In Unit 6, we learnt the verb ‘идти’ (‘to go’). Here are some examples to review:

1. А: Куда ты идёшь?
В: Я иду в парк.

A: Where are you going?
B: I’m going to the park.

2. Завтра мы идём в кино.
We are going to the cinema tomorrow.

There is one more verb ‘ехать’ which also means ‘to go’. 

1. А: Ты ещё в офисе?
В: Нет, я уже еду домой.

A: Are you still in the office?
B: No, I’m already going home.

2. В субботу мы едем на дачу.
On Saturday, we’re going to our country house.

Here is the conjugation of the verb ‘ехать’ in the present tense:

What is the difference between the verbs ‘ИДТИ’ and ‘ЕХАТЬ’?

• The verb ‘идти’ has the literal meaning ‘to walk’. 

1. Он идёт медленно.
He’s walking slowly.

2. Мария сегодня идёт на работу через парк.
Maria is walking to work through the park today.

• At the same time, the verb ‘идти’ can have a more general and abstract meaning of movement (and be used in various collocations).

1. Они сегодня идут в театр.
They are going to the theater today.

2. Мы вечером идём в ресторан.
We are going to a restaurant in the evening.

3. Я не иду сегодня на работу.
I’m not going to work today.

Оbviously, they can get to the theater, the restaurant or the office by car, by train, not just on foot, but it's a collocative word.

• The verb ‘ехать’ has a literal meaning ‘to drive, to ride or take a bus, train, etc.’

1. Я еду на машине по городу.
I'm driving by car through the city.

2. Мы сейчас едем на поезде.
We're currently riding on a train.

3. Петя к нам едет на велосипеде.
Petya is riding a bicycle to us.

• At the same time, the verb ‘ехать’ can have a more abstract meaning of movement. If you use ‘ехать’, you’re specifically talking about going by transport, even without mentioning what particular kind of vehicle. And ‘ехать’ is commonly used when talking about journeys and traveling. For example:

1. Он едет на работу.
He is going to work (by car/bus/taxi, etc.)

2. Они едут во Владивосток.
They are going to Vladivostok.

Listen to the audio to hear the correct answers