In Russian, prepositions are super important! They help us understand how things are connected to each other. Two key prepositions to know are "над" and "под." These words mean "over" and "under," respectively. Learning how to use them correctly can make your sentences much better.

1. Prepositions and Cases

• "Над" is used with the Instrumental case when something is over or above something else.
• "Под" is used with the Accusative case when something is under or below something else.

2. How to Use Them

Using "над":

• Meaning: Over or above.
• Example Sentences:
  • Книга лежит над столом. (The book is lying over the table.)
    • Here, "столом" is in the Instrumental case.
  • Мост находится над рекой. (The bridge is above the river.)
    • In this sentence, "рекой" is the Instrumental case for "река" (river).

Using "под":

• Meaning: Under or below.
• Example Sentences:
  • Кот сидит под столом. (The cat is sitting under the table.)
    • In this case, "стол" is in the Accusative case.
  • Письмо лежит под книгой. (The letter is under the book.)
    • "книгой" is the Instrumental case for "книга" (book), so it works when talking about "under."

3. Common Phrases

You'll also hear these prepositions in special phrases called idioms. These are unique ways native speakers express things.

• Phrases with "над":

  • Над головой (over the head) – This means something is bothering you.
  • Работать над проектом (to work on a project) – This means focusing on a task.

• Phrases with "под":

  • Под давлением (under pressure) – This describes feeling stressed.
  • Под рукой (at hand) – This means something is easy to reach or available.

4. Quick Rules

• "Над" + Instrumental case: Use this when you talk about something above another object.
• "Под" + Accusative case: Use this when something is below another object.

To improve your skills with "над" and "под," pay attention to how these words connect with others in sentences. Practice making your own sentences and using idioms. This practice will help you use these prepositions more easily in everyday Russian!