Language/Lithuanian/Grammar/Prepositions
As a Lithuanian language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I know that prepositions can be a tricky topic for beginners. However, once you master them, you will be able to express yourself more accurately and confidently in Lithuanian. In this lesson, we will cover the essential Lithuanian prepositions and how to use them correctly in conversation.
What are prepositions?
Firstly, let's define what prepositions are. Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence. They usually indicate direction, location, time, or manner.
In Lithuanian, prepositions are usually followed by a noun or a pronoun in one of the six cases: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative, Instrumental or Locative. Understanding which case to use is essential for using prepositions correctly in Lithuanian.
Essential Lithuanian Prepositions
Below are some of the essential Lithuanian prepositions:
| Lithuanian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| prie | /prʲɛ/ | near, by |
| ant | /ant/ | on |
| su | /su/ | with |
| nuo | /noj/ | from, since |
| į | /iː/ | to |
| per | /pɛr/ | through, during |
| iš | /ɪʃ/ | from |
| už | /uʒ/ | behind, for, after |
| be | /bɛ/ | without |
Note that the above list is not exhaustive, but covers some of the most commonly used prepositions in Lithuanian.
How to Use Prepositions in Lithuanian
Using prepositions correctly in Lithuanian requires understanding which case to use with each preposition. The following table shows which cases are used with each of the essential prepositions:
| Preposition | Case Used |
|---|---|
| prie | Genitive |
| ant | Genitive, Accusative, Locative |
| su | Instrumental |
| nuo | Genitive |
| į | Accusative, Locative |
| per | Accusative, Locative |
| iš | Genitive |
| už | Genitive, Accusative |
| be | Genitive |
It is important to learn which case to use with each preposition, as using the wrong case can completely change the meaning of the sentence or make it sound unnatural.
For example, let's take the preposition "ant" which can be followed by a noun in Genitive, Accusative, or Locative case.
- When "ant" is followed by a noun in Genitive case, it usually indicates that something is located near or against the noun. Example: "Ant stalų yra daug knygų" (There are many books on the tables)
- When "ant" is followed by a noun in Accusative case, it usually indicates movement towards the noun. Example: "Aš dėjau knygą ant stalų" (I put the book on the table).
- When "ant" is followed by a noun in Locative case, it usually indicates that something is happening on or at the noun. Example: "Aš sėdžiu ant stalų" (I'm sitting on the table).
Note that the pronunciation of some prepositions might change depending on the word that follows them. For example, "į" is pronounced as "i" when followed by a word starting with a vowel.
Practice Using Prepositions
Practice is essential for mastering Lithuanian prepositions. Here are some exercises you can do to improve your skills:
- Look up the case used with each of the essential prepositions and practice forming sentences using them.
- Find a Lithuanian text and underline all of the prepositions. Then, write down the case used with each one and try to understand why that case was used.
- Practice speaking with a language partner and try to use the correct prepositions in your conversations.
By following these tips, you will soon become more confident in using prepositions correctly in Lithuanian.