Thread: по-русски or на русском

Sometimes I hear

говорить по-русский

And at other times

говорить на русском

I asked my Russian friend and this is what she had to say:

"Its a little complicated. They r even the same in idea so I can't even explain the difference
But the second one is more correct"

Maybe you can help me with a more accurate explanation?

"говорить по-русски" (без -й) и "говорить на русском"

Actually, I couldn't see the difference between these two phrases either. They are as much different as two phrases "to speak English" and "to talk in English". The difference is in usage. I mean, one verb should be used with preposition, another one doesn't need it. Am i right?
Although, there might be some differences in context. Because those two Russian phrases are different syntactically. "по-русски" - is an adverb. "на русском" - is a contraction from "на русском языке" - is an object with preposition-adjective-noun.

Then I think it's better to use по-русски than use an "incomplete" form

Well, yes, "говорить по-русски" sounds more preferable

I like the second option too, and you can always use the complete form. Especially if you substitute говорить with общаться/ разговаривать/беседовать/etc.
Also, you cannot say "эта книга по-русски", only "эта книга на русском (языке)".
On top of that, "по-русски" is often used (though is not polite) to express annoyance, for example:
- Ты что, совсем дебил? Я тебе по-русски сказала, что никаких дискотек, пока экзамены не сдашь!

Originally Posted by maxmixiv

.
On top of that, "по-русски" is often used (though is not polite) to express annoyance, for example:
- Ты что, совсем дебил? Я тебе по-русски сказала, что никаких дискотек, пока экзамены не сдашь!

I'd say, "Я тебе русским языком сказала, что никаких дискотек, пока экзамены не сдашь!" Another "twist of tongue".

I also think "говорить по-русски" is preferable. The phrase "по-русски" means "the way Russians do it" and its primary usage should be in that meaning. For example, Ramil's signature says: "Стриптиз по-русски - я плавно снимаю с себя всякую ответственность". So, when you say you speak the way Russians do, that means you speak Russian the right way. However, when you say: "говорить на русском языке" that might also mean it's easy to understand you, even though you probably use the words not the most elegant way possible. Therefore, "я тебе русским языком говорю" is a synonym for clarity.