Impersonal States: Time and Laziness
In English, we usually describe our state of mind using a subject and an adjective ("I am lazy") or a noun ("It is time for me"). In Russian, feelings, attitudes, and lack of motivation are frequently expressed using impersonal "state words."
In this construction, the person experiencing the state acts as the receiver and is placed in the Dative case (e.g., мне, тебе, нам, брату). The state word itself never changes form. If you want to mention the action they are too lazy to do—or that it is time to do—simply attach an infinitive verb.
Two very common state words are пора (it is time) and лень (too lazy to).
Getting Down to Business
When it is finally time to stop making excuses, you might use the phrase браться за (to get down to / to tackle). This reflexive verb pairs with the preposition за and the Accusative case.
For example, you can say "браться за дело" (to get down to business) or "браться за работу" (to get down to work).
Pity, Shame, and Hurt
You can apply this exact same "Dative + State Word + Infinitive" pattern to a wide range of emotions and attitudes. Whether you are hesitant to throw away old clutter or ashamed of forcing someone else to do your chores, just start with the Dative experiencer and add the appropriate state word:
- жаль: it's a pity / to feel bad
- стыдно: to be ashamed
- обидно: to feel hurt / it is hurtful
