Moving Around: The Prefix об- / обо-
When you need to navigate around a physical barrier or avoid a hazard, Russian uses verbs of motion with the prefix об- (or обо- for easier pronunciation before certain consonants).
To talk about walking around an obstacle, use the pair обходить (imperfective) and обойти (perfective).
Unlike many other prefixed verbs of motion, these verbs take a direct object. The obstacle you are bypassing is placed directly into the Accusative case, without any extra prepositions.
The Imperfective: обходить
Use the imperfective обходить for habits, repeated actions, or actions that are currently in progress.
| We always go around this strange obstacle. | Мы всегда обходим это странное препятствие. |
| Where are they going and why are they going around these holes? | Куда они идут и почему обходят эти ямы? |
The Perfective: обойти
When you have successfully bypassed an obstacle once, or will complete the action in the future, use the perfective обойти.
| Yesterday I went around this huge puddle. | Вчера я обошёл эту огромную лужу. |
| My friend went around the tall barrier and went straight. | Мой друг обошёл высокий барьер и пошёл прямо. |
Explaining Purpose and Necessity
You will frequently use the infinitive forms of these verbs alongside words like чтобы (in order to) or нужно (need) to explain why a detour is necessary.
| The pedestrians are walking along the fence to go around the mud. | Пешеходы идут вдоль забора, чтобы обойти грязь. |
| We need to go around the pit and the construction site. | Нам нужно обойти яму и стройку. |
This structure also works perfectly for abstract hazards, like avoiding danger (опасность).
| We wanted to avoid the danger, but we couldn't. | Мы хотели обойти опасность, но не смогли. |