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{{Standard-latvian-Page-Top}}
{{Standard-latvian-Page-Top}}
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Standard-latvian|Standard Latvian]]  → [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → The genitive and possessive forms → The genitive case and possession</div>
__TOC__
== Introduction ==
Welcome to the lesson on the genitive case and possession in Standard Latvian! In this lesson, we will explore how to form and use the genitive case to indicate possession or the relationship between objects or concepts in Latvian sentences. This topic is essential for understanding the structure of Latvian sentences and expressing ownership or connection between different elements. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of the genitive case and possessive forms in Latvian.
== The genitive case ==
The genitive case is one of the seven cases in Latvian grammar. It is used to show possession, ownership, or the relationship between nouns in a sentence. In Latvian, the genitive case is formed by adding different endings to the noun, depending on its gender, number, and declension group. Let's explore the formation of the genitive case for each gender and declension group.
=== Masculine nouns ===
Masculine nouns in Latvian typically end in a consonant. To form the genitive case for masculine nouns, we usually add the suffix "-a" or "-as" to the end of the noun. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Let's look at some examples:
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| puika || [ˈpuɪka] || boy
|-
| puikas || [ˈpuɪkas] || boy's
|-
| suns || [suns] || dog
|-
| suns || [suns] || dog's
|-
| zirgs || [zirks] || horse
|-
| zirga || [zirɡa] || horse's
|}
As you can see from the examples, we add the "-a" or "-as" suffix to the end of the noun to form the genitive case. This indicates possession or ownership.
=== Feminine nouns ===
Feminine nouns in Latvian usually end in "-a" or "-e". To form the genitive case for feminine nouns, we replace the final "-a" or "-e" with "-as" or "-es". Let's see some examples:
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| māte || [ˈmaːte] || mother
|-
| mātes || [ˈmaːtes] || mother's
|-
| meita || [ˈmeɪta] || daughter
|-
| meitas || [ˈmeɪtas] || daughter's
|-
| sieva || [ˈsɪeva] || wife
|-
| sievas || [ˈsɪevas] || wife's
|}


<div class="pg_page_title">Standard Latvian Grammar → The genitive and possessive forms → The genitive case and possession</div>
In these examples, the final "-a" or "-e" of the noun is replaced with "-as" or "-es" to form the genitive case.


__TOC__
=== Neuter nouns ===
 
Neuter nouns in Latvian usually end in "-s", "-š", or "-u". To form the genitive case for neuter nouns, we replace the final "-s", "-š", or "-u" with "-a" or "-as". Let's look at some examples:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| suns || [suns] || dog
|-
| suns || [suns] || dog's
|-
| pilsēta || [ˈpilseːta] || city
|-
| pilsētas || [ˈpilseːtas] || city's
|-
| lauks || [lauks] || field
|-
| lauka || [ˈlauka] || field's
|}


As a Latvian language teacher with 20 years of experience, I am excited to teach you about the genitive case and possession in Latvian sentences. This lesson is part of the "Complete 0 to A1 Standard Latvian Course" for beginner students, and will help you master this important aspect of Latvian grammar.
In these examples, the final "-s", "-š", or "-u" of the noun is replaced with "-a" or "-as" to form the genitive case.


=== Plural nouns ===


<span link>Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/Questions|Questions]] & [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/Give-your-Opinion|Give your Opinion]].</span>
The genitive case for plural nouns in Latvian is formed by adding the suffix "-u" to the end of the noun. Let's see some examples:
== What is the genitive case? ==


The genitive case is a grammatical case used to indicate possession or a close relationship between objects or concepts in a sentence. In Latvian, the genitive case is formed by adding the suffix "-a" or "-as" to nouns, depending on their declension and gender. For example, "mašīna" (car) becomes "mašīnas" in the genitive.
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| puikas || [ˈpuɪkas] || boys
|-
| puiku || [ˈpuɪku] || boys'
|-
| meitas || [ˈmeɪtas] || daughters
|-
| meitu || [ˈmeɪtu] || daughters'
|-
| zirgi || [ˈzirɡi] || horses
|-
| zirgu || [ˈzirɡu] || horses'
|}


It's essential to understand the genitive in Latvian because it is commonly used in speech and writing for expressing possession, relationship, quantity, and time expression with nouns. This case helps people to clarify the scope, nature, or quality of things and activities that are being discussed.
In these examples, the "-u" suffix is added to the end of the noun to indicate possession or ownership in the genitive case.


== How to form the genitive case in Latvian==
== Possessive forms and characteristics ==


The genitive case in Latvian is formed through the following steps:
In addition to the genitive case, Latvian also has possessive forms that are used to express possession or ownership more explicitly. These possessive forms are formed by adding possessive pronouns to the noun. Let's explore the different possessive forms and their characteristics.


1. Identify the noun you want to put in the genitive case.
=== Personal possessive pronouns ===
2. Determine the gender and declension of the noun.
3. Add the appropriate genitive suffix "-a" or "-as".


For example, let's look at the following examples:
Personal possessive pronouns in Latvian indicate possession or ownership by referring to the possessor. They agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify. Here are the personal possessive pronouns in Latvian:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| māja  || /maːja/ || house
| mans || [mans] || my
|-
| tavs || [tavs] || your (singular informal)
|-
| viņa || [viɲa] || his/her
|-
|-
| meitene || /meɪten̪ɛ/ || girl
| mūsu || [muːsu] || our
|-
|-
| suns || /suns/ || dog
| jūsu || [juːsu] || your (plural/formal)
|-
|-
| zirgs || /zirks/ || horse
| viņu || [viɲu] || their
|}
|}


To form the genitive case of these nouns:
To use personal possessive pronouns, we simply add them before the noun they modify. For example:


- For "māja", add the suffix "-as": "mājas" (of the house).
* mans suns (my dog)
- For "meitene", add the suffix "-as": "meitenes" (of the girl).
* tava māte (your mother)
- For "suns", add the suffix "-a": "suna" (of the dog).
* viņas mašīna (her car)
- For "zirgs", add the suffix "-a": "zirga" (of the horse).
* mūsu mājas (our house)
* jūsu dēls (your son)
* viņu kaķi (their cats)


It's crucial to learn the gender of nouns in Latvian to apply the right genitive suffix. For masculine and feminine nouns, a suffix with an "s" is added at the end, while, for neuter nouns, the genitive form remains the same as the nominative.
=== Demonstrative possessive pronouns ===


It's also essential to memorize some exceptions to the genitive case in Latvian, which don't follow the standard "-a" or "-as" patterns. These forms include possessive pronouns, ordinal numerals, and adjectives that require a particular declension version.  
Demonstrative possessive pronouns in Latvian are used to indicate possession or ownership by pointing out the possessor. They also agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify. Here are the demonstrative possessive pronouns in Latvian:


== The use of the genitive case in Latvian ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| šis || [ʃɪs] || this
|-
| šī || [ʃiː] || this
|-
| šo || [ʃo] || this
|-
| tas || [tas] || that
|-
| tā || [taː] || that
|-
| to || [to] || that
|-
| šie || [ʃɪe] || these
|-
| šīs || [ʃiːs] || these
|-
| šos || [ʃos] || these
|-
| tie || [tɪe] || those
|-
| tās || [taːs] || those
|-
| tos || [tos] || those
|}


The genitive case is commonly used in Latvian to show possession, but it is also used to indicate relationships, quality, amounts, and measurement. Here are some examples:
Similar to personal possessive pronouns, we add demonstrative possessive pronouns before the noun they modify. For example:


<B>Possession:</B>
* šis suns (this dog)
* šī māte (this mother)
* šo mašīnu (this car)
* tas suns (that dog)
* tā māte (that mother)
* to auto (that car)
* šie suņi (these dogs)
* šīs mātes (these mothers)
* šos automobiļus (these cars)
* tie suņi (those dogs)
* tās mātes (those mothers)
* tos automobiļus (those cars)


- "Mana mātes dāvana" (My mother's gift): The genitive case "mātes" indicates possession in this sentence.
== Exercises ==


<B>Relationship:</B>
Now, let's practice what we've learned! Try to form the genitive case and use possessive forms in the following sentences. The solutions will be provided after each exercise for you to check your answers.


- "Kristapa tēvs" (Kristaps' father): The genitive "tēva" implies a paternal relationship.
=== Exercise 1 ===


<B>Quality:</B>
Form the genitive case for the following nouns:


- "Tīrās ūdens pudeles" (Clean water bottles): The genitive "ūdens" shows the quality of the water in the bottles.
1. zēns (boy)
2. pilsēta (city)
3. māte (mother)
4. suns (dog)
5. auto (car)


<B>Amounts and measurement:</B>
=== Solution 1 ===


- "Pusotra kilogramma kafijas pupu" (One and a half kilograms of coffee beans): The genitive "kafijas" indicates the type of beans being measured.
1. zēna
2. pilsētas
3. mātes
4. suns
5. auto


It's important to note that, as in English, the word order in Latvian sentences is flexible. In sentences where the genitive is used to show possession, the possessed object precedes the possessor. For example: "Dzīvokļa atslēgas" (The apartment keys), where "dzīvokļa" (apartment) is in the genitive case.
=== Exercise 2 ===


== Additional resources ==
Use the appropriate possessive form for the following nouns:


To practice and improve your understanding of the genitive case and possession in Latvian grammar, I recommend using the following resources:
1. ___ suns (my)
2. ___ māte (her)
3. ___ mašīna (their)
4. ___ mājas (our)
5. ___ dēls (your, plural/formal)


- <a href="https://www.duolingo.com/course/lv/en/Learn-Latvian-Online">Duolingo Latvian Course</a>
=== Solution 2 ===
- <a href="https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Latvian/Introduction_to_Latvian/Nouns_and_Pronouns/Genitive_case_and_possession">Latvian Wikibook: Genitive case and possession</a>


Keep in mind that learning the genitive case in Latvian is a gradual process, and it takes time and practice. But, with consistency and dedication, you can master this vital aspect of the Latvian language.
1. Mans suns
2. Viņas māte
3. Viņu mašīna
4. Mūsu mājas
5. Jūsu dēls
 
== Conclusion ==
 
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to form and use the genitive case to indicate possession or the relationship between objects or concepts in Latvian sentences. You have also explored the different possessive forms and their characteristics. Keep practicing and applying what you've learned, and soon you'll be able to express ownership and connection with ease. Well done!


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|title=Standard Latvian Grammar → The genitive and possessive forms → The genitive case and possession
|keywords=Latvian language, Latvian grammar, genitive case, possession, Latvian culture, Latvian traditions, Latvian sentences
|keywords=Standard Latvian, Latvian grammar, genitive case, possessive forms, possession, Latvian sentences
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to form and use the genitive case to indicate possession or relation between objects or concepts in Latvian sentences. Master this essential aspect of the Latvian language today!
|description=Learn how to form and use the genitive case to indicate possession or relation between objects or concepts in Latvian sentences.
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==Other Lessons==
==Other Lessons==
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* [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/Future-Tense|Future Tense]]
* [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/Future-Tense|Future Tense]]
* [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/Negation|Negation]]
* [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/Negation|Negation]]


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Latest revision as of 01:36, 21 June 2023

◀️ Latvian music and dance traditions — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — The possessive forms and characteristics ▶️

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Standard Latvian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → The genitive and possessive forms → The genitive case and possession

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Welcome to the lesson on the genitive case and possession in Standard Latvian! In this lesson, we will explore how to form and use the genitive case to indicate possession or the relationship between objects or concepts in Latvian sentences. This topic is essential for understanding the structure of Latvian sentences and expressing ownership or connection between different elements. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of the genitive case and possessive forms in Latvian.

The genitive case[edit | edit source]

The genitive case is one of the seven cases in Latvian grammar. It is used to show possession, ownership, or the relationship between nouns in a sentence. In Latvian, the genitive case is formed by adding different endings to the noun, depending on its gender, number, and declension group. Let's explore the formation of the genitive case for each gender and declension group.

Masculine nouns[edit | edit source]

Masculine nouns in Latvian typically end in a consonant. To form the genitive case for masculine nouns, we usually add the suffix "-a" or "-as" to the end of the noun. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Let's look at some examples:

Standard Latvian Pronunciation English
puika [ˈpuɪka] boy
puikas [ˈpuɪkas] boy's
suns [suns] dog
suns [suns] dog's
zirgs [zirks] horse
zirga [zirɡa] horse's

As you can see from the examples, we add the "-a" or "-as" suffix to the end of the noun to form the genitive case. This indicates possession or ownership.

Feminine nouns[edit | edit source]

Feminine nouns in Latvian usually end in "-a" or "-e". To form the genitive case for feminine nouns, we replace the final "-a" or "-e" with "-as" or "-es". Let's see some examples:

Standard Latvian Pronunciation English
māte [ˈmaːte] mother
mātes [ˈmaːtes] mother's
meita [ˈmeɪta] daughter
meitas [ˈmeɪtas] daughter's
sieva [ˈsɪeva] wife
sievas [ˈsɪevas] wife's

In these examples, the final "-a" or "-e" of the noun is replaced with "-as" or "-es" to form the genitive case.

Neuter nouns[edit | edit source]

Neuter nouns in Latvian usually end in "-s", "-š", or "-u". To form the genitive case for neuter nouns, we replace the final "-s", "-š", or "-u" with "-a" or "-as". Let's look at some examples:

Standard Latvian Pronunciation English
suns [suns] dog
suns [suns] dog's
pilsēta [ˈpilseːta] city
pilsētas [ˈpilseːtas] city's
lauks [lauks] field
lauka [ˈlauka] field's

In these examples, the final "-s", "-š", or "-u" of the noun is replaced with "-a" or "-as" to form the genitive case.

Plural nouns[edit | edit source]

The genitive case for plural nouns in Latvian is formed by adding the suffix "-u" to the end of the noun. Let's see some examples:

Standard Latvian Pronunciation English
puikas [ˈpuɪkas] boys
puiku [ˈpuɪku] boys'
meitas [ˈmeɪtas] daughters
meitu [ˈmeɪtu] daughters'
zirgi [ˈzirɡi] horses
zirgu [ˈzirɡu] horses'

In these examples, the "-u" suffix is added to the end of the noun to indicate possession or ownership in the genitive case.

Possessive forms and characteristics[edit | edit source]

In addition to the genitive case, Latvian also has possessive forms that are used to express possession or ownership more explicitly. These possessive forms are formed by adding possessive pronouns to the noun. Let's explore the different possessive forms and their characteristics.

Personal possessive pronouns[edit | edit source]

Personal possessive pronouns in Latvian indicate possession or ownership by referring to the possessor. They agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify. Here are the personal possessive pronouns in Latvian:

Standard Latvian Pronunciation English
mans [mans] my
tavs [tavs] your (singular informal)
viņa [viɲa] his/her
mūsu [muːsu] our
jūsu [juːsu] your (plural/formal)
viņu [viɲu] their

To use personal possessive pronouns, we simply add them before the noun they modify. For example:

  • mans suns (my dog)
  • tava māte (your mother)
  • viņas mašīna (her car)
  • mūsu mājas (our house)
  • jūsu dēls (your son)
  • viņu kaķi (their cats)

Demonstrative possessive pronouns[edit | edit source]

Demonstrative possessive pronouns in Latvian are used to indicate possession or ownership by pointing out the possessor. They also agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify. Here are the demonstrative possessive pronouns in Latvian:

Standard Latvian Pronunciation English
šis [ʃɪs] this
šī [ʃiː] this
šo [ʃo] this
tas [tas] that
tā [taː] that
to [to] that
šie [ʃɪe] these
šīs [ʃiːs] these
šos [ʃos] these
tie [tɪe] those
tās [taːs] those
tos [tos] those

Similar to personal possessive pronouns, we add demonstrative possessive pronouns before the noun they modify. For example:

  • šis suns (this dog)
  • šī māte (this mother)
  • šo mašīnu (this car)
  • tas suns (that dog)
  • tā māte (that mother)
  • to auto (that car)
  • šie suņi (these dogs)
  • šīs mātes (these mothers)
  • šos automobiļus (these cars)
  • tie suņi (those dogs)
  • tās mātes (those mothers)
  • tos automobiļus (those cars)

Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now, let's practice what we've learned! Try to form the genitive case and use possessive forms in the following sentences. The solutions will be provided after each exercise for you to check your answers.

Exercise 1[edit | edit source]

Form the genitive case for the following nouns:

1. zēns (boy) 2. pilsēta (city) 3. māte (mother) 4. suns (dog) 5. auto (car)

Solution 1[edit | edit source]

1. zēna 2. pilsētas 3. mātes 4. suns 5. auto

Exercise 2[edit | edit source]

Use the appropriate possessive form for the following nouns:

1. ___ suns (my) 2. ___ māte (her) 3. ___ mašīna (their) 4. ___ mājas (our) 5. ___ dēls (your, plural/formal)

Solution 2[edit | edit source]

1. Mans suns 2. Viņas māte 3. Viņu mašīna 4. Mūsu mājas 5. Jūsu dēls

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to form and use the genitive case to indicate possession or the relationship between objects or concepts in Latvian sentences. You have also explored the different possessive forms and their characteristics. Keep practicing and applying what you've learned, and soon you'll be able to express ownership and connection with ease. Well done!

Table of Contents - Standard Latvian Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Introduction to Latvian grammar


Daily life and routines


Latvian traditions and customs


Verbs and tenses


Going shopping and using public transport


Latvian geography and landmarks


Adverbs and prepositions


Leisure activities and hobbies


Latvian arts and museums


The accusative case and indirect objects


Education and employment


Latvian history and politics


Conditional and subjunctive mood


Travel and tourism


Latvian culture and identity


The genitive and possessive forms


Health and wellness


Latvian sports and outdoor activities



Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



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