Signification
Indicating effort.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'старание' is often contrasted with 'талант' (talent). In Russian schools, being 'старательный' (diligent) is sometimes valued more than being naturally gifted. The 'Stakhanovite' movement in the 1930s turned 'старание' into a national competitive sport, where workers tried to exceed quotas by massive margins. In modern Russian startups, 'Я стараюсь' can sometimes be seen as an excuse if results aren't met. Managers might say 'Не надо стараться, надо сделать' (Don't try, just do). Russian parents often use the phrase to encourage children: 'Главное — что ты стараешься' (The main thing is that you are trying).
The 'Polite Shield'
If you don't understand something in Russia, say 'Извините, я только учусь и очень стараюсь.' It instantly makes people more patient with you.
Don't forget the -сь!
Saying 'Я стараю' is a very common beginner mistake. It sounds like a broken word to native speakers.
Signification
Indicating effort.
The 'Polite Shield'
If you don't understand something in Russia, say 'Извините, я только учусь и очень стараюсь.' It instantly makes people more patient with you.
Don't forget the -сь!
Saying 'Я стараю' is a very common beginner mistake. It sounds like a broken word to native speakers.
Sincerity is Key
When you say 'Я стараюсь,' make eye contact. In Russian culture, the sincerity of the effort is often as important as the result.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'стараться' for the pronoun 'Я'.
Я _____ (стараться) говорить правильно.
For 'Я' (I), the ending is '-юсь'.
Which sentence means 'I am trying very hard'?
Choose the best option:
'Очень' means 'very' and adds emphasis to your effort.
Match the Russian phrase to its English meaning.
Match them up:
These are the standard present tense conjugations.
Complete the dialogue.
Учитель: Почему вы не сделали домашнее задание? Студент: Извините, я _____, но это было очень трудно.
The student is talking about the effort they made in the past (when doing the homework).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЯ _____ (стараться) говорить правильно.
For 'Я' (I), the ending is '-юсь'.
Choose the best option:
'Очень' means 'very' and adds emphasis to your effort.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the standard present tense conjugations.
Учитель: Почему вы не сделали домашнее задание? Студент: Извините, я _____, но это было очень трудно.
The student is talking about the effort they made in the past (when doing the homework).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, for tasting food use 'Я пробую'. 'Я стараюсь' is only for effort.
'Стараюсь' is 'I am trying (now/habitually)'. 'Постараюсь' is 'I will try (once/in the future)'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Use 'Я старался' (masculine) or 'Я старалась' (feminine).
No, you need a verb. 'Я стараюсь *понять* тебя' (I try to understand you).
Expressions liées
пытаться
similarto attempt
прилагать усилия
synonymto apply effort
лениться
contrastto be lazy
добиваться
builds onto achieve/strive for
постараться
specialized formto try (perfective)
