ли
- 1.
whether, if
good or bad, when only one ли , two или
- 2.
interrogative particle (placed after the first word in a sentence or phrase)
Do/does/did...? Is/are/was/were...?
Usage info
Examples
- Ну́жен ли универса́льный язы́к?Do we need a universal language?
- Переходя у́лицу, нужно осмотре́ться, нет ли автомоби́лей.In crossing the street, you must watch out for cars.
- Я едва ли могу́ произнести́ речь без того́, чтобы не́рвничать.I can hardly make a speech without feeling nervous.
Fixed expressions
hardly unlikely (adv)
Typical usagePRO
Neutral yes/no questions with ли
Говори́те ли вы по-ру́сски
Do you speak Russian?
Прие́дет ли он сего́дня
Will he come today?
Есть ли у вас ...
Do you have ...?
Мо́жно ли здесь паркова́ться
Is parking allowed here?
Focusing an element with ли
Все ли понима́ют
Does everyone understand?
Всё ли поня́тно
Is everything clear?
У всех ли есть биле́ты
Does everyone have tickets?
Э́тот ли челове́к ...
Is this the person ...
Polite requests and offers
Не подска́жете ли ...
Could you tell me ...
Не ска́жете ли, где ...
Could you tell me where ...
Не жела́ете ли ...
Would you like ...
Не пора́ ли ...
Isn't it time to ...
Learn
Contributions
xenomurph edited translation 1 year ago.
windsorpark edited usage info 3 years ago.
