бегать en 30 secondes
- General term for running.
- Implies habitual or varied movement.
- Contrast with 'бежать' (directed run).
The Core Meaning: Movement
The verb бегать (bégat') fundamentally describes the action of running. It's a versatile verb used in many everyday situations. Think of it as the general term for moving quickly on foot. It often implies repeated or habitual action, or movement in various directions, rather than a single, linear sprint. For example, children often бегать around a playground, implying they are running back and forth or in circles. A dog might бегать in the park, suggesting it's not just running from point A to point B, but enjoying the freedom to move around.
Everyday Scenarios
You'll hear бегать used in contexts related to sports and exercise. People might бегать in the morning for fitness, or a team might бегать drills during practice. It's also used for less structured running, like when someone is late and has to бегать to catch a bus, or when kids are playing tag. The concept of 'running around' is strongly associated with this verb. It can also describe the action of animals, such as a rabbit бегать in the field or a mouse бегать under the floorboards. Even in a metaphorical sense, one might say their thoughts бегать, meaning they are racing or scattered.
Distinguishing from 'Бежать'
It's important to note that бегать is an imperfective verb, often contrasting with its perfective counterpart побежать (to start running) and its other imperfective aspect бежать (to run, often implying a single direction or a continuous, specific action). While бежать focuses on the act of running at a particular moment or in a specific direction, бегать emphasizes the habitual nature, the repeated action, or movement in multiple directions. For instance, 'Я бегу в магазин' (Ya bégú v magazín) means 'I am running to the store' (a specific, directed action). 'Я бегаю в магазин каждый день' (Ya bégayu v magazín kázhdyy den') means 'I run to the store every day' (a habitual action). Understanding this distinction is key to using the verb correctly.
Дети любят бегать по парку.
- Habitual Action
- When you want to express that someone or something runs regularly or as a habit, бегать is the verb to use. For example, 'Он бегает каждое утро.' (He runs every morning.)
- Movement in Various Directions
- If the running involves moving around, in circles, or back and forth, бегать is appropriate. Think of animals playing or children chasing each other. 'Собака бегает во дворе.' (The dog is running around the yard.)
- Unspecified Direction/Frequency
- In general statements about the ability to run or the activity of running without a specific destination or timing, бегать is often used. 'Маленькие дети ещё плохо бегают.' (Small children still don't run well.)
Basic Sentence Structure
The most straightforward way to use бегать is with a subject performing the action. The basic structure is: Subject + бегать (conjugated) + (optional adverbial phrases of time, place, manner).
Я люблю бегать по утрам.
Conjugation is Key
Like all Russian verbs, бегать changes its ending based on the person and number. Here are the present tense conjugations:
- Present Tense Conjugations
- Я бегаю (Ya bégayu) - I run
- Ты бегаешь (Ty bégayesh') - You (singular, informal) run
- Он/Она/Оно бегает (On/Oná/Onó bégayet) - He/She/It runs
- Мы бегаем (My bégayem) - We run
- Вы бегаете (Vy bégayete) - You (plural/formal) run
- Они бегают (Oní bégayut) - They run
Adding Detail: Adverbs of Time and Place
You can specify when and where the running occurs. Common adverbs and prepositions include:
- Time
- утром (utrom - in the morning), днём (dnyom - in the afternoon), вечером (vécherom - in the evening), каждый день (kázhdyy den' - every day), часто (chásto - often), иногда (inogdá - sometimes).
- Place
- в парке (v parke - in the park), по улице (po úlitse - along the street), во дворе (vo dvoré - in the yard), на стадионе (na stadíone - at the stadium), дома (domá - at home, implying movement within the house).
Дети бегают по двору.
Expressing Purpose
You can use the infinitive form of another verb to express the purpose of running. The structure is: бегать + чтобы (chtóby - in order to) + Infinitive verb.
Он бегает, чтобы похудеть.
Past Tense
The past tense of бегать is formed by adding the past tense endings (-л, -ла, -ло, -ли) to the stem, agreeing in gender and number with the subject.
- Past Tense Conjugations
- Он бегал (On bégál) - He ran
- Она бегала (Oná bégála) - She ran
- Оно бегало (Onó bégálo) - It ran
- Они бегали (Oní bégáli) - They ran
Вчера мы бегали в лесу.
Everyday Conversations
You'll hear бегать constantly in casual conversations. Friends might ask each other:
- Example Dialogue Snippet
- — Привет! Ты вчера бегал?— Да, я бегал в парке два часа!(— Hi! Did you run yesterday?— Yes, I ran in the park for two hours!)
Sports and Fitness
This is a prime context for бегать. Whether discussing jogging, training, or casual exercise, the word is ubiquitous.
- Fitness Enthusiasts
- 'Я стараюсь бегать три раза в неделю.' (I try to run three times a week.) 'Он бегает марафоны.' (He runs marathons.)
Children and Play
Children are always running, and parents and teachers will use бегать to describe their energetic movements.
- Describing Kids' Activities
- 'Дети бегают по всему дому.' (The children are running all over the house.) 'Нельзя бегать в коридоре!' (You can't run in the corridor!)
Animal Behavior
Describing the movements of pets or wild animals often involves бегать.
- Animal Actions
- 'Моя кошка любит бегать за игрушками.' (My cat likes to run after toys.) 'Заяц бегал по полю.' (A hare was running across the field.)
Figurative Language
Even when not literal, the concept of rapid, perhaps uncontrolled, movement can be described with бегать.
- Metaphorical Use
- 'Мысли бегают в голове.' (Thoughts are racing in my head.) 'У него всегда голова бегает.' (His mind is always racing.)
Спортсмены бегают на тренировках каждый день.
Confusing 'Бегать' with 'Бежать'
This is the most frequent pitfall for learners. Бегать is an imperfective verb that denotes habitual action, repeated action, or movement in various directions. Бежать, also imperfective, typically describes a single, directed action of running at a specific moment. Using бегать when you mean a single, directed run sounds unnatural.
- Incorrect Example
- *Я бегаю в магазин сейчас.* (Incorrect: This implies you run to the store habitually or in multiple directions right now.)
- Correct Example
- Я бегу в магазин сейчас. (Correct: I am running to the store now.)
- Incorrect Example
- *Он бежал каждый день.* (Incorrect: This implies a single instance of running every day, which is contradictory.)
- Correct Example
- Он бегал каждый день. (Correct: He ran every day [habitually].)
Forgetting Conjugations
As with any verb, failing to conjugate бегать correctly based on the subject leads to grammatical errors. Ensure you are using the correct form for 'I', 'you', 'he/she', 'we', 'you plural', and 'they'.
- Incorrect Example
- *Мы бегает.* (Incorrect conjugation)
- Correct Example
- Мы бегаем. (Correct)
Using 'Бегать' for a Single Event
Sometimes learners might use бегать to describe a single, completed event of running, which is usually the domain of perfective verbs like побегать (to run for a bit) or пробежать (to run through/past).
- Incorrect Example
- *Я бегал вчера весь день.* (While grammatically possible to mean 'I was running all day yesterday', it sounds more natural to use a perfective verb for a completed action or a specific duration if the focus is on the event itself, or to emphasize the *habit* of running all day.)
- More Natural Alternative
- Я пробежал вчера весь день. (I ran the whole day yesterday - focuses on the completion of the action.) OR Я бегал вчера весь день. (I was running all day yesterday - emphasizes the continuous nature of the action throughout the day.) The choice depends on nuance.
Overuse of 'Бегать' for Speed
While бегать implies running, it doesn't always convey extreme speed. If you want to emphasize very fast running, other verbs or adverbs might be more appropriate, though бегать can still be used.
- Example
- 'Он бегает очень быстро.' (He runs very fast.) - This is perfectly fine. However, for extreme speed, you might hear 'Он мчится' (He rushes/speeds) or 'Он несется' (He speeds along).
The Core Distinction: Aspect and Nuance
The most crucial aspect when discussing alternatives to бегать is the concept of verbal aspect in Russian. Бегать is an imperfective verb, and its meaning is often contrasted with other verbs that describe running, particularly бежать (also imperfective but with a different focus) and perfective verbs like побежать and пробежать.
1. Бежать (b'ezhát') - To Run (Specific Direction/Moment)
While both бегать and бежать are imperfective and mean 'to run', they carry different nuances:
- Focus
- Бежать emphasizes a single, directed movement, or an ongoing action in one direction at a specific time. It's the verb you use when you are running *to* somewhere or *away* from somewhere.
- Usage
- 'Я бегу домой.' (I am running home.) - A single, directed action happening now.'Он бежал очень быстро, чтобы успеть.' (He was running very fast to make it.) - An ongoing action in the past with a specific goal.'Мы бежали по лесу.' (We were running through the forest.) - Movement in a specific direction.Compare with 'Я бегаю домой каждый вечер.' (I run home every evening - habitual.)
2. Побежать (pob'ezhát') - To Start Running
This is a perfective verb, indicating the beginning of the action of running.
- Focus
- The initiation of movement. It answers the question 'What happened next?' or 'What did they do?'
- Usage
- 'Дети увидели мяч и побежали.' (The children saw the ball and started running.)'Вдруг он побежал.' (Suddenly he started running.)This verb is often used to describe a sudden, spontaneous start to running.
3. Пробежать (prob'ezhát') - To Run Through/Past/A Certain Distance
This is another perfective verb, often used to describe running a specific distance or completing a run.
- Focus
- Completion of a run, covering a distance, or running past something.
- Usage
- 'Я пробежал пять километров.' (I ran five kilometers.) - Completed distance.'Он пробежал мимо дома.' (He ran past the house.) - Running past a point.'Мы пробежали немного, чтобы согреться.' (We ran a little to warm up.) - Running for a short duration.It implies a finished action or a specific outcome of running.
4. Другие глаголы движения (Other Verbs of Motion)
While not direct synonyms, other verbs of motion can be used in contexts where running is involved, depending on the specific type of movement:
- Мчаться (mchát'sya)
- To rush, to speed. Implies very fast movement, often with less control than deliberate running. 'Машина мчалась по дороге.' (The car was speeding down the road.)
- Нестись (nestís')
- To rush, to career, to speed along. Similar to 'мчаться', often implying a lack of control or extreme speed. 'Ветер нёсся сквозь деревья.' (The wind was rushing through the trees.)
- Скакать (skakát')
- To jump, to gallop, to hop. Can describe a bouncy or leaping kind of movement, not typically associated with standard running.
Бегать - habitually/repeatedly, Бежать - single direction/moment, Побежать - to start running, Пробежать - to run a distance/through.
How Formal Is It?
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Le savais-tu ?
The Russian word for 'bug' is 'жук' (zhuk), which is related to the idea of something small that moves quickly. While not directly from 'бегать', it shares the concept of rapid, often erratic movement. The word 'беглец' (fugitive) is a direct derivative, highlighting the connection between running and escaping.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing the 'г' as a hard 'g' sound.
- Not softening the 'б' and 'г' sounds.
- Incorrect stress placement.
Niveau de difficulté
At the A2 level, learners will encounter 'бегать' frequently in simple sentences describing everyday activities like exercise or children playing. Understanding the nuance between 'бегать' and 'бежать' is a key challenge at this stage, as it requires grasping the concept of verbal aspect.
Producing sentences with 'бегать' requires correct conjugation and understanding of its aspectual meaning. Learners at A2 might struggle to consistently differentiate it from 'бежать' in their writing.
Using 'бегать' correctly in spontaneous speech requires quick recall of conjugations and the subtle difference in meaning compared to 'бежать'. It's a common verb, so learners will have many opportunities to practice.
Recognizing 'бегать' when spoken is relatively straightforward due to its commonality and clear pronunciation. Distinguishing its meaning from similar verbs in rapid speech might be more challenging.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Verb Aspect (Imperfective vs. Perfective)
'Бегать' is imperfective, denoting repeated or habitual action. 'Пробежать' is perfective, denoting a completed run over a distance. 'Я бегаю каждый день' (I run every day) vs. 'Я пробежал 5 км вчера' (I ran 5 km yesterday).
Verb Conjugation in Present Tense
Я бегаю, ты бегаешь, он/она/оно бегает, мы бегаем, вы бегаете, они бегают.
Verb Conjugation in Past Tense
Он бегал, она бегала, оно бегало, они бегали.
Using Infinitives after Modal Verbs
Я хочу бегать. (I want to run.) Он должен бегать. (He must run.)
Expressing Purpose with 'чтобы'
Он бегает, чтобы быть здоровым. (He runs to be healthy.)
Exemples par niveau
Собака бегает.
The dog runs.
Simple subject-verb structure.
Дети бегают.
Children run.
Plural subject.
Я бегаю.
I run.
First person singular conjugation.
Он бегает.
He runs.
Third person singular masculine conjugation.
Она бегает.
She runs.
Third person singular feminine conjugation.
Мы бегаем.
We run.
First person plural conjugation.
Вы бегаете.
You run (plural/formal).
Second person plural/formal conjugation.
Они бегают.
They run.
Third person plural conjugation.
Я люблю бегать по утрам.
I love to run in the mornings.
Use of infinitive after 'люблю' (love) and adverbial of time 'по утрам' (in the mornings).
Дети бегают во дворе.
Children are running in the yard.
Adverbial of place 'во дворе' (in the yard).
Он часто бегает в парке.
He often runs in the park.
Adverb of frequency 'часто' (often) and place 'в парке' (in the park).
Мы бегали вчера.
We ran yesterday.
Past tense, masculine plural 'мы бегали'.
Она бегала весь день.
She ran all day.
Past tense, feminine 'она бегала' with duration 'весь день' (all day).
Ты бегаешь быстро?
Do you run fast?
Question using adverb 'быстро' (fast).
Собака бегает за мячом.
The dog runs after the ball.
Prepositional phrase 'за мячом' (after the ball).
Мой брат бегает каждый день.
My brother runs every day.
Habitual action with 'каждый день' (every day).
Он бегает, чтобы быть в форме.
He runs to stay in shape.
Expressing purpose with 'чтобы' (in order to).
Раньше я много бегал, но теперь нет.
I used to run a lot, but not anymore.
Past habit using 'много бегал' (used to run a lot).
Они бегают на длинные дистанции.
They run long distances.
Specifying the type of running with 'на длинные дистанции' (long distances).
Когда ты начал бегать?
When did you start running?
Question about the beginning of a habitual action.
Её ноги устали, потому что она слишком долго бегала.
Her legs were tired because she ran for too long.
Cause and effect: 'потому что' (because) explaining the tiredness from prolonged running.
Мы решили пробежать кросс по пересечённой местности.
We decided to run a cross-country race on rough terrain.
Using 'пробежать' (perfective) to indicate completing a specific run/race, though 'бегать' could imply training for it.
Он бегает трусцой каждый вечер для здоровья.
He jogs every evening for his health.
Using 'бегать трусцой' (to jog) for a specific type of running.
Если будешь бегать каждый день, станешь сильнее.
If you run every day, you will become stronger.
Conditional sentence: 'Если' (if) followed by habitual action.
Его страсть – это бегать по горам в любую погоду.
His passion is running in the mountains in any weather.
Using 'бегать' to describe a passionate hobby or activity.
После травмы он смог снова бегать, но уже не так быстро.
After the injury, he was able to run again, but not as fast.
Describing recovery and a change in ability.
Дети, прекратите бегать так близко к дороге!
Children, stop running so close to the road!
Imperative form used to stop an action, implying repeated or potentially dangerous running.
Он бегал по кабинетам, пытаясь найти нужного специалиста.
He ran from office to office, trying to find the right specialist.
Metaphorical use of running between locations to emphasize urgency and effort.
Спортсмены должны бегать много, чтобы подготовиться к соревнованиям.
Athletes must run a lot to prepare for competitions.
Modal verb 'должны' (must) combined with habitual action.
Её сердце начало бешено бегать, когда она увидела его.
Her heart started beating wildly when she saw him.
Figurative use: 'сердце бегать' (heart to race/beat fast).
Он бегает наперегонки с ветром.
He races against the wind.
Figurative expression suggesting extreme speed and effort.
В молодости он любил бегать по ночам, когда город спал.
In his youth, he loved to run at night when the city slept.
Describing a past preference for running at a specific, atmospheric time.
Он бегал по городу, выполняя поручения, пока не осознал, что потерял ключи.
He was running around the city, running errands, until he realized he had lost his keys.
Complex sentence structure describing a series of actions and a sudden realization.
Её бег был плавным и ритмичным, словно она танцевала по земле.
Her running was smooth and rhythmic, as if she were dancing on the earth.
Descriptive language comparing running to dancing.
Он бегал от ответственности, как только мог, но рано или поздно пришлось столкнуться с последствиями.
He ran from responsibility at every opportunity, but sooner or later he had to face the consequences.
Figurative use of 'бегать от ответственности' (to run from responsibility).
Всякий раз, когда он слышал эту песню, ему хотелось бегать.
Every time he heard this song, he felt like running.
Expressing an involuntary reaction or desire triggered by external stimuli.
Он бегал по кругу, пытаясь найти выход из лабиринта собственных мыслей.
He was running in circles, trying to find a way out of the labyrinth of his own thoughts.
Metaphorical use of 'бегать по кругу' (running in circles) to describe mental stagnation.
Её мастерство заключалось в том, чтобы бегать с такой скоростью, что казалось, она летит.
Her skill lay in running so fast that it seemed she was flying.
Hyperbole to describe exceptional speed and skill.
Он бегал по жизни, не останавливаясь ни на минуту, пока не понял, что упускает главное.
He ran through life without stopping for a minute, until he realized he was missing the most important things.
Philosophical reflection on a life lived too hectically.
Спортсмен бегал так, будто от этого зависела вся его жизнь, и, возможно, так оно и было.
The athlete ran as if his whole life depended on it, and perhaps it did.
Emphasis on the intensity and stakes of the action.
Он бегал по краю пропасти, балансируя между жизнью и смертью.
He ran along the edge of the abyss, balancing between life and death.
Highly dramatic and figurative use, implying extreme danger and risk.
Её способность бегать на пределе человеческих возможностей казалась сверхъестественной.
Her ability to run at the limits of human capability seemed supernatural.
Describing an extraordinary, almost unbelievable level of performance.
Он бегал от самого себя, от своей тени, но знал, что истинное исцеление лежит в принятии.
He ran from himself, from his own shadow, but knew that true healing lay in acceptance.
Profoundly metaphorical use, referring to internal psychological struggles.
После долгих лет он вернулся в родной город, где когда-то любил бегать по знакомым улицам.
After many years, he returned to his hometown, where he once loved to run along the familiar streets.
Evocative description of nostalgia and past experiences.
Его ум бегал с бешеной скоростью, перебирая все возможные сценарии развития событий.
His mind raced at a furious speed, sifting through all possible scenarios of events.
Intensified metaphorical use of 'ум бегать' (mind to race) to describe complex, rapid thought processes.
Она бегала по жизни, как будто пытаясь догнать ускользающее время.
She ran through life as if trying to catch up with fleeting time.
Poetic and philosophical imagery of life and time.
Его ноги сами понесли его туда, куда он боялся бегать.
His legs carried him by themselves to where he was afraid to run.
Describing an action driven by an unseen force or subconscious desire.
В тот момент он бегал от реальности, погрузившись в мир своих фантазий.
At that moment, he was running away from reality, immersed in the world of his fantasies.
Describing escapism and a retreat into imagination.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
бегать по утрам
бегать в парке
бегать быстро
бегать долго
бегать за мячом
бегать от проблемы
бегать по дому
бегать на работу
бегать трусцой
бегать глазами
Souvent confondu avec
'Бегать' implies habitual, repeated, or multi-directional running, while 'бежать' usually describes a single, directed action of running at a specific moment.
'Побежать' is a perfective verb meaning 'to start running', indicating the initiation of the action, whereas 'бегать' describes the ongoing or habitual nature of running.
'Пробежать' is a perfective verb meaning 'to run a distance' or 'to run through/past', focusing on the completion of a specific run, unlike the more general 'бегать'.
Expressions idiomatiques
"Бегать как угорелый"
To run around like mad, to rush about frantically. This idiom describes someone running extremely fast and erratically, often in a panicked or disorganized way.
Он бегал по комнате как угорелый, ища свои ключи.
Informal"Бегать глазами"
To scan with one's eyes; to look around quickly. This idiom refers to moving one's eyes rapidly over a page of text or a scene, searching for something specific or just taking in information quickly.
Он бегал глазами по меню, пытаясь выбрать блюдо.
Neutral"Бегать от ответственности"
To evade responsibility; to shirk one's duties. This is a figurative idiom where running represents avoiding or escaping from one's obligations.
Он всегда бегал от ответственности, перекладывая вину на других.
Neutral"Бегать по кругу"
To run in circles; to be stuck in a rut. This idiom describes a situation where one is repeatedly doing the same thing without making progress, like running in a circle and never getting anywhere.
Без чёткого плана мы рискуем бегать по кругу.
Neutral"Бегать как заяц"
To run very fast, like a hare. This idiom emphasizes the speed and agility of the runner.
Когда он испугался, то побежал как заяц.
Informal"Бегать по струнам"
To play on someone's nerves; to agitate or provoke someone. This idiom likens the action to playing a musical instrument, but in a way that causes annoyance or distress.
Хватит бегать по моим струнам, я устал от твоих шуток.
Informal"Бегать наперегонки с временем"
To race against time. To be in a hurry and try to finish something before a deadline.
Они бегали наперегонки с временем, чтобы закончить проект вовремя.
Neutral"Бегать по краю"
To walk a tightrope; to be in a dangerous or precarious situation. This idiom suggests being close to danger or failure.
Его бизнес бегал по краю банкротства.
Figurative"Сердце бегает"
Heart races; heart beats fast. Used to describe a feeling of excitement, fear, or nervousness.
Когда она увидела его, её сердце начало бегать.
Neutral"Бегать как курица с отрезанной головой"
To run around wildly and aimlessly, like a headless chicken. Implies extreme panic and lack of direction.
После объявления результатов он бегал как курица с отрезанной головой.
InformalFacile à confondre
Both are imperfective verbs for 'to run' and can be confused by learners.
'Бегать' focuses on the *habit*, *repetition*, or *movement in various directions*. Think of 'running around'. 'Бежать' focuses on a *single, directed action* happening *now* or at a specific past moment. Think of 'running to a place'.
'Я бегаю каждое утро.' (I run every morning - habitual, use 'бегать'). 'Я бегу в магазин сейчас.' (I am running to the store now - directed, use 'бежать').
It's also related to running and is an imperfective verb's perfective counterpart.
'Побежать' signifies the *beginning* of the action of running, the sudden start. 'Бегать' describes the *process* or *habit* of running. 'Побежать' is about initiating the run, while 'бегать' is about the act of running itself, often over time or in different ways.
'Дети увидели мяч и побежали.' (The children saw the ball and started running - perfective, initiated action). 'Дети любят бегать на площадке.' (Children love to run in the playground - imperfective, habitual activity).
It's a perfective verb related to running, often implying completion.
'Пробежать' means to *run a specific distance* or *run through/past* something, emphasizing the completion of that particular run. 'Бегать' is about the general activity, the habit, or running in different directions without a specific endpoint in mind for that instance.
'Я пробежал 10 километров.' (I ran 10 kilometers - completed distance, use 'пробежать'). 'Я бегаю 10 километров каждый день.' (I run 10 kilometers every day - habitual, use 'бегать').
Both imply fast movement.
'Мчаться' means to *rush* or *speed*, often with a sense of great velocity and perhaps less control than deliberate running. 'Бегать' is a more general term for running, which can be fast or slow, habitual or momentary. 'Мчаться' is more about extreme speed.
'Машина мчалась по дороге.' (The car was speeding down the road - extreme speed). 'Он бегает по утрам.' (He runs in the mornings - general activity, speed not specified).
It's a prefixed version of 'бегать' and also means running.
'Убегать' specifically means to *run away* or *escape* from something or someone. It carries the connotation of fleeing or evading. 'Бегать' is the general verb for running without this specific implication of escape.
'Волк убегал от охотников.' (The wolf was running away from the hunters - escape, use 'убегать'). 'Волк бегает по лесу.' (The wolf runs around the forest - general movement, use 'бегать').
Structures de phrases
Subject + бегать (conjugated).
Собака бегает.
Subject + бегать (conjugated) + Adverb of Time/Place.
Я бегаю утром в парке.
Subject + бегать (conjugated) + Adverb of Frequency.
Он часто бегает.
Subject + бегать (conjugated) + чтобы + Infinitive.
Она бегает, чтобы похудеть.
Past Tense: Subject + бегать (past form) + Adverb of Time.
Мы бегали вчера.
Figurative Use: Subject + бегать + Object/Phrase.
Он бегал от ответственности.
Habitual Action: Subject + бегать (conjugated) + каждый день/неделю.
Они бегают каждый день.
Complex Sentence with Clauses: Subject + бегать (conjugated) + clause.
Он бегал по городу, пока не понял, что потерял ключи.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Very High
-
Using 'бегать' for a single, directed run.
→
Я бегу в магазин.
Using 'бегать' when 'бежать' is more appropriate for a specific, directed action. 'Бегать' implies habit or multiple directions.
-
Incorrect conjugation in the past tense.
→
Она бегала вчера.
Confusing the gender/number endings in the past tense, e.g., saying 'Он бегала' instead of 'Он бегал'.
-
Confusing 'бегать' with 'побежать' for starting an action.
→
Он увидел опасность и побежал.
Using 'бегать' when the focus is on the initiation of running ('побежать') rather than the ongoing or habitual nature.
-
Using 'бегать' when 'пробежать' is needed for a completed distance.
→
Я пробежал 10 километров.
Using the imperfective 'бегать' for an action with a defined endpoint or completion, where the perfective 'пробежать' is more suitable.
-
Forgetting the soft sign in conjugation.
→
Ты бегаешь.
Omitting the soft sign 'ь' in conjugations like 'бегаешь' or 'бегает', which affects pronunciation and correctness.
Astuces
Master the Aspect
The key to using 'бегать' correctly is understanding its imperfective aspect, which signifies repeated, habitual, or multi-directional actions. Contrast this with perfective verbs like 'побежать' (to start running) or 'пробежать' (to run a distance) which focus on a completed action or its initiation.
Listen to the Context
Always pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation. If someone is talking about their daily routine, a game of tag, or animals playing, 'бегать' is likely the verb you'll hear. If they're describing a specific race or a sudden dash, other verbs might be used.
Conjugate with Confidence
Like all Russian verbs, 'бегать' needs to be conjugated correctly based on the subject (I, you, he, she, we, they) and tense (present, past). Practice these forms until they become second nature.
Explore Figurative Meanings
'Бегать' isn't just about physical running. It's used figuratively for rapid eye movements ('бегать глазами'), racing thoughts ('ум бегает'), or evading issues ('бегать от ответственности'). Learning these idiomatic uses will greatly enhance your understanding.
Perfect Your Pronunciation
Pay attention to the soft 'б' and 'г' sounds, and ensure the stress is on the first syllable ('БЕ-гать'). Practicing with native speakers or pronunciation guides will help you sound more natural.
Compare with 'Бежать'
Actively compare sentences using 'бегать' and 'бежать' to solidify the distinction. Create your own examples highlighting habitual vs. directed running.
Build Your Own Sentences
The best way to learn is by doing. Try to create sentences using 'бегать' in different contexts: describing your own activities, those of others, or even in imaginative scenarios.
Expand Related Vocabulary
Learn related words like 'бег' (run), 'бегун' (runner), 'быстро' (fast), and 'спорт' (sport). This will create a stronger network of related terms in your mind.
Listen Actively
When watching Russian movies, listening to music, or following podcasts, actively listen for the verb 'бегать'. Try to predict its meaning based on the context before looking it up.
Regular Review
Don't just learn a word and forget it. Regularly revisit 'бегать' through exercises, reading, and speaking practice to ensure it stays fresh in your memory.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a person named 'Beggy' who loves to run everywhere. Beggy runs to the store, Beggy runs to the park, Beggy runs around the house – Beggy is always running!
Association visuelle
Picture a cartoon character with extremely long legs, always depicted in motion, running through various landscapes. This visual emphasizes the constant activity of running.
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe your daily routine using the verb 'бегать' for any habitual running or movement. For example, 'I бегаю to the kitchen for coffee every morning.'
Origine du mot
The verb 'бегать' originates from the Proto-Slavic verb *begti, which also meant 'to run'. This root is common across many Slavic languages, reflecting a shared ancient vocabulary for fundamental actions.
Sens originel : To run, to flee.
Indo-European, Slavic.Contexte culturel
The verb 'бегать' itself is neutral. However, contexts like 'бегать от ответственности' (evading responsibility) or 'бегать по краю' (walking a tightrope) carry negative or serious connotations.
In English-speaking cultures, running is also a popular form of exercise and sport. Phrases like 'going for a run', 'jogging', and 'sprinting' are common. The concept of 'running errands' is also universal.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Sports and Fitness
- Я бегаю каждый день.
- Он бегает марафоны.
- Мы бегаем в парке.
- Бегать трусцой полезно.
Children's Activities
- Дети любят бегать.
- Нельзя бегать в доме.
- Они бегают по двору.
- Бегай осторожно!
Describing Movement
- Собака бегает.
- Он бегает быстро.
- Она бегала весь день.
- Птицы бегают по земле.
Figurative Language
- Бегать от проблем.
- Глаза бегают.
- Сердце бегает.
- Бегать по кругу.
Daily Routines/Errands
- Я бегаю по делам.
- Он бежал на работу.
- Бегать за покупками.
- Бегать по городу.
Amorces de conversation
"Do you enjoy running?"
"What time of day do you prefer to run?"
"Have you ever run a marathon?"
"Do you run in the park or on a treadmill?"
"What are your favorite running shoes?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a time you had to run very fast.
Write about your favorite place to run and why.
Imagine you could run anywhere in the world; where would you go?
Reflect on the benefits of running for your physical and mental health.
Write a short story where the main character loves to run.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsThe main difference lies in aspect and nuance. 'Бегать' is an imperfective verb that describes habitual actions, repeated actions, or movement in various directions (e.g., 'I run every day', 'The children are running around'). 'Бежать' is also imperfective but typically describes a single, directed action of running at a specific moment (e.g., 'I am running to the store now', 'He was running fast'). Think of 'бегать' as 'to run around' or 'to run habitually', and 'бежать' as 'to be running' (in a specific direction/at this moment).
Use 'бегать' when you want to express that someone or something runs regularly (habitually), or when the running involves moving in multiple directions or around an area without a specific endpoint in mind for that particular instance. For example, 'Он бегает в парке каждый день' (He runs in the park every day) or 'Дети бегают по двору' (Children are running around the yard).
Yes, 'бегать' is very commonly used when talking about sports and exercise. You can say 'Я люблю бегать' (I love to run), 'Он бегает марафоны' (He runs marathons), or 'Они бегают трусцой' (They jog). It covers the general activity of running for fitness or competition.
The past tense is formed by adding gender and number endings to the stem 'бега-'. For example: он бегал (he ran), она бегала (she ran), оно бегало (it ran), они бегали (they ran).
Yes, 'бегать' can be used figuratively. For instance, 'глаза бегают' means 'eyes are darting around' or 'to scan quickly', and 'сердце бегает' means 'heart is racing' due to excitement or fear. 'Бегать от ответственности' means to evade responsibility.
'Бегать' describes the ongoing or habitual action of running. 'Побежать' is a perfective verb that means 'to start running' or 'to set off running', indicating the initiation of the action. For example, 'Дети любят бегать' (Children love to run - habitual) vs. 'Дети увидели мяч и побежали' (The children saw the ball and started running - initiated action).
'Бегать' is imperfective and describes the general activity, habit, or multi-directional running. 'Пробежать' is a perfective verb meaning 'to run a certain distance' or 'to run through/past' something, emphasizing the completion of that specific run. For example, 'Я бегаю каждый день' (I run every day - habitual) vs. 'Я пробежал 5 километров вчера' (I ran 5 kilometers yesterday - completed distance).
The verb 'бегать' itself is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing about sports science, more specific terms or descriptions might be preferred. But for general communication, 'бегать' is perfectly acceptable in formal settings too, especially when discussing habitual actions.
The most common way to say 'to jog' is 'бегать трусцой'. 'Трусцой' refers to a slow, easy pace. So, 'Я бегаю трусцой по утрам' means 'I jog in the mornings'.
'Бегать по кругу' literally means 'to run in circles'. Figuratively, it means to be stuck in a rut, to repeat the same actions without making progress, or to be in a situation where one is going through the motions without achieving anything new.
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Summary
The verb 'бегать' signifies the action of running, with a strong connotation of habit, repetition, or movement in multiple directions, differentiating it from a single, directed run.
- General term for running.
- Implies habitual or varied movement.
- Contrast with 'бежать' (directed run).
Master the Aspect
The key to using 'бегать' correctly is understanding its imperfective aspect, which signifies repeated, habitual, or multi-directional actions. Contrast this with perfective verbs like 'побежать' (to start running) or 'пробежать' (to run a distance) which focus on a completed action or its initiation.
Listen to the Context
Always pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation. If someone is talking about their daily routine, a game of tag, or animals playing, 'бегать' is likely the verb you'll hear. If they're describing a specific race or a sudden dash, other verbs might be used.
Conjugate with Confidence
Like all Russian verbs, 'бегать' needs to be conjugated correctly based on the subject (I, you, he, she, we, they) and tense (present, past). Practice these forms until they become second nature.
Explore Figurative Meanings
'Бегать' isn't just about physical running. It's used figuratively for rapid eye movements ('бегать глазами'), racing thoughts ('ум бегает'), or evading issues ('бегать от ответственности'). Learning these idiomatic uses will greatly enhance your understanding.
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