The direct object in negative sentences in Russian

[david-us.livejournal.com]

I've always been confused about the case of the direct object in negative sentences. Sometimes the object is in the genitive and sometimes in the accusative.

Which is correct?

Я не покупаю хлеб.
Я не покупаю хлеба.

Ребенок не бросает мяч.
Ребенок не бросает мяча.

Are both correct, yet convey a different meaning?

For instance, in the first sentence: Could one mean "I am not buying bread" (at this moment) whereas the second sentence means "I don't buy bread" (as in, "I never buy bread.")  If not, how would a Russian express these different connotations? Perhaps, to convey the difference, in Russian, you must use the word никогда.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

Comments

[kunaifusu.livejournal.com]

I agree, if you are talking about not receiving any letters at all you should be using plural but this is besides the case of distinguishing between accusative and genitive cases.