Questions & Answers about Kupiła trzy pary nożyczek.
Why do we say trzy pary nożyczek instead of using a collective numeral like troje nożyczek?
While collective numerals are often used for plural-only nouns (like troje drzwi for three doors), nouns that represent items with two symmetrical parts (like scissors, trousers, or glasses) typically use the measure word para (pair). Therefore, trzy pary nożyczek is the standard and natural way to count them.
What case is nożyczek in this sentence, and why?
It is in the genitive plural. When you use a measure word like pary (pairs), the noun being measured must be in the genitive case. Since nożyczki only exists in the plural, it takes the genitive plural form nożyczek.
Why does the genitive plural form nożyczek end in -ek?
Nożyczki declines like a feminine noun. To form the genitive plural, feminine nouns usually drop their final vowel, taking a zero ending. Dropping the final -i would leave an awkward consonant cluster, so a mobile 'e' is inserted to make it easier to pronounce, resulting in nożyczek.
Could I just say kupiła trzy nożyczki if I mean three pairs?
No, you cannot use standard numerals like dwa or trzy directly with plural-only nouns. You must use either a measure word like pary (for symmetrical items like scissors and glasses) or a collective numeral (for other plural-only nouns, like doors or holidays).
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