приходить vs прийти
prikhodít' vs prijtí — to come regularly/ongoing vs to arrive once
Register: neutral
What it really means
"Приходить" is imperfective: to come repeatedly, habitually, or as an ongoing action. "Прийти" is perfective: to come once and arrive at a destination. This is an aspect contrast, so the choice depends on whether you mean a process or a completed arrival, not simply past versus present.
Use приходить for routines and repeated invitations: "Я прихожу сюда каждую неделю." Use прийти for a single completed visit or a future promise: "Я приду в семь" (I will come at seven).
Examples in natural speech
Я часто прихожу сюда.
I often come here.
Я пришёл в семь часов.
I arrived/came at seven.
Приходи завтра!
Come tomorrow! (invitation)
Я приду завтра.
I will come tomorrow. (one planned arrival)
Она всегда приходит вовремя.
She always comes on time.
Common mistakes
Do not assume прийти is simply the past form of приходить. "Приходить" can be past, present, or future in repeated/ongoing contexts; "прийти" marks one completed arrival and has the irregular future "приду." A routine uses приходить, while one appointment uses прийти.
Memory tip
"Приходить" is a recurring path; "прийти" is one arrival at the destination.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between приходить and прийти in Russian?
"Приходить" is imperfective and means to come repeatedly or be in the process of coming. "Прийти" is perfective and means to arrive once. "Я часто прихожу" = I often come; "Я приду завтра" = I will come tomorrow.
How do you say come tomorrow in Russian?
For an invitation or command, use "Приходи завтра!" (Come tomorrow!). For a single promise, use "Я приду завтра" (I will come tomorrow).
Is прийти the past tense of приходить?
No. They are imperfective and perfective aspect partners. The past of приходить is приходил/приходила for a repeated or ongoing action; пришёл/пришла describes one completed arrival.
Note: This site uses JavaScript for interactive drills, audio playback, and progress tracking. Please enable JavaScript for the full experience.