Learn Hardcore Ukrainian: Природа надихає мене своїми барвами та тишею. - Nature inspires me with its colors and calm.

In Ukrainian, the instrumental case is used to show the means or manner by which an action is carried out. In this sentence, своїми барвами (“with its colors”) and тишею (“with silence”) explain how nature inspires me.

What is the function of the reflexive possessive adjective своїми in this sentence, and why is it used?

Своїми is the reflexive form of the possessive adjective, meaning “its own.” It indicates that the attributes—colors and silence—belong to the subject, природа (nature). In Ukrainian, when the possessor is the subject of the sentence, the reflexive adjective is used to show that the object naturally belongs to that subject.

Which cases are represented by мене, барвами, and тишею in this sentence?

Мене is in the accusative case, functioning as the direct object of the verb надихає.
Барвами and тишею are in the instrumental case, indicating the means by which nature inspires me.

How is the verb надихає conjugated, and what does this tell us about the subject?

Надихає is conjugated in the third person singular present tense. This agrees with the singular subject природа (nature) and shows that nature is the one performing the action of inspiring.

What role does the conjunction та play in this sentence?

The conjunction та means “and” in Ukrainian. It connects the two instrumental phrases своїми барвами and тишею, indicating that both elements contribute to the way nature inspires me.

Why is the possessive adjective своїми provided only before барвами and not repeated before тишею?

In Ukrainian, when multiple objects share the same possessor, it is common to use the possessive adjective only once before the first noun. By placing своїми before барвами, it is understood that both барвами and тишею belong to the subject, eliminating the need to repeat the adjective.