CEN: Lesson - Noun Review
Noun Review
In previous modules, we were introduced to the 5 most common Latin cases for nouns. The charts below summarize the noun endings, functions and translations for 1st, 2nd and 3rd declension nouns.
Cases - Function and Translation Review
There are five major cases in Latin, plus the Vocative case, which is considered a minor case. Let's review the purpose of each case and how each one is translated. This is a basic guide - there will be specific differences. Go back to previous modules to review the detailed lessons on each case.
| Case | Function | Basic Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | subject; complement* | A/The _______ |
| Genitive | possession | of the _______ |
| Dative | indirect object | to/for the __________ |
| Accusative | direct object | a/the _______ |
| Ablative | prepositional phrase | by, with, from the _____ |
| Vocative | direct address | Set off by commas; usually the second word |
Nota bene: *complement is another name for the predicate nominative. The nominative case is used for a noun or adjective which follows a linking verb. Example: Marcella est puella. Marcella = subject, so is nominative; puella = complement, so is nominative.
Noun Examples
Let's look at an actual noun, declined in each declension and gender. Take careful notes here - we are using the noun endings charts and adding these endings to specific nouns. You will be asked to do something similar to this, so it is important that you see what a fully declined noun looks like.
1st Declension
- Noun: aqua, aquae, f. - water
- Base: aquae - ae = aqu-
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | aqua | aquae |
| Genitive | aquae | aquarum |
| Dative | aquae | aquis |
| Accusative | aquam | aquas |
| Ablative | aqua | aquis |
| Vocative | aqua | aquae |
2nd Declension
- Noun: servus, servi, m - slave
- Base: servi - i = serv-
- Noun: vinum, vini, n. - wine
- Base: vini - i = vin-
| Case | Masculine Singular | Masculine Plural | Neuter Singular | Neuter Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | servus | servi | vinum | vina |
| Genitive | servi | servorum | vini | vinorum |
| Dative | servo | servis | vino | vinis |
| Accusative | servum | servos | vinum | vina |
| Ablative | servo | servis | vino | vinis |
| Vocative | serve | servi | vinum | vina |
3rd Declension
- Noun: gustatio, gustationis, f. - appetizer
- Base: gustationis - is = gustation-
- Noun: holus, holeris, n. - vegetable
- Base: holeris - is = holer-
| Case | M/F Singular | M/F Plural | Neuter Singular | Neuter Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | gustatio | gustationes | holus | holera |
| Genitive | gustationis | gustationum | holeris | holerum |
| Dative | gustationi | gustationibus | holeri | holeribus |
| Accusative | gustationem | gustationes | holus | holera |
| Ablative | gustatione | gustationibus | holere | holeribus |
| Vocative | gustatio | gustationes | holus | holera |