Breakdown of Воин чуть не погиб — нам не одолеть это тёмное заклинание!
не
not
мы
we
этот
this [f: эта, n: это]
тёмный
dark (adjective)
погибнуть
to perish
чуть не
almost (narrowly)
воин
warrior
одолеть
to defeat (overcome, overpower)
заклинание
spell
Questions & Answers about Воин чуть не погиб — нам не одолеть это тёмное заклинание!
Why does the second half of the sentence use the dative нам and an infinitive?
This is an independent infinitive clause expressing impossibility. When you combine a logical subject in the dative case like нам with не and a perfective infinitive like одолеть, it means the action simply cannot be done. It translates to 'we cannot overcome' or 'there is no way for us to overcome'.
Why is there a не in чуть не погиб if the English translation says he almost died?
The phrase чуть не is a set expression meaning 'almost' or 'nearly' and is usually followed by a past tense perfective verb. It is typically used for bad events that were narrowly avoided. Even though it contains не, it does not make the meaning negative. Воин чуть не погиб means the warrior came very close to dying, but ultimately survived.
What is the specific nuance of the verb одолеть?
The perfective verb одолеть means to overcome, overpower, or defeat something through significant effort. It implies a tough struggle against a heavy burden, a strong opponent, or powerful magic. As a transitive verb, it requires a direct object in the accusative case.
Is это тёмное заклинание in the nominative or accusative case here?
It is in the accusative case, acting as the direct object of the infinitive одолеть. Because заклинание is a neuter noun, and it is inanimate, its accusative form looks exactly identical to its nominative form.
Learn Воин чуть не погиб — нам не одолеть это тёмное заклинание and more in Russian
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free