Discussing future plans is an essential part of daily communication, and when doing this in Russian, there are several key phrases that will make these conversations flow smoothly. Whether you’re scheduling a meeting, planning a trip, or simply talking about your hopes and aims, mastering these phrases will help you articulate your future intentions clearly.

Собираться
This verb is the equivalent of “to plan” or “to intend” in English and is often used when talking about future plans.

Я собираюсь посетить музей на следующей неделе.

Намереваться
Similar to “собираться,” this verb means “to intend” and is used to express a strong determination to do something in the future.

Она намеревается изучать русский язык весь год.

Планировать
“Планировать” is the verb form of “to plan” and is frequently used in the context of making arrangements for upcoming events or activities.

Мы планируем отправиться в путешествие летом.

В будущем
This phrase translates to “in the future” and is used to talk about things that will or may happen at a later time.

Я хочу жить за границей в будущем.

Какие у тебя планы?
An informal way to ask “What are your plans?” This question is typically used in casual conversation among friends or colleagues.

Какие у тебя планы на выходные?

Есть в планах
This phrase means “is in the plans” and is useful when confirming that an activity is scheduled or expected to happen.

У нас есть в планах сходить в кино вечером.

Что ты собираешься делать?
This question which translates to “What are you going to do?” is a direct way to inquire about someone’s future intentions or actions.

Что ты собираешься делать после окончания университета?

Задумываться / задумать
These verbs mean “to think over” or “to contemplate.” They are often used when considering future plans or ideas that are still at the stage of being thought through.

Я задумываюсь о переезде в другой город.

Мечтать
The verb “мечтать” translates to “to dream” and is used for expressing hopes and aspirations about the future.

Я мечтаю когда-нибудь стать писателем.

Предполагать
Meaning “to assume” or “to suppose,” “предполагать” is used when one is guessing or making assumptions about what might happen in the future.

Я предполагаю, что экзамен будет сложным.

Предвидеть
“Предвидеть” means “to foresee” or “to anticipate” and is used when someone anticipates future events or consequences.

Ты предвидишь какие-то проблемы с этим проектом?

Mastering these phrases and understanding how they fit into the context of a conversation will definitely enhance your ability to discuss future plans in Russian. Practice these phrases with native speakers, and remember to listen to how these words are used in a natural conversation. Over time, with regular use and exposure, communicating about your plans or inquiring about others’ intentions will become second nature.