In this lesson, we will explore the personal pronouns "мы" (we) and "вы" (you) when they change to something called the dative case.

Learning about these changes can help you create better sentences in Russian and communicate more easily!

Dative Case Forms

1. "мы" (we) changes to "нам" in the dative case:

   • Example:
     • Подарки для нас. (Gifts for us.)
     • Dative: Дайте нам ваши подарки. (Give us your gifts.)

2. "вы" (you, plural/formal) changes to "вам" in the dative case:

   • Example:
     • Письмо для вас. (A letter for you.)
     • Dative: Я напишу вам завтра. (I will write to you tomorrow.)

Using These Forms in Sentences

It’s helpful to practice using these forms in different situations. Here are some examples:

• To say you need something or to ask for it:

  • Мне нужно это для нас. (I need this for us.)
  • Пожалуйста, скажите нам, когда начнётся. (Please, tell us when it starts.)

• When you want to help:

  • Я могу сделать это для вас. (I can do this for you.)
  • Дайте знать, что нужно нам. (Let us know what we need.)

Everyday Language

In everyday conversation, we often shorten these pronouns to speak more quickly. Here’s how it might sound:

• "нам" can be made shorter to "нам'" or even left out during fast chats:

  • "Я позвоню ("на")" instead of "Я позвоню нам". (I will call us.)

• "вам" can become "ва" in casual talk:

  • "Я дам ("ва") это." instead of "Я дам вам это." (I will give it to you.)

Summary

In summary, in the dative case, "мы" turns into "нам" and "вы" changes to "вам". Also, in everyday speech, we might reduce these forms, which makes talking easier.

Practice these forms, and you’ll find it much easier to have conversations in Russian!