How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives in Ukrainian

What Are Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives in Ukrainian?

Demonstrative pronouns and adjectives are words used to point to specific things or people. In Ukrainian, they help specify which object or person you are talking about, similar to English words like "this," "that," "these," and "those."

Demonstrative Adjectives in Ukrainian

Demonstrative adjectives in Ukrainian agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify. The most common demonstrative adjectives are цей (this - masculine), ця (this - feminine), це (this - neuter), and ці (these - plural). They are placed before the noun.

• цей (masculine singular)
• ця (feminine singular)
• це (neuter singular)
• ці (plural)

For example:
- цей будинок (this house - masculine)
- ця книга (this book - feminine)
- це вікно (this window - neuter)
- ці стільці (these chairs - plural)

Demonstrative Pronouns in Ukrainian

Demonstrative pronouns replace the noun and also agree in gender, number, and case. The basic forms are similar to the adjectives but are used without a noun.

• цей (masculine singular)
• ця (feminine singular)
• це (neuter singular)
• ці (plural)

For example:
- Я хочу цей. (I want this one - masculine)
- Візьми цю. (Take this one - feminine)
- Дай мені це. (Give me this one - neuter)
- Вони ці. (They are these ones - plural)

Key Differences Between Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives

The main difference is that demonstrative adjectives modify a noun and come before it, while demonstrative pronouns replace the noun entirely.

• Demonstrative Adjective: цей стіл (this table)
• Demonstrative Pronoun: цей (this one)

Declension of Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives

In Ukrainian, demonstrative pronouns and adjectives change their endings depending on the case (nominative, accusative, genitive, etc.), gender, and number. This is important for correct sentence structure.

Here is the nominative case for singular and plural forms:

• Masculine: цей
• Feminine: ця
• Neuter: це
• Plural: ці

For other cases, the endings will change. It is recommended to study the full declension tables to master their use.

Examples in Sentences

- Цей чоловік мій друг. (This man is my friend.)
- Я бачу цю машину. (I see this car.)
- Це моє місто. (This is my city.)
- Ці книги цікаві. (These books are interesting.)

Tips for English Speakers Learning Ukrainian Demonstratives

- Remember that Ukrainian demonstratives must agree with the noun in gender, number, and case.
- Practice declension tables to become familiar with different forms.
- Use context to decide whether to use a pronoun or adjective.
- Listening and reading Ukrainian will help internalize these forms.