I wait for you ??? the bus stop (part 1)

Today I want to talk about the prepositions «в» and «на».

The biggest problem of learning Russian is the presence of a large number of exceptions. Why should I choose «в» instead of «на» and vice versa? Let’s make it clear.

Speaking about the material things such as a table, a fridge, a plate, or a box, remember to use «на» (on) if something is on the surface of it, meanwhile, there is something «в» (in) that thing.

Лекарство лежит на столе – the remedy is visible because someone left it on the desk.

Лекарство лежит в столе – the remedy is invisible, because it is hidden.

If the object is uncountable, we can’t see its boundaries, then we rather choose «в» than «на».

В траве спрятался щенок – A puppy nestled down in the grass.

Я люблю сидеть в траве – I like to sit on the grass.

Мы устроили пикник на траве – We have picnic on the grass (in the garden).

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N.B. If one object is over another, then we use «на» only.

• на улице [it depends on the context]

Я на улице – I’m outside

Летом мне нравится спать на улице – I like to sleep in the street in summertime.

Я живу в квартире, потому летом сплю на балконе – I live in the flat that’s why I sleep on the balcony in summer.

• на мосту – on the bridge

• на берегу – on the beach

Я жду тебя на остановке уже двадцать минут! – I’ve been waiting for you at the bus stop for 20 minutes now!

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Ah, but there are few more exceptions!

1. If you want to say that there are fish in the lake like “I see a shoal of dolphins!” They are on the surface of the sea, actually! You can’t use «на». They are in the body of water.  «Я вижу косяк дельфинов в море!»

2. If you see anything is placed on the chair, you should say «в кресле».

Bonus. When you see the preposition «во», be sure, the next word starts with «фр», «вт», «вм» – во Франции, во вторник, во многом. Two more words such as «во весь» (=at full...), «во имя» (=in the name of, for the sake of) are, again, exceptions.

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My team is a set of books and a good playlist and of course your support. When you enroll in any language course, pay for it but do you feel satisfied with the result? We never know it beforehand. Here I share my understanding of the language and some phrases that will help you to grasp the logic of the Russian language. If you find my tips and ideas useful then…

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The best way to memorize is
to practice!

So now I ask you to make these exercises. If you are not sure, send your paper to tweedledee6@mail.ru and get the explanations.

1. Translate the following phrases into Russian.

1. His art can’t be found in galleries but on public structures (городских зданиях).
2.  She always posts her selfies on Instagram.
3.  She hurries into Piccadilly Circus.
4.  I have friends living on the East Coast.
5.  I was there last October.
6.  I’m planning to go to Yalta this September.
7.   Now we can only sunbath up on the balcony.

2. Fill the right preposition «в» or «на».

1.  Дени играют ______ улице.
2.  Рубашки лежат ______ чемодане.
3.  Машина стоит ______ мосту.
4.  Сегодня вечером мы идём ______ собрание.
5.  Обычно все встречаются ______ площади.
6.   На этой неделе открывается потрясающая выставка _____ музее.
7.   ___ магазине одежды сейчас крутая распродажа.