Giving Advice in Russian
«Что мне делать?» — what should I do? — is a question you'll be asked, in Russian, sooner than you think. Here's the full advisory toolkit, from gentle suggestion to firm command.
советовать + Dative
Я советую тебе отдохнуть.
I advise you to rest.
Note: The advisee goes dative (тебе, вам), the advice stays an infinitive.
Совет — a piece of advice. Дать совет — to give advice. Спасибо за совет! — thanks for the advice.
стоит — Worth It
| Russian | English |
|---|---|
| Стоит посмотреть этот фильм. | This film is worth seeing. |
| Стоит попробовать. | Worth a try. |
| Не стоит. | Don't bother. (Also the modest reply to thanks!) |
The price verb (сколько стоит?) moonlights as the worth verb — value judged in effort instead of roubles.
лучше — Better To
Лучше пойти пешком — метро сейчас закрыто.
Better to walk — the metro's closed right now.
Note: лучше + infinitive: the comparative dispensing wisdom.
And its hypothetical cousin from the бы lesson: На твоём месте я бы… — in your place, I would…
Commands, by Aspect
| Type | Aspect | Example |
|---|---|---|
| do it (once) | perfective | Позвони ей! — Call her! |
| don't (at all) | imperfective | Не звони ей! — Don't call her! |
| standing invitation | imperfective | Заходите! — Come on in! |
Что мне делать? Я забыл про день рождения Ани!
What should I do? I forgot Anya's birthday!
Советую тебе позвонить ей прямо сейчас. И купи цветы!
I advise you to call her right now. And buy flowers!
А если она не хочет говорить?
And if she doesn't want to talk?
Тогда лучше прийти с тортом.
Then better to show up with a cake.
Common Mistakes
- советовать + accusative. The advisee is dative: советую тебе.
- Не позвони! Prohibitions ride the imperfective: не звони.
- Confusing стоит and стоит. Same word — context decides price or worth. Сколько стоит? asks money; стоит посмотреть judges value.
What You Can Do Now
You can ask for advice, give it at three strengths — suggestion, recommendation, command — and decline it gracefully. Your friends' problems are now officially your business.