Question 1

Why do we use the imperfective verb фотографировать with нельзя here instead of the perfective сфотографировать?

Accepted Answer

This ties into the core rule for нельзя. When you pair нельзя with an imperfective verb, it means the action is prohibited or against the rules (taking photos is forbidden). If you used a perfective verb, it would mean the action is physically impossible to achieve (for example, it is impossible to capture a photo because it is too dark).

Question 2

Why is it В этом музее (Prepositional case) instead of В этот музей (Accusative case)?

Accepted Answer

We use the Prepositional case for static locations to answer the question "where?" (Where are photos forbidden? In the museum). You would use the Accusative case (в этот музей) if you were talking about motion or direction toward the museum, such as "We are going to this museum."

Question 3

There is no "it" or "you" in the Russian sentence. How do we know who is forbidden from taking photos?

Accepted Answer

Нельзя is an impersonal word. Without a specific person attached, it applies to everyone in general, which is why it translates perfectly to "It is forbidden." If you wanted to specify that a particular person isn't allowed to take photos, you would add them in the Dative case (for example, Ему нельзя фотографировать means "He is not allowed to take photos").

Question 4

Could we change the word order to Нельзя фотографировать в этом музее?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Russian word order is flexible and usually places the most important or new information near the end. Starting with В этом музее simply sets the scene first ("As for this museum, no photos"), whereas starting with Нельзя puts immediate emphasis on the strict prohibition.

В этом музее нельзя фотографировать.

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