Learn Hardcore Russian: Торт сладкий.

In Russian, the present tense form of the verb быть (to be) is usually omitted when stating characteristics or qualities. Thus, instead of saying "The cake is sweet" with an explicit verb, Russians simply say "Торт сладкий." and the meaning is understood.

How do the noun and adjective agree with each other in this sentence?

Both торт (cake) and сладкий (sweet) are in the nominative case. Additionally, торт is masculine singular, so the adjective сладкий is also in its masculine singular form. Russian adjectives must agree with the noun they modify in gender, number, and case.

What does each word in the sentence mean?

Торт means cake and сладкий means sweet. Combined, they communicate that "The cake is sweet."

Why is the adjective placed after the noun instead of before it?

In Russian, the adjective can be positioned either before or after the noun, but the typical order in descriptive sentences is subject followed by predicate adjective. Placing сладкий after торт is standard for simple descriptions. If you put it before, it might add a different stylistic nuance or emphasis.

How would you form a negative version of this sentence?

To negate the sentence, simply add the negative particle не in front of the adjective. The negative sentence becomes "Торт не сладкий." which translates to "The cake is not sweet."