is a computer.
Вот Женя!
Here is Jenia!
2. Lack of Articles
Articles like 'a/an/the' are not used in Russian.
Это компьютер.
That is [a] computer.
3. Negation
'не' (not) immidiately preceeds the negated part of the sentence.
Это не компьютер.
That is not a computer.
4. Basic question form
The basic form of questions take the same structure and end with a question mark.
In speech a high vocal intonation is used
on the word that is the focus of the question
traling off the sentance after that word.
Это компьютер? (note: the italicised word is ETO as above, the cursive form of the russian 't' resembles an 'm')
Is that a computer?