Verbs that demand the Instrumental case
Most verbs use the Accusative case for their direct objects. However, a special group of Russian verbs requires the Instrumental case instead. Conceptually, you can think of these actions as happening by means of or with the object, even though English treats them as simple direct objects.
Here is a quick refresher on common Instrumental noun endings:
- Masculine / Neuter: -ом / -ем
- Feminine: -ой / -ей / -ью
- Plural: -ами / -ями
Leading and Managing: руководить and управлять
The verbs руководить (to lead, direct) and управлять (to manage, control) are essential for talking about business and leadership.
| The new boss will manage this department. | Новый начальник будет руководить этим отделом. |
| The director manages a large team. | Директор руководит большим коллективом. |
| A successful businessman can manage a company. | Успешный бизнесмен может управлять компанией. |
You can also use управлять for more abstract concepts, such as controlling a situation.
| The experienced businessman controls the situation. | Опытный бизнесмен управляет ситуацией. |
Mastering and Possessing: владеть
The verb владеть means to possess, own, or master. It is frequently used to describe being fluent in a language or holding vital information.
| The translator is fluent in foreign languages. | Переводчик свободно владеет иностранными языками. |
| The secretary always possesses important information. | Секретарь всегда владеет важной информацией. |
Risking: рисковать
When you risk something in Russian, the grammar implies that you "risk with it." The verb рисковать always takes the Instrumental case for whatever is at stake.
| Businessmen often risk money and reputation. | Бизнесмены часто рискуют деньгами и репутацией. |
| A good doctor never risks their reputation. | Хороший врач никогда не рискует своей репутацией. |
Enjoying: наслаждаться
Similarly, the reflexive verb наслаждаться (to enjoy) uses the Instrumental case to indicate the thing that brings you pleasure. You are "enjoying with" the music or the process.
| We just work and enjoy the process. | Мы просто работаем и наслаждаемся процессом. |
| Our family enjoys beautiful music. | Наша семья наслаждается красивой музыкой. |
