ли
Translation of ли
whether
Russian word in Latin letters: li
Meaning of ли
употребляется, чтобы обозначить выбор или сомнение
used to introduce alternatives or doubt
Pronunciation
Traps and common mistakes
Ли or если?
если = if, a condition
Don't say «Спроси, если он дома». Asking yes or no — «Спроси, дома ли он»; a condition — «если».
Если будет холодно, надень шапку.
If it's cold, put on a hat.
Посмотри, холодно ли на улице.
See whether it's cold outside.
Не знаю, ли он придёт or Не знаю, придёт ли он?
Не знаю, придёт ли он
ли goes after the word you ask about
Don't say «Не знаю, ли он придёт». Ли goes after the key word: «Не знаю, придёт ли он».
Спроси, придёт ли она завтра.
Ask whether she is coming tomorrow.
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.
I’m not sure whether the gate is locked.
Show translationHide translation
Я не уверен, закрыты ли ворота.
Tell me whether you need help.
Show translationHide translation
Скажи мне, нужна ли тебе помощь.
Related words and lists for ли
Questions about this word
ли meaning: what does it mean?
used to introduce alternatives or doubt
ли pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?
ли is pronounced as [lʲi]. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.
ли definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?
I’m not sure whether the gate is locked. Translation: Я не уверен, закрыты ли ворота.
Learn ли in your vocabulary
Add this word to practice, repeat it with audio, examples and your own word lists.