Prepositional Case in Russian
Предложный падеж
The prepositional case is used to indicate location, topics of speech or thought, and certain prepositional phrases. It answers the questions 'about whom?' (о ком?) and 'about what?' (о чём?).
Example: Книга лежит на столе. (The book lies on the table.)
When to Use Prepositional Case
The prepositional case is used mainly with certain prepositions to talk about location or to indicate the topic of speech, thought, or writing.
| Usage | Russian Example | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Location (static) | Я в школе. | I am at school. |
| About topic | Мы говорим о книге. | We talk about the book. |
| After some prepositions | Он думает о тебе. | He thinks about you. |
| In fixed expressions | Жить на улице. | To live on the street. |
Talking About Topics
The prepositional case is commonly used to indicate topics of speech, thought, or writing:
Prepositional Case Endings
Prepositional endings depend on gender and number. Most nouns add '-е' or '-и' in this case:
| Gender | Singular Endings | Plural Endings |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | -е (usually) | -ах |
| Feminine | -е or -и (after certain consonants) | -ах |
| Neuter | -е | -ах |
Questions with Prepositional Case
Prepositional case answers questions related to 'about whom?' and 'about what?':
- О ком? (About whom?) — for people
- О чём? (About what?) — for things, concepts
- Где? (Where?) — location questions
Мы говорим о музыке.We talk about music.phrase: говорить о + Prepositional
Он думает о работе.He thinks about work.phrase: думать о + Prepositional
Она пишет о путешествиях.She writes about travels.phrase: писать о + Prepositional
Example Sentences
Я думаю о тебе.I am thinking about you.
Книга на столе.The book is on the table.
Мы говорим о погоде.We are talking about the weather.
Он живёт в Москве.He lives in Moscow.
Она пишет о своём опыте.She writes about her experience.
Студенты учатся на факультете.The students study at the faculty.
Common Prepositions with Prepositional Case
The prepositional case is used with these prepositions:
| Preposition | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| о (об, обо) | about | Мы говорим о фильме (We talk about the movie) |
| в | in, at (location) | Я в городе (I am in the city) |
| на | on, at (location) | Он на работе (He is at work) |
| при | in presence of, at | При школе есть библиотека (There is a library at the school) |