For a process or habit in the future, use бу́ду + an imperfective infinitive. For a single completed result, conjugate a perfective verb like a present tense: those endings already mean the future.
1. Future 1: бу́ду + infinitive
Conjugate быть (to be) in the future, then add an imperfective infinitive (the “to …” form). Only бу́ду changes; the infinitive stays the same for everyone.
2. Future 2: the perfective verb
A perfective verb can’t describe something happening right now, so its “present” endings point to the future. No бу́ду needed. Pick a verb pair to compare.
| Person | Present (imperfective) | Future (perfective) |
|---|---|---|
| я | ||
| ты | ||
| он / она́ | ||
| мы | ||
| вы | ||
| они́ |
3. Which future to use
Ask the aspect question: will the action be in progress or repeated, or will it be done once, with a result?
4. “Will be”, “will have”, “there will be”
Remember that Russian drops “is” in the present. In the future, бу́ду and its forms come back on their own, with no second verb.
5. Plans, intentions and near future
Like English “I’m going to…”, Russian has a few other ways to talk about what’s coming. These four are the most common.
6. After “when” and “if”: use the future
English uses the present after “when” and “if” (“when I arrive”). Russian uses the future in both halves of the sentence.
7. “Will go”: motion verbs in the future
For one trip, use the perfective пойду́ (on foot) or пое́ду (by transport). For regular trips, use бу́ду + ходи́ть / е́здить.
8. Choose the future
Process or result? Pick the form that fits the English.