учить vs учиться vs изучать

uchít' vs uchít'sya vs izuchát' — to teach/memorize vs to study/learn vs to study in depth

What it really means

"Учить" has two common meanings: to teach someone, and to learn or memorize material. The construction tells you which meaning is intended: "учить кого-то" means teach a person, while "учить слова" means learn vocabulary by heart. "Учиться" is reflexive and means to study or attend classes; the person studying usually takes в or на: "учиться в университете."

"Изучать" means to study something systematically or in depth. It takes a direct object: "изучать русский язык" (study the Russian language).

Examples in natural speech

Я учу русский язык.
I am learning Russian.
Я учу студентов русскому языку.
I teach students Russian.
Я учусь в университете.
I study at university.
Она изучает историю России.
She is studying Russian history in depth.
Мне нужно выучить эти слова.
I need to memorize/learn these words.

Common mistakes

Do not use "учиться русский язык" for "study Russian"; the language is a direct object of учить or изучать: "учить русский" or "изучать русский язык." Use учиться for the learner or institution: "Я учусь в школе" (I study at school).

Memory tip

"Учить" puts knowledge in someone; "учиться" is the learner studying; "изучать" is a focused, systematic investigation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between учить and учиться in Russian?

"Учить" means to teach someone or learn material, depending on its object. "Учиться" means to study or be a student. "Я учу слова" = I learn words; "Я учусь в университете" = I study at university.

What is the difference between учить and изучать?

"Учить" is common for learning or memorizing practical material. "Изучать" means to study something systematically or in depth, such as a language, subject, or science.

How do you say I am learning Russian in Russian?

Say "Я учу русский" or "Я изучаю русский язык." Do not say "Я учусь русский": учиться needs a place or activity, such as "Я учусь в школе."

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