Learn Russian Dative Case Usage

In Russian, the dative case is used to show that something is given or addressed to someone. It's like saying 'to' or 'for' someone in English. This case helps us understand who is receiving something or who we are talking to.

Let's look at each use of the dative case more closely to understand when and how we use it.

When you give something to someone, the person receiving it is in the dative case. It's like saying 'I give a book to a friend.'

In Russian, we use the dative case to tell how old someone is. It's like saying 'To me, there are seven years,' meaning 'I am seven years old.'

The dative case can also show why something is done, often with the word 'для' (for).

When you want to say how someone feels, like 'It is cold to me,' you use the dative case.

Sometimes, in Russian, sentences don't have a clear subject. In these cases, the dative can show who is affected by the action.