It is believed that the verb aspect is one of the most complicated grammar topics. Today, I will have to try to prove the opposite.

Verbal aspects in the Russian language – Виды глаголов в русском языке

We start with the Present tense. Here, everything is pretty simple. Regardless we talk about the action that happens right now or habitually, on a regular basis, there is only one option – Imperfective aspect. Words-helpers for regularity: обычно – usually, всегда – always, часто – often, редко – rarely, иногда – sometimes, никогда не – never.

Я каждый день покупаю круассан в этом киоске.Every day I buy a croissant on that stall.
Я тебе перезвоню через 5 минут, я сейчас на кассе покупаю продукты.I will call you back in 5 minutes, I’m at the cashier desk buying some food.

Now let’s have a look at the Past tense. Here there are 4 cases when we use Imperfective and 5 for Perfective. 

Imperfective:

1. The fact happened in the past, you remember doing it but either you can’t memorize details or don’t want to talk about it, even if you know the exact date.

Я смотрела этот фильм лет 5 назад, но совершенно не помню, чем он закончился. I saw that film around 5 years ago, but I really don’t remember the end.

2. We talk about the process, how long it took, for how long you were doing it. Words-helpers: весь – whole, целый – entire.

Вчера он целый вечер играл на планшете.Yesterday he was playing on his tablet the entire evening.

3. There are 2 or more parallel actions.

Он слушал музыку и завтракал.He was listening to music and eating his breakfast.

4. Regularity in the past.

Раньше они часто встречались, а сейчас у них слишком много работы.They used to meet a lot, and now they have lots of work.

Perfective:

1. Result, completed action. It has happened and you remember the details, are ready to talk about it, still excited/disappointed/astonished by it.

Ещё в детстве я посмотрела этот его, и он остаётся моим любимым фильмом.I saw it in my childhood and it’s still my favourite film.

2. We mention the concrete amount of something.

Он сделал 5 упражнений.He has done 5 exercises.

3. The action happened once. Words-helpers: вдруг – suddenly, точно – definitely, наконец – finally.

Мы наконец нашли этот дом.Finally, we have found that building.

4. Chain of events.

Он послушал музыку и решил позавтракать.He finished listening to music and decided to have breakfast.

5. Time period as a result. Here the word-helper is a preposition за within + period of time.

Я сделала домашнее задание за 45 минут. I have done my homework within 45 minutes.

The Future tense has 3 cases for Imperfective, and 2 for Perfective.

Imperfective:

1. Regularity in the future.

Зимой я буду каждый вечер смотреть интересные сериалы.In winter I will watch interesting TV series every evening.

2. Process.

Через 5 недель у него будут соревнования, поэтому все следующие 4 недели он будет тренироваться.In 5 weeks he is having a competition, that’s why the next 4 weeks he will be working out.

3. Parallel actions.

Мы будем лежать на пляже и загорать.We will be laying on the beach and sunbathing.

Perfective:

1. Result/action will be completed once. Words-helpers: обязательно/точно – definitely, наконец – finally.

Мы точно посмотрим эту передачу к субботе.We will have definitely watched this TV program by Saturday.

2. Chain of events.

Они приготовят обед и пойдут с детьми в парк.They will cook lunch and go to the park with their kids.
check yourself

You may also know more about Participles.

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