Objects and recipients
Distinguish what someone gives, sees or buys from the person who receives it.
Direct object · Что? Кого?
Use the accusative for the direct object of видеть, покупать and читать. A feminine -а noun often changes to -у. A masculine inanimate noun such as журнал keeps its form here.
- Лена читает книгу.
- Lena is reading a book.
- Лена покупает журнал.
- Lena is buying a magazine.
People as objects · Кого?
A masculine animate object changes too: видеть брата. Do not use the nominative just because a person is involved.
- Брат видит Лену.
- The brother sees Lena.
- Лена видит брата.
- Lena sees her brother.
Recipient · Кому?
With давать, the thing given is accusative; the recipient is dative. Звонить also takes a dative person. Learn the case with the verb.
- Лена даёт книгу брату.
- Lena gives her brother a book.
- Лена звонит маме.
- Lena calls her mother.
Check the difference
Follow who does what, what changes hands and who receives it.
Write the word form
Complete four phrases with an object or a recipient.
Pass on a book
Tell a friend what to pass on and who should receive it.