It’s been a long while since the last lesson was published.
In this week’s lesson, we’ll be learning about какой. This is a very high frequency word in Russian. And it has a variety of meanings.
| I. какой |
This word has a variety of meanings including what, what kind of, which, such a…, etc.
| This word functions just like an adjective! That means that it has to agree in gender, case and gender with the noun it precedes! |
| usage one [what kind of?] |
Here are the forms. In the nominative, of course.
To answer questions made with какой, when it carries the meaning of what kind of? often adjectives are used.
| он | она | оно | они |
| какой | какая | какое | какие |
Some examples for further clarity:
| Какой это дом? What kind of house is it? | Это большой дом. It’s a big house. |
| Какая это квартира? What kind of apartment is it? | Это маленькая квартира. It’s a small apartment. |
| Какое это задание? What kind of task is it? | Это сложное задание. It’s a complex task. |
| Какие это брюки? What kind of pants are they? | Это модные брюки. They are stylish pants. |
You can also inquire about what a person is like, in reference to their personality.
| Какой он? What’s he like? | Щедрый и добрый. Generous and kind. |
| Какая она? What’s she like? | Щедрая и добрая. Generous and kind. |
| Какие они? What are they like? | Щедрые и добрые. Generous and kind. |
| usage two [what?] |
Remember these constructions. They are the typical way Russian speakers ask questions involving what?
| Какой у Вас любимый цвет? What’s your favorite color? |
| Какой у Вас номер телефона? What’s your phone number? |
| Какой у Вас адрес? What’s your address? |
| Какая у Вас мечта? What’s your dream? |
| Какая у Вас машина? What car do you have? |
| Какие у Вас хобби? What are your hobbies? |
| usage three [which?] |
And it can mean which?
| У меня есть две ручки. Какая твоя? I have two pens. Which [one] is yours? |
| У меня есть два карандаша. Какой твой? I have two pencils. Which [one] is yours? |
| usage four [what a… , such a…] |
The word какой can be used with a noun or adjective + noun to add the meaning of what a… or such a… Don’t forget about the agreement!
| Какая жаркая погода! Such hot weather! |
| Какой вежливый человек! Such a polite person! |
| Какое уродливое чудовище! Such a hideous monster! |
| Какие хорошенькие девушки! Such cute girls! |
Well, I think that’s enough for this lesson. Let’s wait until the next lesson before we delve into more grammar.
My Slavic Studies 