Двое, трое, четверо Versus Два, три, четыре. I would like to know if there is a rule as to when I can/should use either set of numbers. Since I understand that in some cases both are acceptable, Was t

Mario

Двое, трое, четверо Versus Два, три, четыре. I would like to know if there is a rule as to when I can/should use either set of numbers. Since I understand that in some cases both are acceptable, Was there ever a difference that is not remembered anymore and makes it impossible to say if one is right or wrong because the majority of speakers would not know how to distinguish their original usages?For example: Пятеро из этих студентов не сдали экзамен Пять из этих студентов не сдали экзамен

Mar 20, 2015 7:03 AM

Answers · 11

Yes, there are some rules but sometimes you can use both пятеро and пять (like in your examples). So, with the word which name people (люди, дети, студенты и т.д.) of masculine or general gender you can use both пятеро and пять. But not with feminine. У него пятеро/пять братьев. У него пять сестёр. Other case is when you use substantivized numbers meaning people: К нему подошли трое. In this case only collective numbers (трое, пятеро и т.д.) are correct. And finally you use collective numbers with pluralia tantum word: двое брюк, трое ножниц. But only in nominative case! In oblique cases you use cardinal numbers: двух брюк, тремя ножницами. Quite tricky, isn't it? :)

March 20, 2015