препятствовать + Dative
Hinder
The verb препятствовать (to hinder/obstruct) is a formal term that requires the Dative case (кому/чему). It describes creating a barrier to a process or action.
How It Works
1. Case Governance
The most important rule is that препятствовать always governs the Dative case. You are hindering to something or someone.
2. Conjugation
This is an -овать verb. In the present tense, the suffix -ова- changes to -у-:
- Я препятствую
- Ты препятствуешь
- Он/она препятствует
- Мы препятствуем
- Вы препятствуете
- Они препятствуют
3. Usage Contexts
Because of its high register, you will see this verb in:
- Legal contexts: Obstruction of justice (препятствование правосудию).
- Physical obstacles: 'The snow hindered the movement of cars.'
- Abstract processes: 'High taxes hinder economic growth.'
4. Specifying the Activity
If you want to say what someone is being hindered in, use the preposition в + Prepositional case. For example: препятствовать ему в работе (to hinder him in his work).
Examples (4)
- Плохая погода препятствовала спасательной операции.
Bad weather hindered the rescue operation.
Word by Word: Bad weather hindered [to] rescue operation.
Here, 'операции' is in the Dative case because it is the object being hindered.
- Коррупция препятствует развитию экономики.
Corruption hinders the development of the economy.
Word by Word: Corruption hinders [to] development [of] economy.
A classic formal usage where an abstract concept (development) is in the Dative case.
- Никто не должен препятствовать вам в осуществлении ваших прав.
No one should hinder you in the exercise of your rights.
Word by Word: No one not should hinder [to] you in implementation [of] your rights.
This shows the use of the Dative pronoun 'вам' and the prepositional phrase 'в осуществлении' to specify the activity.
- Густой туман препятствовал движению транспорта.
Thick fog obstructed the movement of traffic.
Word by Word: Thick fog hindered [to] movement [of] transport.
Used here for a physical process (movement/traffic) in a formal reporting style.
Common Mistakes
Using the Accusative case instead of the Dative.
Санкции препятствуют торговлю.Санкции препятствуют торговле.In English, 'hinder' takes a direct object, but in Russian, you must use the Dative case (торговле).
Using 'препятствовать' in casual conversation.
Не препятствуй мне смотреть телевизор!Не мешай мне смотреть телевизор!Using 'препятствовать' to tell someone not to bother you while watching TV sounds unnaturally stiff. Use 'мешать' for everyday annoyances.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'препятствовать + дательный', a learner must be familiar with the dative case endings for nouns and the general concept of verbs that govern the dative case without a preposition, particularly those related to assistance or obstruction.
Related Patterns
- способствовать + DativeContribute to
The antonym of 'препятствовать'; it means 'to contribute to' or 'to facilitate' and also takes the Dative.
Level 5 - Dative indirect object
This is the specific case required by the verb 'препятствовать'.
Level 2 - -ние/-ение/-тиеVerbal Nouns in -ние, -ение, And -тие
The noun form 'препятствование' (obstruction) is a common verbal noun used in official documents.
Level 4
Words in This Pattern
Practice препятствовать + Dative in Bubblegum
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