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 or express ongoing actions. Understanding these forms is essential for English speakers learning Latvian because they differ from English gerunds in structure and usage.

Gerunds in Latvian: Formation and Usage

Unlike English, Latvian does not have a direct gerund form ending in -ing. Instead, Latvian uses the verbal noun ("īpašības vārds darbības vārdā") and other verb forms to express similar meanings.

The Verbal Noun (Darbības vārda lietvārds)

The verbal noun in Latvian is a noun derived from a verb that denotes the action or process of the verb. It often ends with -šana or -šana suffixes, depending on the verb conjugation.

For example:

These verbal nouns can be used as subjects or objects in sentences, much like English gerunds.

Examples of Verbal Nouns in Sentences

Lasīšana ir svarīga prasme. (Reading is an important skill.)

Viņam patīk rakstīšana. (He likes writing.)

Expressing Continuous Actions: Latvian Present Participle and Other Forms

To express ongoing actions similar to English gerunds, Latvian often uses the present active participle or other verb forms rather than a gerund.

For example, the present active participle can be formed by adding -ošs or -ejošs to the verb stem.

These forms are used adjectivally or adverbially, describing a noun or action in progress.

Example Sentences with Present Participles

Lasošs cilvēks ir laimīgs. (A person who is reading is happy.)

Viņš ir rakstošs students. (He is a writing student.)

Key Differences Between Latvian and English Gerunds

It's important to note that Latvian does not have a direct equivalent to the English gerund form ending in -ing. Instead, Latvian uses verbal nouns and participles to express similar ideas, but their grammatical roles and forms differ.

English gerunds function as nouns, while Latvian verbal nouns are true nouns derived from verbs, and participles function as adjectives or adverbs.

Summary and Tips for English Learners

- Use verbal nouns ending in -šana to talk about actions as things or concepts.
- Use present participles to describe ongoing actions adjectivally.
- Remember that Latvian gerunds are not formed like English gerunds.
- Practice with common verbs to get familiar with verbal noun forms.