Questions & Answers about Мы идём вперёд.
Why is идём used here instead of ходим?
идём is a one-way (unidirectional) verb of motion from the infinitive идти. It means we are walking in one specific direction right now. ходим is multi-directional and means walking around aimlessly, back and forth, or as a general habit. Since we are moving specifically "forward" (вперёд), the one-way verb is needed.
Does идём mean we are specifically walking on foot? What if we are driving?
Yes, идём strictly means moving on foot. If you were driving or moving forward in a vehicle, you would need a completely different verb of motion, such as едем (we are driving).
Is the word вперёд related to the preposition перед (in front of)?
Yes, they share the same root. The preposition перед means "in front of" or "before." By adding the prefix в- (into), you get вперёд, which literally translates to "into the front," meaning "forward."
Can this sentence be used metaphorically, like making progress on a project?
Yes! Just like in English, идти вперёд can refer to literal walking, but it is also a common metaphor for making progress, advancing in life, or moving past an obstacle.
Learn Мы идём вперёд and more in Russian
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free