1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Ancient / Classical History

Latin Nouns of the First Declension - Endings

The Cases and Endings of 1st Declension Latin Nouns

By , About.com Guide

The ending on first declension nouns is characterized by an "a." With many Latin adjectives, there are three forms, e.g., unus, una, unum (one). The one with the nominative in "a" -- una -- is feminine, as are most of the nouns in the first declension. However, there are also common first declension nouns that are masculine.

The endings of the first declension are
singular
nominative -a
genitive -ae
dative -ae
accusative -am
ablative -a

plural
nominative -ae
genitive -arum
dative -is
accusative -as
ablative -is

The vocative is the same as the nominative.
The locative singular ends in -ae.
The ablative singular a-ending has a macron or long mark on it when the font permits. The dative and ablative singular (which are the same) also have a long mark on the vowel. The dative, ablative, and locative plural are the same. The "a" in the genitive and accusative plural also has a long mark.

Example porta, -ae, f. gate

singular
  • nom. - porta
  • gen. - portae
  • dat. - portae
  • acc. - portam
  • abl. -porta

    plural
  • nom. - portae
  • gen. -portarum
  • dat. - portis
  • acc. - portas
  • abl. - portis

  • Explore Ancient / Classical History

    About.com Special Features

    A Smarter Future

    Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

    How to Ace the GRE

    Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

    1. Home
    2. Education
    3. Ancient / Classical History
    4. Latin / Ancient Writing
    5. Latin Language
    6. Latin - Learn Latin
    7. Latin Grammar
    8. Case Usage
    9. Noun Endings
    10. Latin Nouns of the First Declension - Endings>

    ©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

    All rights reserved.