Breakdown of Мои часы показывают правильное время даже без батареек.
мой
my
время
the time
правильный
correct
показывать
to show
Questions & Answers about Мои часы показывают правильное время даже без батареек.
What does the word часы mean, and why is it always used in the plural even when referring to a single timepiece?
The word часы means “clock” or “watch” in Russian. It is a pluralia tantum noun, which means that even when referring to one timekeeping device, Russian treats it as plural. This is why you say Мои часы (“my clock/watch”) and use plural verbs and adjectives with it.
Why is the verb показывают in its plural form instead of a singular form like показывает?
The verb показывают is in the third person plural because its subject, часы, is grammatically plural. Even though you might be talking about one clock or watch, the noun’s inherent plural usage requires that the verb agree in number.
How is the phrase без батареек formed, and why is батареек used instead of батарейки?
The phrase без батареек means “without batteries.” In Russian, the preposition без always governs the genitive case. The nominative plural батарейки changes to батареек in the genitive plural, following standard rules for the noun батарейка (a diminutive for “battery”).
What function does the word даже serve in this sentence?
The word даже translates as “even” and is used for emphasis. It underscores that the clocks are capable of showing the correct time under an unexpected condition—namely, operating without batteries.