Latin stream/Second Declension
Latin nouns are divided into five declensions, plus irregulars. Most second declension nouns are of the masculine gender. The second declension endings are as follows in the singular: Our example word will be: vir, viri, m. Man.
Case | Example | Ending |
Nominative | Vir | -r or -us |
Genitive | Viri | -i |
Dative | Viro | -o |
Accusative | Virum | -um |
Ablative | Viro | -o |
Here is the plural:
Case | Example | Ending |
Nominative | Viri | -i |
Genitive | Virorum | -orum |
Dative | Viris | -is |
Accusative | Viros | -os |
Ablative | Viris | -is |
Common second declension masculine nouns:
Ager, agri, m. field
Gladius, gladii, m. sword
Oculus, oculi, m. eye
Puer, pueri, m. boy
Servus, servi, m. slave
Now, second declension also accommodates neuter nouns, but the endings are slightly different. Neuter nouns are as the declension given above, with the following exceptions (using Pilum, -i, n. javelin, as an example word):
Case | Example | Ending |
Nominative (sing.) | Pilum | -um |
Nominative (plural) | Pila | -a |
Accusative (plural) | Pila | -a |
Common second declension neuter nouns:
Bellum, belli, n. war
Periculum, periculi, n. danger
Regnum, regni, n. kindgom
saxum, saxi, n. rock
Note that the nominative and accusative forms are the same in both the singular and the plural.