Learn Hardcore Ukrainian: Мій друг дає комплімент, коли хтось робить гарну справу. - My friend gives a compliment when someone does a good deed.

The sentence is divided into two parts: a main clause and a subordinate clause. The main clause is "Мій друг дає комплімент" (which means "My friend gives a compliment") and the subordinate clause is "коли хтось робить гарну справу" (which translates as "when someone does a good deed"). The subordinating conjunction "коли" (meaning "when") signals that the second part is dependent on the first.

What does the verb "дає" mean and how is it conjugated in this sentence?

"Дає" is the third person singular present form of the verb "давати", meaning "gives". This form shows that the subject, "Мій друг" ("My friend"), is performing the action in a habitual or general manner.

Why is there a comma before "коли" in the sentence?

In Ukrainian punctuation, a comma is used to set off subordinate clauses from the main clause. Here, the comma before "коли" clearly separates the main idea ("Мій друг дає комплімент") from the condition or circumstance provided in the subordinate clause ("коли хтось робить гарну справу").

What does the word "хтось" mean and what is its grammatical role in the sentence?

The word "хтось" translates to "someone" in English. It functions as the subject of the subordinate clause "коли хтось робить гарну справу," indicating that any person performing a good deed is the reason behind the compliment given by the friend.

How is the phrase "гарну справу" structured grammatically, and why is it in the accusative case?

The phrase "гарну справу" consists of the adjective "гарну," the feminine singular accusative form of "гарний" (meaning "good" or "nice"), and the noun "справу," which means "deed" or "act." It appears in the accusative case because it serves as the direct object of the verb "робить" (meaning "does"). In Ukrainian, direct objects that receive the action of the verb are typically in the accusative case.

How does the use of the present tense in both clauses convey habitual action in this sentence?

Both verbs in the sentence, "дає" (gives) and "робить" (does), are in the present tense. In Ukrainian, using the present tense can indicate a habitual or general action rather than describing a single or isolated event. This means that whenever "someone does a good deed," it is a general or recurring situation where "my friend gives a compliment."