Кравець шиє рукав, тоді як я зашиваю дірку.

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Breakdown of Кравець шиє рукав, тоді як я зашиваю дірку.

• кравець: the tailor
• рукав: the sleeve
• дірка: the hole in fabric

Questions & Answers about Кравець шиє рукав, тоді як я зашиваю дірку.

Why do рукав and дірку look different if both are direct objects?

Because they are in the accusative case, and accusative forms depend on gender and animacy.

• рукав is a masculine inanimate noun, so in the singular its accusative form is the same as the nominative:

  • nominative: рукав
  • accusative: рукав

• дірка is a feminine noun ending in -а, so in the singular accusative it changes to -у:

  • nominative: дірка
  • accusative: дірку

So both are objects, but they decline differently.

What is the difference between шити and зашивати?

They are related, but not identical.

• шити means to sew in a general sense.
• зашивати means to sew up, to stitch closed, or to mend by sewing.

So:

• кравець шиє рукав = the tailor is sewing a sleeve, probably as part of making or altering clothing
• я зашиваю дірку = I am sewing up a hole

In other words, шити is broader, while зашивати often suggests closing or repairing something.