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An Introduction to Declensions
An Introduction to Declensions
Each Latin NOUN has two distinct Characteristics.
Like their Romantic counterparts, Latin NOUNS have a set GENDER.
Each Latin NOUN has two distinct Characteristics.
Like their Romantic counterparts, Latin NOUNS have a set GENDER.
They also are classified into different DECLENSIONS.
The declension of a noun determines, which ENDINGS that noun can use. These ENDINGS determine whether the noun is SINGULAR or PLURAL and the noun's CASE, which shows how the noun is FUNCTIONING in the sentence.
They also are classified into different DECLENSIONS.
The declension of a noun determines, which ENDINGS that noun can use. These ENDINGS determine whether the noun is SINGULAR or PLURAL and the noun's CASE, which shows how the noun is FUNCTIONING in the sentence.
Latin has FIVE declensions, but the majority of nouns encountered by Latin students are in the
1st, 2nd, and 3rd declensions.
Latin has FIVE declensions, but the majority of nouns encountered by Latin students are in the
1st, 2nd, and 3rd declensions.
To determine a noun's DECLENSION, you must look at its GENITIVE SINGULAR ending (usually the second dictionary entry).
To determine a noun's DECLENSION, you must look at its GENITIVE SINGULAR ending (usually the second dictionary entry).
To find a noun's STEM (the base of the noun onto which the ending is added) remove the GENITIVE SINGULAR ENDING
To find a noun's STEM (the base of the noun onto which the ending is added) remove the GENITIVE SINGULAR ENDING
First Declension
First Declension
- Endings are dominated by the letter A
- The Genitive singular is "AE"
- Gender: overwhelmingly feminine
- There are 5 Masculine 1st declension nouns:
Nauta (sailor)
Agricola (farmer)
Poeta (poet)
Auriga (chariot driver)
Pirata (pirate)
Agricolae Italiae terram magna cura suae reginae laborant.
Nom. pl Gen sing Acc sing Abl sing Dat. singAgricolae Italiae terram magna cura suae reginae laborant.
The farmers of Italy work the land with great care for their queen.
The farmers of Italy work the land with great care for their queen.
Second Declension
Second Declension
- Endings are dominated by the letters "O" and "I"
- The Genitive singular is a long "I"
- Gender: masculine & neuter
- Neuter nouns end in "UM" in nom and "a" in Nom/Acc pl
Puer gladios virorum in bellum portat.
Nom sg Acc pl Gen pl Acc singPuer gladios virorum in bellum portat.
A boy carries swords of the men into battle.
A boy carries swords of the men into battle.
Third Declension
Third Declension
- Dominated by the letters "E" and "I"
- Genitive singular is a short "IS"
Many nouns change their stem from nominative to genitive: nox, noctis (night)
- Gender: any
- No pattern for the nominative singular
Third Declension i-stems
Third Declension i-stems
A subset of 3rd declension nouns have altered endings in some cases and number that favor a long "i" over an "e" or simply add an "i" in front of the traditional ending. Such pattern can be anticipated in the following circumstances:
A subset of 3rd declension nouns have altered endings in some cases and number that favor a long "i" over an "e" or simply add an "i" in front of the traditional ending. Such pattern can be anticipated in the following circumstances:
- A neuter noun that ends in -e, -al, or -ar (e.g. mare, animal)
- A monosyllabic nominative that has 2 consonants before the genitive -is ending (e.g. pars, partis)
- A parisyllabic nominative that ends in -is or -es (e.g. hostis, hostis)
Dux militium hostes virtute civibus oppugnat.
Nom sg Gen pl Acc pl Abl sg Dat plDux militium hostes virtute civibus oppugnat.
The leader of the soldier attacks the enemies with courage for his citizens.
The leader of the soldier attacks the enemies with courage for his citizens.
Fourth Declension
Fourth Declension
- Endings are dominated by the letters "U"
- The Genitive singular is a long "US"
- Gender: Masculine & Neuter
Neuters have a persistent "u" in the singular, including the dative
Meus manus sinum genūs in gradū accomodit. My hand fits the curve of my knee in step.
Nom sg Acc sg Gen sg Abl sg Meus manus sinum genūs in gradū accomodit. My hand fits the curve of my knee in step.
Fifth Declension
Fifth Declension
- Endings are dominated by the letters "E"
- The Genitive singular is an "EI" (with a long "i")
- Gender: mostly feminine
- Dies and its compounds are masculine
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