набувати + Genitive
Набувати with Genitive
The verbs набувати (imperfective) and набути (perfective) form an aspectual pair and govern the exact same case patterns. They are the standard way to say 'to acquire' or 'to take on' abstract characteristics, status, or legal validity, typically governing the genitive case.
How It Works
The usage of набувати depends on the nature of the object:
- Abstract Qualities: Using the genitive case as a direct object is the standard grammatical requirement for abstract qualities in all registers of Ukrainian. Common collocations include набувати досвіду (to gain experience), набувати поширення (to become widespread), набувати вигляду / форми (to take the appearance / form of), and набувати статусу (to acquire the status of).
- Legal Force: The fixed expression набувати чинності (to enter into force) is used for laws and documents. Note that the highly frequent official synonym набирати чинності is equally valid and common.
- Concrete Property and Relationships: In the sense of 'acquiring' or 'gaining,' it can take either the accusative case or the genitive case. This applies to both physical property (набувати майна) and social connections (набувати друзів, набувати прихильників). While the accusative is common for specific items, the genitive remains the traditional literary standard for this verb.
- Negation: When the verb is negated (не набувати / не набути), it typically takes the genitive case. While the genitive of negation is the absolute standard for abstract nouns, the accusative is acceptable and frequently used for specific, concrete physical items.
Morphology Note: When using the genitive, inanimate masculine abstract nouns often take the -у/-ю ending (e.g., досвіду, статусу), which is typical for abstract concepts in the genitive.
Examples (4)
- Закон набуває чинності з наступного понеділка.
The law enters into force next Monday.
Word by Word: Law acquires force from next Monday.
This is the standard formal way to describe a law becoming active. Note the genitive 'чинності'.
- Ця проблема набула міжнародного розголосу.
This problem gained international publicity.
Word by Word: This problem acquired international publicity.
Used here to describe an abstract quality (publicity) spreading to a new level.
- З часом його слова набули іншого значення.
Over time, his words acquired a different meaning.
Word by Word: With time his words acquired other meaning.
Demonstrates the transition of an abstract concept (meaning) into a new state.
- Він набув великого досвіду під час роботи в ООН.
He gained great experience while working at the UN.
Word by Word: He acquired great experience during work in UN.
In formal contexts, 'experience' (досвід) is paired with 'набути' in the genitive.
Common Mistakes
Using a preposition like 'в' (into) for legal force.
Закон вступає в силу.Закон набуває чинності.'Вступати в силу' is a calque from Russian. In standard Ukrainian, the verb governs the noun directly in the genitive case.
Using the accusative case for abstract qualities.
Я набув досвід.Я набув досвіду.While the accusative is used for concrete property, abstract qualities strictly require the genitive case in standard Ukrainian.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn the pattern 'набувати + родовий', a learner needs to be comfortable with the present tense conjugation of regular -ати verbs and have a solid grasp of the genitive case endings for nouns, as this specific verb requires its object to be in the genitive case rather than the standard accusative.
Related Patterns
- потребувати + GenitiveПотребувати with Genitive
Like 'набувати', the verb 'потребувати' is another common verb that governs the genitive case for its direct object.
Level 5 - Perfective Aspect
The perfective form 'набути' is used to focus on the completed result of the acquisition.
Level 2 - Imperfective Aspect
The imperfective 'набувати' is used for ongoing processes or general rules (like when laws usually take effect).
Level 2 - Accusative direct object
The accusative case is often preferred with 'набувати' when referring to concrete physical property, though the genitive is also correct and widely used.
Level 1 - Genitive of Negated Object
When 'набувати' is negated, its direct object must take the genitive case, regardless of whether it is abstract or concrete.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice набувати + Genitive in Bubblegum
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