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February 18, 2025

Ukrainian Cases: A Step by Step Guide To Master Them

Ukrainian Cases: A Step by Step Guide To Master Them

Understanding Ukrainian Cases

Ukrainian cases are essential grammatical forms that show the relationship between words in a sentence. The language has seven cases, each serving a specific function in communication. Like other Slavic languages, Ukrainian uses case endings to indicate the role of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in sentences.

Nominative Case (Називний відмінок)

The nominative case is the basic form of nouns and represents the subject of a sentence. It answers the questions "who?" or "what?" and is used for naming objects and people.

Examples

(knyha) - book (student) - student (Mariya chytaye knyhu) - Maria reads a book

Genitive Case (Родовий відмінок)

The genitive case indicates possession or belonging. It's used after certain prepositions and numbers, and when expressing negation.

Usage Example
Possession (knyha sestry) - sister's book
Negation (nemaye chasu) - no time

Dative Case (Давальний відмінок)

The dative case indicates the indirect object of an action, typically showing to whom or for whom something is done.

Important

Common verbs requiring dative case: (dyakuvaty) - to thank (dopomahaty) - to help

Accusative Case (Знахідний відмінок)

The accusative case marks the direct object of an action. It's used to show what receives the action of the verb.

Subject + Verb Object (Accusative)
(ya bachu) (mashynu)
(vin lyubyt) (muzyku)

Instrumental Case (Орудний відмінок)

The instrumental case indicates the means by which an action is performed or accompaniment.

Examples

(pysaty ruchkoyu) - to write with a pen (yikhaty avtobusom) - to travel by bus

Locative Case (Місцевий відмінок)

The locative case is used exclusively with prepositions to indicate location or time.

Notes

Common prepositions used with locative: (v/u) - in (na) - on (pry) - at

Case Endings Patterns

Understanding the patterns of case endings is crucial for mastering Ukrainian cases. Nouns change their endings based on their gender and the case being used.

Gender Nominative Genitive
Masculine -∅, -й, -ь -а, -я
Feminine -а, -я -и, -і
Neuter -о, -е, -я -а, -я

Common Case Usage Mistakes

Certain case combinations frequently cause confusion for learners. Pay attention to these common patterns to avoid mistakes.

Important

Remember: - Use accusative, not nominative, for direct objects - Use genitive, not accusative, after negation - Use instrumental, not accusative, for instruments

Prepositions and Cases

Different prepositions require specific cases. Learning these combinations is essential for correct Ukrainian usage.

Preposition Required Case Example
до Genitive (do shkoly)
з Instrumental (z druhom)

Case Usage in Time Expressions

Time expressions in Ukrainian often require specific cases depending on the context.

Examples

(o p'yatiy hodyni) - at five o'clock (locative) (shchoponedilka) - every Monday (genitive)

For more basic vocabulary to practice these cases, check out our guide to 100 Essential Ukrainian Words Every Beginner Should Know.

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