The Prefix У- (Departure)
Just as the prefix при- adds the meaning of arrival to verbs of motion, the prefix у- adds the meaning of departure (leaving or moving away).
Because they describe reaching the end of an action (successfully leaving), these prefixed verbs form standard imperfective and perfective pairs. Use the imperfective for habitual leaving or the ongoing process of leaving, and the perfective for a single, completed departure.
Leaving on Foot (Уходить / Уйти)
For leaving on foot, use the imperfective уходить or the perfective уйти. When stating where someone is leaving from, use the preposition из (or с) plus the genitive case.
| He always leaves the office late. | Он всегда поздно уходит из офиса. |
| The guests have already left. | Гости уже ушли. |
Fun fact: In Russian, scheduled public transport (like trains and buses) uses "foot" verbs, meaning they literally "walk" away from the station.
| The train left without passengers. | Поезд ушёл без пассажиров. |
Leaving by Transport (Уезжать / Уехать)
When leaving by vehicle, such as for a long-distance trip or a major relocation, use the imperfective уезжать or the perfective уехать.
| Why are you leaving so early? | Почему вы уезжаете так рано? |
To express that someone is moving or traveling "abroad," Russian literally says "behind the border" (за границу).
| Tomorrow they are departing abroad. | Завтра они уезжают за границу. |
If the departure is permanent, add the word навсегда (forever).
| My brother wants to leave forever. | Мой брат хочет уехать навсегда. |
Farewells and Seeing Off
When a friend or family member departs, you might go to the airport or station to see them off. The verb for this is провожать.
| Friends are seeing us off at the station. | Друзья провожают нас на вокзале. |
To say goodbye, use the reflexive verbs прощаться (imperfective) or попрощаться (perfective). The -ся ending indicates the mutual action of saying goodbye to one another.
| They do not like to say goodbye. | Они не любят прощаться. |
| I must say goodbye to you. | Я должен с вами попрощаться. |
Major life transitions and long-distance departures can be highly emotional. If the farewell is especially hard, someone might cry (плакать).
| She is crying because he is leaving. | Она плачет, потому что он уезжает. |