Prepositions of absence and purpose (без, для)

The prepositions без (without) and для (for) both require the Genitive case.

As a reminder for noun endings in the Genitive singular:

  • Masculine and neuter nouns usually take or .
  • Feminine nouns usually take or .

Expressing Absence with "без"

Use без to express the lack or absence of something, such as dietary restrictions, missing ingredients, or traveling light.

You cannot buy medicine without a prescription there.
Там нельзя купить лекарство без рецепта.
My husband is traveling to the station without a suitcase.
Мой муж едет на вокзал без чемодана.

Expressing Purpose with "для"

Use для to express purpose or an intended recipient—who or what something is meant for.

Putting It Together

You can easily use both prepositions together. Remember that modifiers also take their Genitive form, such as эта (this) becoming этой.

For the diet, we are preparing a sauce without this spice.
Для диеты мы готовим соус без этой специи.