Oblique numeral phrases use dative plural
Once a numeral phrase is itself dative, the noun is plural dative rather than the nominative count form or genitive plural shortcut.
- The familiar '2-4 = genitive singular; 5+ = genitive plural' shortcut describes nominative/accusative quantity syntax, not every case. Oblique cases restore case agreement across the phrase.
- Noun-course target: You need not master every numeral ending yet. Do recognise the noun requirement: к двум стола́м, к пяти́ стола́м.
| Nominative quantity | Dative phrase | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| два студе́нта | к двум студе́нтам | numeral + noun both dative |
| три музе́я | к трём музе́ям | noun uses -ям |
| пять городо́в | к пяти́ города́м | noun uses dative plural -ам |
| де́сять книг | по десяти́ кни́гам | noun uses dative plural -ам |
Mini-check
1. Choose: к пяти́ городо́в / города́м. 2. Convert три музе́я to a к phrase.
Apply this next
- Retrieve the rule without looking, then continue to the next lesson.