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Questions & Answers about Вы понимаете по-русски?
This lesson is about second conjugation verbs, but понимаете has an 'е' in the ending. Is it a second conjugation verb?
No, понимать (to understand) is a first conjugation verb. That's why it takes the -ете ending for вы, rather than the -ите ending used for the second conjugation verbs you're learning now (like вы говорите). It's important to keep practicing first conjugation verbs so you don't mix up the two patterns!
Why does the sentence use по-русски instead of just the word русский?
In Russian, when you talk about speaking, understanding, or reading a language, you use a special word form starting with по-. По-русски literally means 'in a Russian way.' If you used the regular adjective русский, it would sound like you are asking if they understand a Russian person, not the language itself.
Where is the word for 'Do' in this question?
Russian doesn't use helper words like 'do' or 'does' to ask questions. You just take the normal statement (Вы понимаете по-русски, which means 'You understand Russian') and add a question mark. When speaking, you simply raise the pitch of your voice on the verb to show it is a question.
How do I know if Вы means 'you' (plural) or a polite 'you' (singular) here?
Grammatically, the sentence is exactly the same for both. You have to rely on the situation. If the speaker is looking at a group of people, it means 'you all.' If they are speaking to one adult they don't know well, it is the polite, formal 'you.'