Using the indefinite articles

[Deborah Hoffman]

Interesting. I have been asked several times by native English speakers how Russian conveys the idea of definite/indefinite without articles.

I remember being given a few examples as an undergrad and was wondering if the natives could confirm them for me: 

Use of genitive vs. accusative cases:
Ia zhdu avtobus (I'm waiting for the bus)
Ia zhdu avtobusa (I hope one comes, it may or may not, I have no definite knowledge, I'm waiting for a bus)

Ia zhdu zhenu (I'm waiting for my ("the") wife)
Ia zhdu zheny (I'm waiting to have a wife some day)

Use of aspect:
Devushka zvonila? (Did a girl call?)
Devushka pozvonila? (Did a girl call who was supposed do, did a girl call?)
            
            
            
            From: 

Friday, February 19, 2010 2:59 PM 
            
            
            
            From: 
            "Olga Meerson" <meersono at GEORGETOWN.EDU>
                
                
                
            To: 
            undisclosed-recipients
                Один мой знакомый = A friend of mine
Один солдат на свете жил... = there was A soldier living somewhere...

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