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<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]] → Prepositions and their cases</div>


<div class="pg_page_title">Standard Latvian Grammar → Adverbs and prepositions → Prepositions and their cases</div>
Welcome to this exciting lesson on prepositions and their cases in Standard Latvian! Understanding how prepositions function within sentences is crucial for mastering the language, as they help us define relationships between words, indicate location, time, and much more. This lesson is designed for complete beginners and will guide you step-by-step through the essentials of using prepositions correctly in Latvian.
 
In this lesson, we will cover the following topics:


__TOC__
__TOC__


As a complete beginner in Latvian, prepositions can be quite intimidating. But don't worry, with some practice and guidance, you'll be able to master them in no time!
=== Introduction to Prepositions ===
 
Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence. They can denote various relationships, such as direction, location, time, and manner. In Latvian, prepositions are particularly interesting because they require specific grammatical cases for the nouns that follow them.
 
Why is this important? Well, in English, the preposition often remains the same irrespective of the noun's role in the sentence. However, in Latvian, the preposition can change the form of the noun based on its grammatical case. This means that mastering prepositions is essential for forming accurate and meaningful sentences.
 
=== Types of Prepositions and Their Cases ===
 
Latvian prepositions can be categorized based on the cases they govern. Let's explore some common prepositions along with the corresponding cases:
 
==== Prepositions with the Accusative Case ====
 
Certain prepositions in Latvian require the use of the accusative case. Here’s a brief overview:
 
* '''pa''' (along, through)


In this lesson, we'll focus on prepositions and their corresponding cases. Prepositions are words that indicate the relationship between two words or phrases in a sentence, and in Latvian, they require specific cases.
* '''uz''' (to, onto)


Let's start with some basic Latvian prepositions and their corresponding cases:
* '''ap''' (around)


Here are examples of how these prepositions are used:


<span link>Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/Negation|Negation]] & [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/Nouns-and-their-declensions|Nouns and their declensions]].</span>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Prepositions !! Case
 
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| Es eju '''pa''' ielu. || Es eju pa ielu. || I walk '''along''' the street.
 
|-
|-
| uz || Accusative
 
| Mēs dodamies '''uz''' Rīgu. || Mēs dodamies uz Rīgu. || We are going '''to''' Riga.
 
|-
 
| Viņš skrien '''ap''' māju. || Viņš skrien ap māju. || He runs '''around''' the house.
 
|}
 
==== Prepositions with the Genitive Case ====
 
Some prepositions require the genitive case. These include:
 
* '''bez''' (without)
 
* '''līdz''' (until, up to)
 
* '''pēc''' (after)
 
Examples in sentences:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| pie || Dative
 
| Mēs ejam '''bez''' tevis. || Mēs ejam bez tevis. || We go '''without''' you.
 
|-
|-
| no || Genitive/Dative
 
| Es strādāju '''līdz''' vakaram. || Es strādāju līdz vakaram. || I work '''until''' the evening.
 
|-
|-
| ar || Instrumental
 
| Viņš nāk '''pēc''' manis. || Viņš nāk pēc manis. || He comes '''after''' me.
 
|}
|}


It's important to note that some prepositions can take multiple cases, depending on the meaning of the sentence. Let's take a closer look at each of these prepositions and their corresponding cases.
==== Prepositions with the Dative Case ====
 
A few prepositions govern the dative case, such as:
 
* '''pret''' (against)
 
* '''līdz''' (to, as far as)
 
For example:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| Es runāju '''pret''' viņu. || Es runāju pret viņu. || I speak '''against''' him.
 
|-
 
| Mēs ejam '''līdz''' upes. || Mēs ejam līdz upei. || We walk '''to''' the river.
 
|}
 
==== Prepositions with the Locative Case ====
 
The locative case is used with prepositions that indicate location. Some are:
 
* '''par''' (about, for)
 
* '''uz''' (on, at)
 
Examples include:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Standard Latvian !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| Viņa stāsta '''par''' savu darbu. || Viņa stāsta par savu darbu. || She tells '''about''' her work.
 
|-
 
| Mēs esam '''uz''' dīvāna. || Mēs esam uz dīvāna. || We are '''on''' the couch.
 
|}
 
=== Using Prepositions in Sentences ===
 
When constructing sentences in Latvian, it’s essential to pair the correct preposition with the appropriate noun case. Let’s look at some examples that showcase how prepositions interact with nouns in various contexts:
 
1. '''Going to a Place'''
 
* '''Latvian''': Es dodos '''uz''' veikalu.
 
* '''Pronunciation''': Es dodos uz veikalu.
 
* '''English''': I am going '''to''' the store.
 
2. '''Describing Location'''
 
* '''Latvian''': Grāmata ir '''uz''' galda.
 
* '''Pronunciation''': Grāmata ir uz galda.
 
* '''English''': The book is '''on''' the table.
 
3. '''Talking About Time'''
 
* '''Latvian''': Mēs tiksimies '''pēc''' stundas.
 
* '''Pronunciation''': Mēs tiksimies pēc stundas.
 
* '''English''': We will meet '''after''' an hour.
 
4. '''Expressing Direction'''
 
* '''Latvian''': Viņš skrien '''pa''' parku.
 
* '''Pronunciation''': Viņš skrien pa parku.
 
* '''English''': He runs '''through''' the park.
 
5. '''Indicating Absence'''
 
* '''Latvian''': Mēs esam '''bez''' naudas.
 
* '''Pronunciation''': Mēs esam bez naudas.
 
* '''English''': We are '''without''' money.
 
=== Practice Exercises ===
 
Now that we’ve explored the theory behind prepositions and their cases, let’s put your knowledge to the test with some exercises!
 
==== Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks ====
 
Complete the sentences with the correct preposition and form the noun in the correct case.
 
1. Es eju ____ veikalu. (to)
 
2. Viņš ir ____ mājās. (at)
 
3. Mēs runājam ____ viņu. (about)
 
4. Grāmata ir ____ galda. (on)
 
5. Viņa nāk ____ mani. (after)
 
'''Answers:'''
 
1. uz veikalu
 
2. mājās
 
3. par viņu
 
4. uz galda
 
5. pēc manis
 
==== Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Preposition ====
 
Select the appropriate preposition from the options provided.
 
1. Mēs ejam ____ Rīgu. (a) uz (b) pie
 
2. Viņš strādā ____ mājās. (a) uz (b) mājās
 
3. Grāmata ir ____ galda. (a) uz (b) ar
 
4. Mēs esam ____ bezdarbnieki. (a) bez (b) ar
 
5. Viņa nāk ____ viņa. (a) pēc (b) par
 
'''Answers:'''
 
1. (a) uz


<b>Uz</b> - Accusative case<br>
2. (b) mājās
The preposition "uz" indicates movement towards an object, a specific point or location. It's equivalent to the English preposition "to" or "towards". It requires the accusative case, which is the case used for direct objects in a sentence.


Examples:
3. (a) uz
* Es braucu uz Rīgu. (I'm going to Riga.)
* Mēs ejam uz banku. (We're going to the bank.)


<b>Pie</b> - Dative case<br>
4. (a) bez
The preposition "pie" indicates proximity or location near an object or person. It's equivalent to the English preposition "by" or "near". It requires the dative case, which is the case used for indirect objects or objects of certain prepositions.


Examples:
5. (a) pēc
* Es dzīvoju pie vāveres. (I live by the squirrel.)
* Es gribu iet pie veikala. (I want to go near the store.)


<b>No</b> - Genitive/Dative case<br>
==== Exercise 3: Translate the Sentences ====
The preposition "no" indicates the starting point or origin of an object or action, or in some cases, the absence of something. It's equivalent to the English preposition "from" or "out of". When indicating the starting point, it requires the genitive case, which shows possession or origin. When indicating the absence of something, it requires the dative case, which is the case used for indirect objects or objects of certain prepositions.


Examples:
Translate the following sentences from English to Latvian, using the correct preposition and case.
* Es nācu no mājas. (I came from home.)
* Es esmu brīvs no darba. (I'm free from work.)


<b>Ar</b> - Instrumental case<br>
1. I walk through the park.
The preposition "ar" indicates accompaniment or the means by which something is done. It's equivalent to the English preposition "with" or "by". It requires the instrumental case, which is used to indicate the means by which something is done.


Examples:
2. We are without money.
* Es braucu ar velosipēdu. (I'm going by bicycle.)
* Es ēdu ar karoti. (I'm eating with a spoon.)


Now that we've covered some common prepositions and their cases, let's practice putting them into sentences!
3. He comes after me.


<b>Exercise:</b>
4. The book is on the table.
- Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition and case:
1. Es braucu _____ banku. (uz / pie)
2. Es nācu _____ darba. (no / ar)
3. Es dzīvoju _____ vecvecākiem. (pie / ar)
4. Es ēdu _____ karoti. (uz / ar)


<b>Answers:</b>
5. She tells about her family.
1. Es braucu pie bankas. (I'm going to the bank.)
2. Es nācu no darba. (I came from work.)
3. Es dzīvoju pie vecvecākiem. (I live with my grandparents.)
4. Es ēdu ar karoti. (I'm eating with a spoon.)


It's important to note that there are many more prepositions in Latvian than the ones we covered in this lesson. Some of them may take different cases depending on the meaning of the sentence. We'll cover more prepositions and cases in future lessons, so stay tuned!
'''Answers:'''


Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to prepositions and cases in Latvian. Keep practicing and using them in sentences, and you'll start to notice patterns and understand them more easily. Good luck!
1. Es eju '''pa''' parku.
 
2. Mēs esam '''bez''' naudas.
 
3. Viņš nāk '''pēc''' manis.
 
4. Grāmata ir '''uz''' galda.
 
5. Viņa stāsta '''par''' savu ģimeni.
 
==== Exercise 4: Matching Prepositions with Cases ====
 
Match the prepositions with their corresponding cases.
 
1. bez (a) Genitive
 
2. uz (b) Accusative
 
3. par (c) Locative
 
4. līdz (d) Dative
 
'''Answers:'''
 
1 - (a) Genitive
 
2 - (b) Accusative
 
3 - (c) Locative
 
4 - (d) Dative
 
==== Exercise 5: Sentence Construction ====
 
Construct sentences using the following phrases. Use the correct preposition and noun case.
 
1. (at home) – "Es esmu ____."
 
2. (to the store) – "Viņa dodas ____."
 
3. (about the movie) – "Mēs runājam ____."
 
4. (after dinner) – "Mēs tiksimies ____."
 
5. (without you) – "Es eju ____."
 
'''Answers:'''
 
1. Es esmu '''mājās'''.
 
2. Viņa dodas '''uz veikalu'''.
 
3. Mēs runājam '''par filmu'''.
 
4. Mēs tiksimies '''pēc vakariņām'''.
 
5. Es eju '''bez tevis'''.
 
=== Conclusion ===
 
Congratulations on completing this lesson on prepositions and their cases in Standard Latvian! You’ve learned how vital prepositions are in forming coherent and meaningful sentences, and how their use changes based on the grammatical case of the nouns that follow them.
 
As you continue your journey in learning Latvian, remember to practice using prepositions in various contexts. This will help you solidify your understanding and enhance your conversational skills.  
 
Keep up the great work, and happy learning!


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Standard Latvian Grammar: Adverbs and prepositions: Prepositions and their cases
 
|keywords=Latvian prepositions, prepositions in Latvian, Latvian cases, Latvian grammar, accusative case, dative case, genitive case, instrumental case
|title=Learn Prepositions and Their Cases in Standard Latvian
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to use prepositions and their corresponding cases in Latvian sentences. We will cover some basic Latvian prepositions and their corresponding cases, and practice putting them into sentences!
 
|keywords=Latvian grammar, prepositions, cases, language learning, Latvian for beginners
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to use prepositions and their corresponding cases in Latvian sentences, essential for mastering the language.
 
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==Other Lessons==
==Other Lessons==
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* [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have|How to Use Have]]
* [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have|How to Use Have]]
* [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/The-accusative-case-and-direct-objects|The accusative case and direct objects]]
* [[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/The-accusative-case-and-direct-objects|The accusative case and direct objects]]


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{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav"
 
|[[Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/Adverbs-of-time-and-location|◀️ Adverbs of time and location — Previous Lesson]]
|[[Language/Standard-latvian/Vocabulary/Free-time-activities-and-sports|Next Lesson — Free time activities and sports ▶️]]
|}
</span>

Latest revision as of 17:51, 1 August 2024

◀️ Adverbs of time and location — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Free time activities and sports ▶️

Latvian-Language-PolyglotClub.png
Standard LatvianGrammar0 to A1 Course → Prepositions and their cases

Welcome to this exciting lesson on prepositions and their cases in Standard Latvian! Understanding how prepositions function within sentences is crucial for mastering the language, as they help us define relationships between words, indicate location, time, and much more. This lesson is designed for complete beginners and will guide you step-by-step through the essentials of using prepositions correctly in Latvian.

In this lesson, we will cover the following topics:

Introduction to Prepositions[edit | edit source]

Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence. They can denote various relationships, such as direction, location, time, and manner. In Latvian, prepositions are particularly interesting because they require specific grammatical cases for the nouns that follow them.

Why is this important? Well, in English, the preposition often remains the same irrespective of the noun's role in the sentence. However, in Latvian, the preposition can change the form of the noun based on its grammatical case. This means that mastering prepositions is essential for forming accurate and meaningful sentences.

Types of Prepositions and Their Cases[edit | edit source]

Latvian prepositions can be categorized based on the cases they govern. Let's explore some common prepositions along with the corresponding cases:

Prepositions with the Accusative Case[edit | edit source]

Certain prepositions in Latvian require the use of the accusative case. Here’s a brief overview:

  • pa (along, through)
  • uz (to, onto)
  • ap (around)

Here are examples of how these prepositions are used:

Standard Latvian Pronunciation English
Es eju pa ielu. Es eju pa ielu. I walk along the street.
Mēs dodamies uz Rīgu. Mēs dodamies uz Rīgu. We are going to Riga.
Viņš skrien ap māju. Viņš skrien ap māju. He runs around the house.

Prepositions with the Genitive Case[edit | edit source]

Some prepositions require the genitive case. These include:

  • bez (without)
  • līdz (until, up to)
  • pēc (after)

Examples in sentences:

Standard Latvian Pronunciation English
Mēs ejam bez tevis. Mēs ejam bez tevis. We go without you.
Es strādāju līdz vakaram. Es strādāju līdz vakaram. I work until the evening.
Viņš nāk pēc manis. Viņš nāk pēc manis. He comes after me.

Prepositions with the Dative Case[edit | edit source]

A few prepositions govern the dative case, such as:

  • pret (against)
  • līdz (to, as far as)

For example:

Standard Latvian Pronunciation English
Es runāju pret viņu. Es runāju pret viņu. I speak against him.
Mēs ejam līdz upes. Mēs ejam līdz upei. We walk to the river.

Prepositions with the Locative Case[edit | edit source]

The locative case is used with prepositions that indicate location. Some are:

  • par (about, for)
  • uz (on, at)

Examples include:

Standard Latvian Pronunciation English
Viņa stāsta par savu darbu. Viņa stāsta par savu darbu. She tells about her work.
Mēs esam uz dīvāna. Mēs esam uz dīvāna. We are on the couch.

Using Prepositions in Sentences[edit | edit source]

When constructing sentences in Latvian, it’s essential to pair the correct preposition with the appropriate noun case. Let’s look at some examples that showcase how prepositions interact with nouns in various contexts:

1. Going to a Place

  • Latvian: Es dodos uz veikalu.
  • Pronunciation: Es dodos uz veikalu.
  • English: I am going to the store.

2. Describing Location

  • Latvian: Grāmata ir uz galda.
  • Pronunciation: Grāmata ir uz galda.
  • English: The book is on the table.

3. Talking About Time

  • Latvian: Mēs tiksimies pēc stundas.
  • Pronunciation: Mēs tiksimies pēc stundas.
  • English: We will meet after an hour.

4. Expressing Direction

  • Latvian: Viņš skrien pa parku.
  • Pronunciation: Viņš skrien pa parku.
  • English: He runs through the park.

5. Indicating Absence

  • Latvian: Mēs esam bez naudas.
  • Pronunciation: Mēs esam bez naudas.
  • English: We are without money.

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that we’ve explored the theory behind prepositions and their cases, let’s put your knowledge to the test with some exercises!

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition and form the noun in the correct case.

1. Es eju ____ veikalu. (to)

2. Viņš ir ____ mājās. (at)

3. Mēs runājam ____ viņu. (about)

4. Grāmata ir ____ galda. (on)

5. Viņa nāk ____ mani. (after)

Answers:

1. uz veikalu

2. mājās

3. par viņu

4. uz galda

5. pēc manis

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Preposition[edit | edit source]

Select the appropriate preposition from the options provided.

1. Mēs ejam ____ Rīgu. (a) uz (b) pie

2. Viņš strādā ____ mājās. (a) uz (b) mājās

3. Grāmata ir ____ galda. (a) uz (b) ar

4. Mēs esam ____ bezdarbnieki. (a) bez (b) ar

5. Viņa nāk ____ viņa. (a) pēc (b) par

Answers:

1. (a) uz

2. (b) mājās

3. (a) uz

4. (a) bez

5. (a) pēc

Exercise 3: Translate the Sentences[edit | edit source]

Translate the following sentences from English to Latvian, using the correct preposition and case.

1. I walk through the park.

2. We are without money.

3. He comes after me.

4. The book is on the table.

5. She tells about her family.

Answers:

1. Es eju pa parku.

2. Mēs esam bez naudas.

3. Viņš nāk pēc manis.

4. Grāmata ir uz galda.

5. Viņa stāsta par savu ģimeni.

Exercise 4: Matching Prepositions with Cases[edit | edit source]

Match the prepositions with their corresponding cases.

1. bez (a) Genitive

2. uz (b) Accusative

3. par (c) Locative

4. līdz (d) Dative

Answers:

1 - (a) Genitive

2 - (b) Accusative

3 - (c) Locative

4 - (d) Dative

Exercise 5: Sentence Construction[edit | edit source]

Construct sentences using the following phrases. Use the correct preposition and noun case.

1. (at home) – "Es esmu ____."

2. (to the store) – "Viņa dodas ____."

3. (about the movie) – "Mēs runājam ____."

4. (after dinner) – "Mēs tiksimies ____."

5. (without you) – "Es eju ____."

Answers:

1. Es esmu mājās.

2. Viņa dodas uz veikalu.

3. Mēs runājam par filmu.

4. Mēs tiksimies pēc vakariņām.

5. Es eju bez tevis.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations on completing this lesson on prepositions and their cases in Standard Latvian! You’ve learned how vital prepositions are in forming coherent and meaningful sentences, and how their use changes based on the grammatical case of the nouns that follow them.

As you continue your journey in learning Latvian, remember to practice using prepositions in various contexts. This will help you solidify your understanding and enhance your conversational skills.

Keep up the great work, and happy learning!

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]



◀️ Adverbs of time and location — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Free time activities and sports ▶️