For whom is this gift?

[david-us.livejournal.com]

If a person walked into a room and unexpectedly saw a nicely wrapped gift on the table, in America, 99% of the people might ask, "Who's that gift for?" Very few would ever properly say "For whom is this gift?"

In Russian, which would be correct?

Для кого этот подарок?

or

Кому этот подарок?

I'm inclined to think the first one is correct. Are they both acceptable? Is there a better way?

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

Comments

[oryx_and_crake]

Both are correct, the second one slightly more colloquial.

[archaicos.livejournal.com]

I think the second one would naturally occur while trying to distribute the gifts. The verb дать/подарить seems to be naturally implied: кому (дать/подарить) этот подарок?

[david-us.livejournal.com]

In the context that I originally posted, would it also be acceptable to ask, "Чей этот подарок?"

[archaicos.livejournal.com]

Yes, but (much?) less likely than the first one.

[lidia-egotist.livejournal.com]

In case, the present has been already given - it's ok.

[ovd-off.livejournal.com]

"Чей это подарок?" means usually "Who has presented this gift?". If the question is used in the meaning "Для кого/кому подарок?", the recepient can be confused with your question.

[ovd-off.livejournal.com]

Both variants are correct and appropriate in any situation.

[lidia-egotist.livejournal.com]

Both are good, but the first one seems to me more cultured

[catirita.livejournal.com]

Что это за подарок?