Understanding Gerunds and Verbal Nouns in Latvian for English Speakers

What Are Gerunds and Verbal Nouns in Latvian?

In Latvian, gerunds and verbal nouns are forms derived from verbs that function similarly to nouns. They allow speakers to express actions or states as concepts or things, which is essential for forming complex sentences and expressing ideas clearly.

Gerunds in Latvian: Formation and Usage

Unlike English, Latvian does not have a direct equivalent of the English gerund ending in -ing. Instead, Latvian uses verbal nouns and certain verb forms to express similar meanings.

Verbal Nouns (Īpašības vārdi no darbības vārda)

Verbal nouns in Latvian are formed by adding specific suffixes to the verb stem. These nouns represent the action or process of the verb as a thing or concept.

For example, the verb lasīt (to read) can form the verbal noun lasīšana (reading). This noun can be used in sentences like Lasīšana ir svarīga. (Reading is important).

Common Suffixes for Verbal Nouns

• -šana / -šana (e.g., rakstīšana - writing)
• -šana / -ēšana (e.g., dziedāšana - singing)
• -šana / -īšana (e.g., lasīšana - reading)

Using Verbal Nouns in Sentences

Verbal nouns behave like regular nouns in Latvian. They can be subjects, objects, or complements in sentences and decline according to Latvian noun declension rules.

Example sentence: Rakstīšana palīdz uzlabot valodu. (Writing helps improve the language.)

Expressing Gerund-Like Actions with Infinitives and Participles

To express actions similar to English gerunds, Latvian often uses the infinitive form or participles.

For example, the English sentence "I like reading" translates to Man patīk lasīt. where lasīt is the infinitive form meaning "to read."

Participles can also describe ongoing actions related to a noun, similar to English gerunds used adjectivally.

Summary: Key Differences Between English and Latvian Gerunds

• Latvian does not have a direct gerund form ending in -ing.
• Verbal nouns are used to express the action as a noun.
• Infinitives and participles often replace gerunds in sentences.
• Verbal nouns decline like regular nouns in Latvian.

Useful Latvian Gerunds and Verbal Nouns Examples