Уро́к 5
5.6 Grammar: A note on animacy
Люби́мая Грамма́тика
A note on animacy:
One tiny other bit of information we need to consider is whether a MASCULINE noun refers to a living and breathing thing (animate) or an inanimate thing. People and all other animals, including bugs and insects, are considered animate beings. Non-living things and plants are considered inanimate entities.
Two things to note about feminine nouns in Accusative case. First, animacy is irrelevant for singular nouns. Inanimate and animate nouns all behave the same if singular in the Accusative case. Also, most diminutive forms of Russian male names act like feminine nouns, like Ваня, Коля, Дима, Сережа (and most others). And there are other nouns that refer to animate male beings but act like feminine nouns, as in папа, дядя, and дедушка. These words behave like feminine nouns and decline like they do in Accusative Case.
Например
Я ви́жу па́пу!
I see Dad!
Вы зна́ете Ва́ню?
Do you know Vanya?
Ле́ра лю́бит Па́шу.
Lera loves Pasha.
Я не понима́ю дя́дю.
I don’t understand (my) uncle.
