свой vs его/её
svoy vs yego/yeyo — one’s own vs his/her
Register: neutral
What it really means
Свой refers back to the subject of its clause: Он взял свою книгу. Его and её refer to another possessor or are used when clarity requires it. Свой declines; его/её as possessives do not.
Examples in natural speech
Я нашёл свой ключ.
I found my own key.
Она любит свою работу.
She loves her job.
Он встретил его брата.
He met his brother.
Я видел её машину.
I saw her car.
Мы взяли свои вещи.
We took our things.
Common mistakes
Do not use его when the owner is the subject if свой is intended: Он взял свою сумку.
Memory tip
Свой belongs back to the sentence subject.
Frequently asked questions
Does его decline as possessive?
No.
Can свой mean my?
Yes, when I am the subject.
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