Ходить под стол

Verbs of Motion, part 2

In our first post on Russian verbs of motion, we outlined the difference between the verbs "идти" and "ходить" in their basic meanings:

• Идти (to go on foot, to walk): Indicates a single, continuous action in progress. It describes someone or something moving in one direction at a specific moment in time.

• Ходить (also: to go on foot, to walk): Indicates a habitual, repeated action or the ability to go somewhere. It describes someone or something moving to and from a place multiple times.

The problem with these two verbs of motion lies in the inconsistency of back-and-forth translations. While translating from Russian to English is relatively straightforward, the reverse is more complex. How does one choose the correct Russian verb for the English word "go"?

While the Russian "идти" means "двигаться, передвигаться, ступая ногами" (to move by shuffling one's legs, to walk), "ходить" also means "to walk," but primarily in the context of repetitive, back-and-forth, or frequent trips.

Compare "Я иду в школу" to "Я хожу в школу," (“идти в школу” vs. “ходить в школу”). While the former indicates an immediate trip to school, as in "I am on my way to school" or "I am walking to school," the latter means being enrolled in a school or going there regularly.

The word "ходить" has its roots in the word "ход." In form and origin, it may be related to the Greek word "hodos," meaning "way" or "road." The Russian noun "ход" (hod) generally refers to movement, progress, or operation. It has other meanings and is used in various contexts, as does the verb "ходить."

“Ходить под стол”, what does it mean in Russian?

Let's look at some fixed expressions with the word "ходить." While some of them still relate to frequent or repetitive movements, others have taken on a life of their own.

Past and future tense conjugations, usage with imperatives, and fixed expressions below are available for paid subscribers only.