Learn Russian: Спасибо за ваше гостеприимство!

In Russian, when you are expressing gratitude for something, you use the preposition за followed by the Accusative case. This represents a type of exchange: your thanks in return for their action, time, or gift.

If за requires the Accusative case, why doesn't ваше гостеприимство change its ending?

Гостеприимство is a neuter noun. For all neuter nouns, as well as inanimate masculine nouns, the Accusative case form is exactly the same as the Nominative (dictionary) form. So ваше гостеприимство is actually in the Accusative case here, even though it does not look any different!

Гостеприимство is a very long word! Is there an easy way to remember it?

Yes! It is a compound word made of two parts you might already know. It combines гость (guest) and a root related to принимать (to receive or accept). Literally, it means 'guest-receiving-ness'. Recognizing these roots makes long Russian vocabulary much less intimidating.

How do I pronounce the double 'ии' in гостеприимство?

You should pronounce both letters as distinct syllables, with the stress falling on the second one: gos-te-pri-IM-stvo. Make sure to voice both vowels rather than blending them into a single short sound.