Understanding the Accusative Case in Latvian: Direct Objects and Direction

What is the Accusative Case in Latvian?

In Latvian, the accusative case is primarily used to indicate the direct object of a sentence - the person or thing that is directly affected by the action of the verb. It is also used to express direction towards a place or goal. Understanding how to use the accusative case correctly is essential for forming clear and accurate sentences in Latvian.

Using the Accusative Case for Direct Objects

When a noun or pronoun is the direct object of a verb, it typically takes the accusative case. This means its ending changes according to Latvian declension rules. For example, the word grāmata (book) in the nominative case becomes grāmatu in the accusative case when it is the direct object.

Notice how grāmatu and suni are in the accusative case, marking them as the direct objects of the verbs lasu (read) and redz (sees).

Using the Accusative Case to Express Direction

The accusative case is also used to indicate movement towards a destination or direction. When expressing where someone or something is going, the noun denoting the place is put in the accusative case.

In these examples, pilsētu (city) and mežu (forest) are in the accusative case, showing the direction of movement.

Key Points to Remember About the Accusative Case in Latvian

• Marks the direct object of a verb.
• Indicates direction or movement towards a place.
• Noun endings change according to declension patterns.
• Used with prepositions like uz (to) when expressing direction.

Common Prepositions That Use the Accusative Case for Direction

• uz (to)
• pa (along, through)
• pret (against)