Correct Usage of Padezhi in Russian: Что стоит одна тысяча рублей или тысячу рублей?

Understanding the correct form of expressing amounts in Russian is crucial for fluent communication in the language. The correct phrase is simple to grasp once you understand the nuances of Russian grammar, particularly the use of padezhi (cases). Let's explore the common misconceptions and the correct usage.

The Correct Phrase: Это стоит тысячу рублей or Это стоит тысяча рублей?

The correct sentence is:

"Это стоит тысячу рублей"

This phrase means:

"This costs a thousand roubles".

Padezhi and their Role in Russian Grammar

Russian padezhi (cases) play a crucial role in determining the subject and object of a sentence. In Russian, the correct form depends on the grammatical case of the noun being used. Let's look at a detailed breakdown of the two forms:

Это стоит тысячу рублей

"Это стоит тысячу рублей" is the nominative case, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the object being valued. Here, "тысячу" is in the accusative case, which identifies the object of the sentence.

Это стоит тысяча рублей

While both forms are grammatically correct, "Это стоит тысяча рублей" can be misleading. This phrase translates to:

"A thousand roubles costs is worth this much".

This usage is much less common and can be confusing. The reason both forms are presented is to highlight the role of padezhi in conveying the subject-object relationship, which is maintained by the word order in English but is handled differently in Russian.

Why the First Form is Preferred

Given that the second form can be awkward and less common, the first form "Это стоит тысячу рублей" is generally preferred. It aligns well with the expected structure and is easier to understand:

The Role of Nouns and Their Forms

In Russian, every noun has its own set of forms (падежи) just as collocations in English. It's beneficial to learn not just individual words but phrases or chunks. For instance, using the term "цена" (price) can help construct a sentence more naturally:

Example Using Цена

"Цена этого товара составляет одну тысячу рублей"

This phrase translates to:

"The price of this item is one thousand roubles".

Conclusion

Mastering the correct use of padezhi in Russian is key to clear communication. By understanding the subject-object relationship through grammatical case, you can avoid the common pitfalls and use the language more fluidly. While padezhi may seem complex at first, with practice and exposure, they become second nature.

For more resources and practice, consider visiting online courses, language exchange websites, or native speakers who can provide valuable insights into the nuances of Russian grammar.