Для vs за vs на: how to choose the right "for" in Russian
How would you translate "this is for you" and "thank you for help"? Not sure? Then this article is for you!
English uses "for" much more broadly than Russian, but you usually cannot translate “for” automatically with one word. Here are the prepositions Russian uses instead, and when to use them:
для = “for” + purpose, recipient, intended use
Use для when something is meant or intended for someone/something. Для is followed by Genitive case (кого? чего?):
- подарок для мамы - a gift for mom
- это книга для детей - this is a book for children
- чашка для чая - a cup for tea
за = “for” in exchange, in support of, because of
За is followed by Accusative case (кого? что?). Use за in several common situations:
1. In exchange for / price
Russian uses за after verbs like pay, buy, thank, apologize, reward, punish:
- купить за 10 евро - buy for 10 euros
- спасибо за помощь - thanks for the help
- извини за опоздание - sorry for being late
- заплатить за ужин - pay for dinner
2. In support of / on someone's side
- я за тебя - I’m for you / on your side
- голосовать за кандидата - vote for a candidate
- Ты за или против? - Are you for it or against it?
- Он всегда за справедливость. - He is always for justice.
3. Because of / on account of
Here за gives the reason someone is praised, blamed, punished, respected, loved, remembered, etc:
- уважать за честность - to respect for honesty
- любить за чувство юмора - to love someone for their sense of humor
- критиковать за решение - to criticize for decision
на = often “for” with duration, purpose of use, destination of effort/resources
На is also followed by Accusative case (кого? что?). Use на when talking about something allocated, intended to be used on something, or lasting for some time.
1. For a period of time
- уехать на неделю - leave for a week
- прийти на час - come for an hour
2. For use in/on something, for a purpose
- деньги на еду - money for food
- билет на концерт - ticket for the concert
- копить на машину - to save money for a car
- время на отдых - time for rest
Quick comparison:
- подарок для мамы - a present for mom (mom is a recipient)
- спасибо за подарок - thanks for the present (present is the reason for thanks)
- деньги на подарок - money for a present (money allocated to buy a present)
Don’t forget to check what you’ve learned in the exercise tab!