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Conjunction · A2 · very common

если

Translation of если

if

Russian word in Latin letters: esli

Meaning of если

Russian

вводит условие, при котором что-то произойдёт

English

introduces a condition

if

Pronunciation

Russian · Male
[ˈjɛsʲlʲɪ]
Russian · Female

Traps and common mistakes

Если or ли?

ли

ли = whether: «I don't know if he'll come»

Don't say «Не знаю, если он придёт». Asking yes or no — «Не знаю, придёт ли он»; a condition — «Если он придёт…».

Спроси, работает ли магазин.

Ask if the shop is open.

Если магазин работает, купи хлеба.

If the shop is open, buy some bread.

Try translating it yourself

Translate these short sentences from English into Russian using the word you are learning. Then open one possible answer and compare it with yours. This is practice, not a test.

  1. If you need help, call me.

    Show translationHide translation

    Если тебе нужна помощь, позвони мне.

  2. I'll go for a walk if it's sunny.

    Show translationHide translation

    Я пойду гулять, если будет солнечно.

если synonyms

Related word breakdowns

What's the difference between если, в случае если, and если бы

В
🇷🇺Russian
в случае если

More formal, in rules and instructions.

Advanced: broader words

Е
🇷🇺Russian
если бы

For unreal or imagined conditions: если бы я знал.

Related words and lists for если

Questions about this word

What does если mean?

introduces a condition

How do you pronounce если?

если is pronounced [ˈjɛsʲlʲɪ], in Latin letters “esli”.

How is если used in a sentence?

If you need help, call me. Translation: Если тебе нужна помощь, позвони мне.

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