Language/Lithuanian/Grammar/Nominative-and-Accusative-Cases
Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will explore the essential rules for using the nominative and accusative cases in Lithuanian. As a complete beginner, understanding these cases is crucial for building basic sentences and expressing yourself accurately in Lithuanian. We will delve into the details of each case, provide numerous examples, and engage in practice exercises to solidify your understanding. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use the nominative and accusative cases in your conversations. So let's get started!
Nominative Case[edit | edit source]
The nominative case is used to indicate the subject of a sentence, the doer of an action, or the predicate nominative. In other words, it is the case used for the subject of a sentence or the noun that is being equated with the subject. Nouns in the nominative case are often unmarked, meaning they do not undergo any changes. However, there are some exceptions which we will discuss later.
Nominative Case Endings[edit | edit source]
In Lithuanian, nouns in the nominative case typically end in -as, -is, -ys, -us, or -ė. Let's take a look at some examples:
| Lithuanian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| vyras | /ˈvɪ.rəs/ | man |
| mergina | /mɛr.ˈgʲi.na/ | girl |
| miestas | /ˈmʲiɛs.tas/ | city |
| kūdikis | /ˈkuː.dʲi.kʲis/ | baby |
| moteris | /ˈmo.tʲɛ.ris/ | woman |
As you can see, the nominative case endings do not change the pronunciation of the words, but they do indicate that the nouns are in the nominative case.
Nominative Case Usage[edit | edit source]
The nominative case is used for the subject of a sentence, as well as for the predicate nominative when the verb is a form of "to be." Let's look at some examples:
- The man is tall. - Vyras yra aukštas.
In this sentence, "vyras" (man) is the subject and it stays in the nominative case. "Aukštas" (tall) is the predicate nominative and it also stays in the nominative case because it is being equated with the subject.
- The girl runs. - Mergina bėga.
In this sentence, "mergina" (girl) is the subject and it stays in the nominative case.
- The city is beautiful. - Miestas yra gražus.
In this sentence, "miestas" (city) is the subject and it stays in the nominative case. "Gražus" (beautiful) is the predicate nominative and it also stays in the nominative case.
It's important to note that the verb "to be" in Lithuanian is often omitted in simple sentences, and the subject and the predicate nominative are connected only by the verb's form.
Nominative Case Exceptions[edit | edit source]
While most nouns in the nominative case do not undergo any changes, there are a few exceptions. Some masculine nouns ending in -as change their ending to -is in the nominative case. For example:
- The boy is happy. - Vaikinas yra laimingas.
In this sentence, "vaikinas" (boy) changes its ending from -as to -is in the nominative case. "Laimingas" (happy) stays in the nominative case because it is the predicate nominative.
Cultural Insight: Lithuanian Naming Customs[edit | edit source]
In Lithuanian culture, names are significant and often carry historical or familial meaning. Lithuanian surnames typically end in -as for males and -ienė for females, indicating the gender of the person. For example, "Kazlauskas" would be a male surname, while "Kazlauskienė" would be a female surname.
Traditional Lithuanian given names also have their own meanings and associations. For instance, "Aistė" means "star," "Giedrė" means "clear," and "Vytautas" means "warrior." These names reflect the rich cultural heritage and connection to nature in Lithuanian society.
Accusative Case[edit | edit source]
The accusative case is used to indicate the direct object of a sentence, the recipient of an action, or the duration of time. In other words, it is the case used for the noun that is affected by the action of the verb. Nouns in the accusative case often undergo changes in their endings, depending on their gender, number, and declension.
Accusative Case Endings[edit | edit source]
In Lithuanian, the accusative case endings vary depending on the gender, number, and declension of the noun. Let's take a look at some examples:
Masculine Nouns[edit | edit source]
Videos[edit | edit source]
Easy Lithuanian - Nominative case (forming plural) - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Lithuanian declension - Wikipedia
- A few Remarks on the Lithuanian Vocative - Antanas Klimas
- Lithuanian grammar - Wikipedia
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Future Tense
- How to Use Be
- Nouns
- Adjectives
- Gendered Nouns
- Word Order
- Plurals
- 0 to A1 Course
- Pronouns
- Questions