In today’s post, we’ll learn some numbers rules. These rules are essential to mastering the Russian language.
| 2-4 |
Numbers 2-4 are always followed by the genitive singular.
| У тебя три желания. You have three wishes. |
| В комнате стоят две постели. There are two beds in the room. |
| 5+ |
Numbers 5+ are always followed by the genitive plural.
| Мы продали старую книгу за пять долларов. We sold the old book for five dollars. |
| Она была шесть недель за границей. She was abroad for six weeks. |
Not too bad, right?
What if we need to use an adjective? Two tall men, three beautiful women, etc.
The rule is going to be somewhat tricky.
For masculine nouns and neuter nouns, the rules for adjectives and nouns are as follows:
| 2-4 | adjective in genitive plural | noun in genitive singular |
| 5+ | everything in genitive plural |
| Это два высоких мужчины. These are two tall men. |
| Это пять спортивных мужчин. These are five sporty men. |
For feminine nouns, the rules for adjectives and nouns are as follows:
| 2-4 | adjective in nominative plural | noun in genitive singular |
| 5+ | everything in genitive plural |
| Это две красивые девушки. These are two beautiful girls. |
| Это шесть разговорчивых девушек. These are six chatty girls. |
Well, that concludes today’s lesson. It was meant to be quick and informative.
My Slavic Studies 