Questions & Answers about Мы всегда плачем, когда прощаемся.
Why is the word for 'we cry' плачем and not 'плакаем'?
The verb плакать (to cry) has a stem change. The letter к changes to ч in all present tense forms. So, it becomes я плачу, ты плачешь, and here, мы плачем.
Why does прощаемся end in -ся?
The verb прощаться means 'to say goodbye'. The -ся suffix here indicates a reciprocal action because the subject is мы (we). It literally means we are bidding farewell to each other.
Are both of these verbs imperfective?
Yes! The word всегда (always) tells us this is a repeated, habitual action. Whenever you talk about something that happens regularly, you must use the imperfective aspect for your verbs.
How does this sentence fit into a lesson about verbs of departure like уходить and уезжать?
While there are no verbs of motion in this exact sentence, прощаться (to say goodbye) is essential vocabulary for departures. You will often use it right before someone leaves (уходит or уезжает).