пользоваться + Instrumental
Instrumental with Пользоваться
The Russian verb пользоваться (to use) requires the instrumental case. It is used for tools that aren't consumed (like a phone) or for abstract concepts (like popularity).
How It Works
The verb пользоваться is the standard way to describe using something as a tool or service.
1. Case Requirement:
You must use the instrumental case for the object being used.
- Masculine: компьютер → компьютером
- Feminine: ручка → ручкой
- Plural: инструменты → инструментами
2. Usage Nuance:
It is typically used for items that remain after use (tools, apps, transport). For items that are consumed or 'used up' (like sugar or fuel), Russians prefer использовать + accusative.
3. Abstract Meanings:
This pattern is also used for abstract qualities like 'enjoying popularity' (пользоваться популярностью) or 'exercising rights' (пользоваться правами).
4. Aspect:
Пользоваться is imperfective (habitual or ongoing). The perfective counterpart is воспользоваться, used for a single instance or 'taking advantage' of a specific opportunity.
Examples (4)
- Я часто пользуюсь этим словарём.
I often use this dictionary.
Word by Word: I often use this dictionary (instrumental).
The dictionary is a tool used for a process, so it takes the instrumental ending -ём.
- Вы пользуетесь общественным транспортом?
Do you use public transport?
Word by Word: You use public transport (instrumental)?
Public transport is treated as a service/tool, requiring the instrumental case.
- Этот актёр пользуется большой популярностью.
This actor enjoys great popularity.
Word by Word: This actor uses great popularity (instrumental).
This is a common idiomatic use where 'use' means 'to possess' or 'to enjoy' an abstract quality.
- Мы пользуемся интернетом каждый день.
We use the internet every day.
Word by Word: We use internet (instrumental) every day.
Internet is a resource, so it takes the masculine instrumental ending -ом.
Common Mistakes
Using the accusative case instead of the instrumental.
Я пользуюсь этот телефон.Я пользуюсь этим телефоном.Learners often use the accusative because English 'use' takes a direct object. In Russian, пользоваться always requires the instrumental case.
Using «пользоваться» when you mean 'use as an ingredient'.
Different MeaningЯ пользуюсь сахаром для кофе.Я использую сахар для кофе.«Я пользуюсь сахаром для кофе» is correct: «пользоваться» means to make regular use of something. «Использовать» is the usual choice when something is put to use as a material for a purpose: «Я использую сахар для кофе».
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn this pattern, you need to understand how the instrumental case functions to indicate a tool or resource (instrumental of means). Additionally, since 'пользоваться' is a reflexive verb, you must be familiar with the reflexive suffix -ся/-сь and how intransitive reflexive verbs govern their objects.
- Instrumental of means
The pattern 'пользоваться + творительный' is a specific verbal application of the Instrumental of means, where the object used is placed in the instrumental case.
Level 2 - -ся/-сьReflexive Suffix -ся/-сь
The verb 'пользоваться' is a reflexive verb, so understanding the reflexive suffix is necessary for its conjugation.
Level 2 - Inherent reflexive verbs
This pattern involves an inherent reflexive verb that does not take a direct object in the accusative, but instead requires a specific oblique case (instrumental).
Level 2
Related Patterns
- заниматься + InstrumentalInstrumental with Заниматься
Another common Level 3 verb that governs the instrumental case without a preposition.
Level 3 - интересоваться + InstrumentalInstrumental with Интересоваться
A similar verb pattern where an interest is expressed using the instrumental case.
Level 3 - Accusative direct object
The case used with the synonym 'использовать', which contrasts with the instrumental used here.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice пользоваться + Instrumental in Bubblegum
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