одинадцять-чотирнадцять + Genitive Plural
Eleven to Fourteen with Genitive Plural
In Ukrainian, while numbers ending in 1, 2, 3, or 4 usually follow specific individual rules, the 'teens' block (11–19) acts differently. Specifically, одинадцять (11), дванадцять (12), тринадцять (13), and чотирнадцять (14) always govern the genitive plural of the noun.
How It Works
This pattern is a common stumbling block because it seems to contradict the 'last digit' rule. Usually, a number like 22 would follow the rule for '2', but 12 does not.
1. The Rule:
When these numerals are in the nominative or inanimate accusative, the noun must be in the genitive plural.
- одинадцять (11) + років (years)
- дванадцять (12) + стільців (chairs)
- тринадцять (13) + днів (days)
- чотирнадцять (14) + студентів (students)
2. Adjective Agreement:
If you add an adjective, it also moves into the genitive plural form. For example: чотирнадцять нових книг (fourteen new books).
3. Why does this happen?
Etymologically, these numbers were originally phrases meaning 'one on ten', 'two on ten', etc. Because they were viewed as derivatives of 'ten', they inherited the grammatical requirement of the number 10, which always takes the genitive plural. Even though they end in the sounds for 1, 2, 3, and 4, they are grammatically 'tens'.
Examples (4)
- У класі навчається чотирнадцять учнів.
There are fourteen students studying in the class.
Word by Word: In class study fourteen students.
Even though 14 ends in 'four', it takes the genitive plural 'учнів' instead of the nominative plural.
- Він купив тринадцять червоних троянд.
He bought thirteen red roses.
Word by Word: He bought thirteen red roses.
Both the adjective 'червоних' and the noun 'троянд' are in the genitive plural.
- Одинадцять років тому ми жили в Одесі.
Eleven years ago we lived in Odesa.
Word by Word: Eleven years ago we lived in Odesa.
The noun 'років' is the genitive plural of 'рік'.
- На столі лежить дванадцять олівців.
There are twelve pencils lying on the table.
Word by Word: On table lie twelve pencils.
The numeral 12 governs the genitive plural 'олівців'.
Common Mistakes
Using the nominative plural for 12, 13, or 14.
чотирнадцять книжкичотирнадцять книжокLearners often apply the rule for '4' (nominative plural) to '14', but 14 requires the genitive plural.
Using the nominative singular for 11.
одинадцять деньодинадцять днівBecause 11 ends in 'one', learners try to use the singular. However, 11 is part of the 'teens' block and requires the genitive plural.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand why 11-14 take the genitive plural, learners first need to know the basic plural forms of nouns. They should also be familiar with the standard rule for numbers 5 and above (which also take the genitive plural) and the contrasting rule for numbers 2, 3, and 4 (which take the nominative plural), as 11-14 behave differently than their final digits would suggest.
Related Patterns
- одинNumeral Один Agreement
The number 1 follows a different rule, acting as an adjective that agrees with the noun.
Level 2 - два/три/чотири + Nominative PluralNominative Plural After 2, 3, And 4
These numbers (2, 3, 4) take the nominative plural, which contrasts with 12, 13, and 14.
Level 6 - Compound Numerals by Final Element
Compound numbers (like 21, 32) follow the rule of their last digit, making 11–14 a unique exception to this logic.
Level 2 - Adjectives after Numerals
Explains how adjectives behave when placed between a numeral and a noun.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice одинадцять-чотирнадцять + Genitive Plural in Bubblegum
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