Мы называем это плюсом.

Называем is the 1st person plural present tense form of называть.

• называть = to call, to name
• мы называем = we call / we are calling

So the subject мы matches the verb ending -ем, which is a typical we ending in the present tense.

Russian often drops the subject pronoun if it is clear from the verb ending.

So both of these are possible:

• Мы называем это плюсом.
• Называем это плюсом.

The version with мы is a little more explicit and can add emphasis, like we call this a plus.

Here это means this, and it is the direct object of the verb называем, so it is in the accusative case.

However, это does not change its form here. For this kind of pronoun, the nominative and accusative can look the same.

So:

• это = this
• in this sentence, it functions as the thing being called something

Structure:

• мы называем = we call
• это = this
• плюсом = a plus / an advantage

This is one of the most important grammar points in the sentence.

With называть / назвать in the sense of to call someone/something something, Russian usually uses this pattern:

• называть кого-что кем-чем

So:

• кого-что = the thing being called
• кем-чем = what you call it

In this sentence:

• это = what is being called
• плюсом = what it is called

That is why плюс becomes плюсом, the instrumental singular form.

In standard Russian, no—with называть in this meaning, the second noun normally goes in the instrumental:

• Мы называем это плюсом.

So плюс should become плюсом.

A learner should remember the pattern:

• называть что чем
• считать что чем is also possible in some contexts, but называть что чем is the key pattern here.

Here плюс means something like:

• an advantage
• a benefit
• a positive point

So the sentence can mean:

• We call this a plus.
• We consider this an advantage.
• We see this as a positive.

It does not necessarily mean the mathematical plus sign, although that is also one meaning of плюс in other contexts.

Here это is a demonstrative pronoun, meaning this.

It points to some previously mentioned fact, feature, or situation.

So it is not just an empty filler. It refers to something specific:

• это = this thing / this fact / this feature

The neutral word order here is:

• Мы называем это плюсом.

This is a very natural way to say it.

But Russian word order is flexible, so you may also see variations depending on emphasis, for example:

• Это мы называем плюсом. = This is what we call a plus.
• Плюсом мы называем это. = less neutral, stronger emphasis on плюсом

So the basic meaning stays similar, but the emphasis changes.

Называем is from the imperfective verb называть.

In the present tense, imperfective verbs are used for:

• general statements
• habitual actions
• ongoing processes

So Мы называем это плюсом sounds like:

• this is how we refer to it
• this is what we consider it
• this is the label we give it

Compare:

• Мы называем это плюсом. = We call this a plus. / We consider this a plus.
• Мы назовём это плюсом. = We will call this a plus.
• Мы назвали это плюсом. = We called this a plus.

The base noun is плюс, which is singular: a plus.

Its instrumental singular form is плюсом.

If you wanted plural, you would use плюсами:

• Мы называем это плюсами. = We call these pluses / advantages.

But in your sentence, плюсом is clearly singular instrumental.

It is mostly neutral and completely natural Russian.

The noun плюс in the sense of advantage is very common in everyday speech, so the sentence sounds normal in both conversation and general writing.

Depending on context, a more formal alternative might be something like:

• Мы считаем это преимуществом. = We consider this an advantage.

But Мы называем это плюсом is perfectly natural and idiomatic.

The stress is on the first syllable:

• плЮсом

A rough pronunciation guide:

• плюс sounds close to plyoos
• плюсом sounds like PLYOO-sam

The ю represents a yoo-like sound after the initial consonant cluster.

A very useful pattern is:

• называть кого-что кем-чем

Meaning:

• to call someone/something something

Examples:

• Мы называем это плюсом. = We call this a plus.
• Они называют его героем. = They call him a hero.
• Я называю это ошибкой. = I call this a mistake.

So the key thing to remember is:

• the thing being called = usually accusative
• the name/role/result = instrumental