Declensions

[ReasnorV]

Latina Christiana-Book 1
I need just a little clarification on declensions. On lesson 5 it tells about the different cases. I'm having difficulty understanding the difference between accusative and ablative case since they both refer to prepositional objects. Could you give further explanation on this case and possible give a few samples.

I also have a questions regarding Lesson 8-"discipulus" and then in the back of the teacher's guide under conversational Latin the singular of Student is spelled discipuli. Which of these is correct for student?

[Maria]

ReasnorV,

The accusative case is used for both direct objects and prepositional objects; the ablative case is used for prepositional objects. Some prepositions take the accusative case, while others take the ablative case. Here are some examples.

Cum, which means with, takes the ablative case. Thus the English phrase with glory would be translated cum gloria.

Post, which means after, takes the accusative case. The English phrase after (the) victory would be translated post victoriam.

Since direct objects take the accusative case, the English phrase (The) girl carries water would be translated Puella aquam portat.


Discipulus is the nominative singular for student, whereas discipuli is the nominative plural. However, the singular form in Latin for student when you are addressing that student is discipule. This is called the vocative singular of discipulus, discipuli. The vocative plural of discipulus, discipuli is the same as the nominative plural--discipuli. (The vocative case is taught in Henle I.) Use "salve, discipule" if you addressing one student, but "salvete, discipuli" if you are addressing more than one.

Maria