Verb aspects might be tricky in Russian. Let's figure it out with Alina

Sometimes you think that you are saying one thing, but people hear something different. When learning Russian you might face this too. One of the most tricky Russian verbs is TO LOVE, ЛЮБИТЬ. Enjoy Russian school teacher Alina and her student from Great Britain define the difference and give some examples.

I LIKED IT vs. I LOVED IT – Let's say in Russian

If you did something new or visited an interesting place and want to say that you just loved it, don't say "Я ЛЮБИЛ (-А)". In Russian, it means that you used to love it but don't anymore.

Use
МНЕ ПОНРАВИЛСЯ + masculine noun (Nominative case)
МНЕ ПОНРАВИЛАСЬ + feminine noun (Nominative case)
МНЕ ПОНРАВИЛОСЬ + neuter noun (Nominative case) / verb infinitive
МНЕ ПОНРАВИЛИСЬ + plural noun (Nominative case)

Examples:
1. Вчера я посмотрел интересный фильм, и он мне понравился (мне понравился фильм).
Yesterday I watched an interesting movie, and I liked it.
2. Я прочитала книгу. Мне очень понравилась эта книга.
I've finished reading the book. I really liked this book.
3. Я попробовал итальянское вино, и оно мне понравилось.
I tried Italian wine, and I liked it.
4. Вчера я катался на коньках. Мне очень понравилось кататься на коньках.
Yesterday I skated. I liked skating very much.
5. Я первый раз была в России. Мне очень понравились русские люди.
I visited Russia for the first time. I really liked Russian people.