In the Russian language there are six main cases that we most often use in life. In addition, some linguists identify another 7 additional, which are rarely used, but nevertheless have the right to exist. What are the cases of the Russian language? In this article we will talk about this in more detail.
6 main cases
The following are the main cases of the Russian language:
- Nominative. Most often used, always in direct form.
- Genitive. It determines the affiliation, kinship of someone or something to someone or something.
- Dative. Determination of the endpoint of an action.
- Accusative. Gives designation to action.
- Instrumental. Designates a method, method, instrument of action and types of temporary affiliation.
- Prepositional (see example below).
These cases of the Russian language are standard and generally accepted. They serve to establish the connection of words in sentences. Indirect and direct
there are cases of the Russian language. The questions characterizing them we will give below, in the form of a table:
Case | Question | Example |
Nominative | Who what? | Cow / chair |
Genitive | Whom / what? | Cows / stools |
Dative | To whom; to what? | Cow / Chair |
Accusative | Who / what? | Cow / chair |
Instrumental | Who / what? | Cow / Chair |
Prepositional | About who about what? | About the cow / chair |
The cases are also distinguished from each other by their endings.
7 additional cases
The forms listed below are used extremely rarely and are completely interchangeable with the main options.
1. Local (or second prepositional). Answers the question "where." Determines the location. For example: being in an apartment, sleeping in bed, and so on.
2. Vocal. Similar to the nominative case. Two types of examples can be given:
- short names and words used only when referring. For example: Kat, Ol, Natasha, dads, moms;
- obsolete and church forms of conversion. For example: wife, Lord, God.
3. Quantitatively determinative. It has signs of a genitive, but differs from it in form. For example: add to step (instead of “step”).
4. Depriving. The accusative form used only with negation in the verb. For example: do not know the truth (not the "truth").
5. Watchful. It has signs of accusative and genitive. For example: wait by the sea for weather.
6. Inclusive or transformative. Answers the questions "Who / what?" (Accusative case), but it is used only in turns, for example: to go to a teacher, to marry, and so on.
7. Counting. The genitive form used in the account. For example: two hours, three steps.
Additional cases of the Russian language endings also have different. Why they are not included in the list of core is still unknown. Many believe that since these cases are similar in characteristics to the main six, then there is no need to use them. Knowing the cases of the Russian language is necessary for the competent preparation of sentences both orally and in writing, which is why they are studied in schools without fail and even at some faculties of higher educational institutions (universities, institutes, academies).