Language/Standard-latvian/Grammar/Adjectives-and-their-agreement-with-nouns

Standard Latvian Grammar → Adjectives and Their Agreement with Nouns

Introduction

In Latvian, adjectives are used to describe or modify nouns. They provide additional information about the characteristics or qualities of the noun they modify. One of the key features of Latvian adjectives is that they must agree with the nouns they modify in terms of gender, number, and case. In this lesson, we will explore the formation and usage of adjectives in Standard Latvian, as well as the rules for their agreement with nouns.

Formation of Adjectives

Adjectives in Latvian typically have a characteristic ending that depends on their gender and number. The most common endings for adjectives in the nominative case are:

• Masculine singular: -s (e.g., liels - big)
• Feminine singular: -a (e.g., liela - big)
• Masculine plural: -i (e.g., lieli - big)
• Feminine plural: -as (e.g., lielas - big)

Adjectives can also be declined in other cases, and their endings will change accordingly.

Agreement of Adjectives with Nouns

In Latvian, adjectives must agree with the nouns they modify in gender, number, and case. This means that the ending of the adjective must match the ending of the noun in terms of these grammatical features. Here are some examples of adjective-noun agreement:

• Liels suns (big dog) - masculine singular, nominative
• Liela māja (big house) - feminine singular, nominative
• Lieli zēni (big boys) - masculine plural, nominative
• Lielas meitenes (big girls) - feminine plural, nominative

When an adjective modifies a noun in a different case, both the adjective and the noun must be declined to match that case:

• Ar lielu suni (with a big dog) - masculine singular, instrumental
• Bez lielām mājām (without big houses) - feminine plural, instrumental

Usage of Adjectives

Adjectives are used to provide descriptive information about nouns. They can be used attributively (directly before the noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb, such as "to be"). Here are some examples:

• Attributive: Viņam ir liels dārzs. (He has a big garden.)
• Predicative: Dārzs ir liels. (The garden is big.)

Conclusion

Adjectives are an important part of Latvian grammar, as they provide descriptive information about nouns. The key feature of Latvian adjectives is their agreement with nouns in gender, number, and case. By understanding the formation and usage of adjectives, as well as the rules for their agreement with nouns, learners can enhance their ability to express detailed and descriptive information in Latvian.

Table of Contents - Standard Latvian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Latvian grammar

• Nouns and their declensions
• The verb "to be" and basic sentence structure
• Adjectives and their agreement with nouns

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Daily life and routines

• Greetings and introductions
• Numbers and time
• Family and relationships

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Latvian traditions and customs

• Latvian holidays and celebrations
• Latvian cuisine
• Latvian folklore and crafts

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Verbs and tenses

• Latvian verb conjugation in the present tense
• The past tense and other verb forms

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Going shopping and using public transport

• Buying groceries and household items
• Using public transport

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Latvian geography and landmarks

• Latvian cities and regions
• Latvian nature and national parks

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Adverbs and prepositions

• Adverbs of time and location
• Prepositions and their cases

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Leisure activities and hobbies

• Free time activities and sports
• Music, films and books

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Latvian arts and museums

• Latvian art and architecture
• Latvian museums and exhibitions

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The accusative case and indirect objects

• The accusative case and direct objects
• Indirect objects and the dative case

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Education and employment

• School subjects and degrees
• Jobs and professions

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Latvian history and politics

• Major historical events and figures
• Modern politics and society

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Conditional and subjunctive mood

• The conditional mood and hypothetical situations
• The subjunctive mood and wishes

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Travel and tourism

• Means of transport and directions
• Accommodation and booking

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Latvian culture and identity

• Latvian language and literature
• Latvian music and dance traditions

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The genitive and possessive forms

• The genitive case and possession
• The possessive forms and characteristics

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Health and wellness

• Body parts and basic health issues
• Healthy living and habits

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Latvian sports and outdoor activities

• Popular sports and events
• Nature and outdoor recreation

Other lessons

• The subjunctive mood and wishes
• The past tense and other verb forms
• The accusative case and direct objects
• The verb "to be" and basic sentence structure
• How to Use Have
• Nouns
• Gender
• Pronouns
• Give your Opinion
• Negation
• The verb to be and basic sentence structure
• Prepositions and their cases
• Future Tense
• The conditional mood and hypothetical situations
• The genitive case and possession