The Possessive Genitive

The most common use of the genitive case is to represent possession and is called the possessive genitive. For example: it is the boy's book. Possession can also include a relationship, such as the mother of the boy. The possessive genitive answers the question, "Whose _____ is it?" The genitive is often translated "of noun" or by using 's/s'.

**Genitive Case Uses**
Latin Phrase	Noun in the Genitive Case	Genitive translation
Est fibula dominae.	dominae 1st declension, genitive singular	It is the brooch *of the lady.* It is the lady's brooch.
Habesne togas senatorum?	senatorum 3rd declension, genitive plural	Do you have the togas *of the senators?* Do you have the *senators'* togas?
Puella amicum pueri vocavit.	pueri 2nd declension, genitive singular	The girl called the friend *of the boy.* The girl called the *boy's* friend.

Nota bene: in these examples, the genitive form is placed after the noun it is possessing. This is a common word order, so take note of this!

Practice Activities

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Activity 2