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verb · A1 · very often · UK/US

быть

was

Meaning of быть

был, находился в прошлом

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A1very often

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Pronunciation
Russian[bɨtʲ]
was
быть - was
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быть with English translation

быть usage examples

🇬🇧English🇷🇺Russian

The answer was simple.

Ответ был простым.

🇬🇧English🇷🇺Russian

His idea was very helpful.

Его идея была очень полезной.

Learn by topic

быть belongs to the topic "Top 5000". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.

бытьwas
готовитьcook
менятьchange
завязыватьtie
следоватьfollow
убиратьremove
ощущатьсяfeel

быть synonyms

Related word breakdowns

What's the difference between быть / находиться / существовать / являться / оставаться / присутствовать

🇷🇺Russian
быть

the basic verb of existence and linking; the most general neutral option

A1Very Often

He was at home.

Он был дома.

Н
🇷🇺Russian
находиться

to be located; emphasizes location

A1Very Often

The school is located nearby.

Школа находится рядом.

🇷🇺Russian

to exist; more abstract and bookish than 'быть'

A1Often

Many languages exist in the world.

В мире существует много языков.

Я
🇷🇺Russian
являться

to be in essence or function; often used as a formal copula

A1Often

He is the company director.

Он является директором компании.

О
🇷🇺Russian
оставаться

to remain; emphasizes staying in the same state or place

A1Often

He remained calm.

Он оставался спокойным.

П
🇷🇺Russian
присутствовать

to be present; emphasizes being there as a participant or observer

A1Often

All the teachers were present at the meeting.

На собрании присутствовали все учителя.

What's the difference

Related words and lists for быть

How to pronounce быть and what this word means

быть translation: was. This page includes translation, pronunciation, transcription, audio, usage examples and related words.

how to pronounce быть

[bɨtʲ]

быть translation

was

быть examples

The answer was simple.

быть transcription

[bɨtʲ]

How this dictionary entry is reviewed

ZapomniEnglish prepares dictionary data automatically, then the editorial workflow checks high-frequency words, top lists, and pages that already receive search impressions first.

Translation and meaningPronunciation and transcriptionExamples, synonyms, and topics

Questions about this word

быть meaning: what does it mean?

был, находился в прошлом

быть pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

быть is pronounced as [bɨtʲ]. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

быть definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

The answer was simple. Translation: Ответ был простым.

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