USE OF CASES
In Ukrainian, cases are used to show the role of a word in a sentence, such as the subject, object, or possession. There are seven cases in Ukrainian, each serving a specific grammatical function.
The nominative case is used for the subject of the sentence, while the genitive case shows possession or negation.
The dative case indicates the indirect object or the recipient of an action.
The accusative case marks the direct object, or the target of the action.
The instrumental case is used to show the means by which an action is performed, while the locative case indicates location or place.
Lastly, the vocative case is used for addressing someone or something directly. Understanding and correctly using these cases is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences and conveying precise meanings in Ukrainian.
EXAMPLES
examples of the word “book” (книга) used in all seven grammatical cases in Ukrainian:
Nominative (Називний) – Subject of the sentence:
- Книга цікава. (The book is interesting.)
Genitive (Родовий) – Showing possession, or absence:
- У мене немає книги. (I don’t have a book.)
- Це книга моєї сестри. (This is my sister’s book.)
Dative (Давальний) – Indicating the indirect object (to whom/for whom):
- Я даю книгу другові. (I am giving the book to a friend.)
Accusative (Знахідний) – Direct object of the sentence (whom/what):
- Я читаю книгу. (I am reading a book.)
Instrumental (Орудний) – Indicating the means or instrument (with/using):
- Я пишу книгу ручкою. (I am writing a book with a pen.)
Locative (Місцевий) – Indicating location (about/where):
- Ми говоримо про книгу. (We are talking about the book.)
Vocative (Кличний) – Direct address (used to call or invite):
- Книго, відкрий мені таємниці! (Book, open your secrets to me!)