Common Prepositions That Use the Genitive Case in Russian

In Russian, some prepositions need us to change the words that follow them to the genitive case. Understanding this will help you make clear and correct sentences. Let’s look at some of these prepositions, what they mean, and see some examples.

Common Prepositions That Use the Genitive Case

1. Без (without)

   • Meaning: This word shows that something is missing.
   • Example: Я не могу жить без тебя.
     (I can’t live without you.)

2. Вдоль (along)

   • Meaning: This word talks about moving in a line or path.
   • Example: Мы шли вдоль реки.
     (We walked along the river.)

3. Мимо (past)

   • Meaning: This word means moving by something.
   • Example: Он прошёл мимо магазина.
     (He walked past the store.)

4. Из (from/out of)

   • Meaning: This word shows where something comes from.
   • Example: Я взял книгу из шкафа.
     (I took the book from the shelf.)

5. От (from)

   • Meaning: This word means being away from where something comes from.
   • Example: Письмо от друга пришло позже.
     (The letter from a friend arrived later.)

6. Напротив (opposite)

   • Meaning: This word describes something that is across from another thing.
   • Example: Кафе напротив дома.
     (The café is opposite the house.)

Important Tips

• Negation: When you use these prepositions in a negative sentence, remember to use the genitive case.
  Example: Я не видел человека.
  (I did not see the person.)

• Quantity: Words like "много" (many) and "немного" (a little) also use the genitive case.
  Example: У меня много книг.
  (I have many books.)

By learning these prepositions, you can say your thoughts better in Russian. Try making sentences with them to help you remember!