Present Tense of 'to be' (быць)

In Belarusian, the verb 'to be' (быць) has one present-tense form for all persons: **ёсьць** (yosts'). However, just like in Russian, the verb 'to be' is almost always **omitted** in the present tense. You simply say 'Гэта школа' (This [is] a school) without any verb.

In everyday speech, 'ёсьць' is dropped. The sentence works without it: - Гэта школа. — This is a school. - Ён вучань. — He is a student. - Яны тут. — They are here. This is why you won't see 'is/am/are' in most Belarusian sentences!

Гэ́та шко́ла. — This is a school.

Ён ву́чань. — He is a student.

Яны́ тут. — They are here.

Я Ю́рка. — I am Yurka.

'Ёсьць' is sometimes kept for emphasis, or in the meaning 'there is / there exists': - У мяне ёсьць брат. — I have a brother. (lit. 'By me there-is a brother.') You'll encounter this usage more in later units.

У мяне́ ёсьць брат. — I have a brother.

Introduction

ёсьць — is / am / are (to be)

Vocabulary

Practice

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