3.1 First conjugation
4 min read•august 21, 2024
First conjugation verbs form the backbone of Latin grammar. These -āre verbs make up about half of all Latin verbs, making them essential for basic communication and text comprehension. Their consistent -a- stem provides a model for understanding other conjugations.
Learning first conjugation verbs involves mastering endings, imperative forms, and infinitives. Common examples include (love), (praise), and (carry). Understanding these verbs' formation and usage is crucial for navigating Latin texts and everyday expressions.
Overview of first conjugation
- First conjugation forms the foundation of Latin verb systems, characterized by the -āre ending in the infinitive
- Encompasses a large number of Latin verbs, making it crucial for basic communication and text comprehension
- Serves as a model for understanding other conjugations and their variations in Latin grammar
Characteristics of first conjugation
Stem ending in -a
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- Verbs have a stem that ends in a long -ā (amā-)
- Maintains the -a- throughout most conjugated forms, providing consistency in recognition
- Distinguishes first conjugation verbs from other conjugation groups (laudāre, portāre, vocāre)
Present tense endings
- attach directly to the -a- stem in most forms
- Active endings: -o, -as, -at, -amus, -atis, -ant
- Passive endings: -or, -aris, -atur, -amur, -amini, -antur
- First person singular active uniquely drops the -a- (amo instead of amao)
Formation of present tense
Present active indicative
- Formed by adding personal endings to the verb stem
- First person singular drops the -a- (amo)
- Other persons retain the -a- (amas, , , , )
- Used to express actions occurring in the present time or habitual actions
Present passive indicative
- Utilizes passive endings added to the -a- stem
- Retains the -a- in all persons (, , , , , )
- Expresses actions being done to the subject in the present time
- Often translated with "is/are being" + past participle in English
Imperative mood
Active imperative forms
- Singular: stem + -a (!)
- Plural: stem + -ate (!)
- Used for giving commands or making requests
- Lacks a first person form due to its nature as a command
Passive imperative forms
- Singular: stem + -are (amare!)
- Plural: stem + -amini (amamini!)
- Less common than active imperatives
- Expresses commands for actions to be done to someone or something
Infinitive forms
Present active infinitive
- Formed by adding -re to the stem (amare)
- Serves as the dictionary form of the verb
- Used in indirect statements and as a verbal noun
- Often translated as "to" + verb in English (to love)
Present passive infinitive
- Created by adding -ri to the stem ()
- Expresses the idea of being acted upon in a general sense
- Used in passive periphrastic constructions
- Translated as "to be" + past participle in English (to be loved)
Common first conjugation verbs
Frequently used examples
- Amo (love), laudo (praise), porto (carry), (call)
- (prepare), (give), (stand), (fight)
- (think), (hope), (wander), (work)
Irregular first conjugation verbs
- Do, dare (give) - short -a- in stem, irregular perfect forms
- Sto, stare (stand) - irregular perfect forms (steti)
- Iuvo, iuvare (help) - irregular perfect (iuvi) and supine (iutum)
Conjugation patterns
Full paradigm of amo
- Present active: amo, amas, amat, amamus, amatis, amant
- Present passive: amor, amaris, amatur, amamur, amamini, amantur
- Imperative active: ama, amate
- Imperative passive: amare, amamini
- Infinitives: amare (active), amari (passive)
Comparison with other conjugations
- First conjugation maintains -a- theme vowel, unlike others
- More regular than other conjugations, with fewer stem changes
- Serves as a template for understanding variations in other conjugations
- Contrasts with -ēre (2nd), -ere (3rd), and -īre (4th) conjugation infinitives
Usage in Latin texts
Examples from classical literature
- "Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres" (Caesar, De Bello Gallico) - uses first conjugation verb "divisa est"
- "Odi et amo" (Catullus 85) - employs first conjugation verb "amo"
- "Alea iacta est" (Julius Caesar) - features first conjugation passive "iacta est"
Frequency in everyday Latin
- Comprises about 50% of all Latin verbs, making it the most common conjugation
- Prevalent in inscriptions, graffiti, and everyday communications
- Often used for common actions and states (walk, talk, work, live)
Pronunciation and stress
Vowel length in first conjugation
- Long -ā- in the stem remains long in most forms
- Shortens in some positions, such as before -nt (amant)
- Affects the rhythm and meter in Latin poetry and prose
Accent rules for conjugated forms
- Stress falls on the penultimate syllable if it is long (amāmus)
- Accent shifts to the antepenultimate if the penultimate is short (áma)
- Imperative singular forms are always stressed on the first syllable (áma)
Translation strategies
Identifying first conjugation verbs
- Look for -are infinitive endings in dictionary entries
- Recognize the -a- theme vowel in conjugated forms
- Pay attention to personal endings to determine person and number
Rendering tenses in English
- Present tense can be translated as simple present or present progressive
- Consider context for habitual actions vs. actions in progress
- Use helping verbs for passive forms (is/are being + past participle)
Practice exercises
Conjugation drills
- Write out full paradigms of common verbs (laudo, paro, pugno)
- Fill in the blanks with correct verb forms in sentences
- Transform active sentences to passive and vice versa
Translation practice
- Translate short Latin phrases containing first conjugation verbs
- Render English sentences into Latin using appropriate verb forms
- Analyze and translate excerpts from classical texts featuring first conjugation verbs
Key Terms to Review (32)
Active Voice: Active voice is a grammatical structure where the subject of the sentence performs the action of the verb, creating a direct and clear statement. In this construction, the focus is on who is doing the action rather than on the action being done to the subject. Understanding active voice is crucial for constructing sentences in different conjugations and with various common verbs, as it influences how meaning is conveyed in Latin.
Ama: Ama is the first person singular present active indicative form of the verb 'amare,' which means 'to love' in Latin. This term illustrates a fundamental aspect of the first conjugation, where verbs typically end in '-are.' Understanding 'ama' helps to grasp how Latin verbs are structured and conjugated, particularly in the context of expressing present actions or states.
Amamini: Amamini is the second-person plural present indicative active form of the verb 'amare,' which means 'to love' in Latin. This term indicates an action performed by 'you all' or 'y'all' and is part of the first conjugation, characterized by its thematic vowel '-a.' Understanding this term helps grasp how verbs in this conjugation change based on subject pronouns and tense.
Amamur: Amamur is the first-person plural present passive indicative form of the verb 'amo,' which means 'to love' in Latin. This term indicates that the subject is being loved by someone else, showcasing the passive voice and present tense. It illustrates how actions can be received rather than performed, which is a key feature in understanding Latin verb conjugations.
Amamus: Amamus is the first-person plural form of the verb 'amo,' which means 'to love' in Latin. It translates to 'we love' and is a prime example of a verb in the first conjugation, which is characterized by the '-are' ending in the present active indicative form. Understanding this term is crucial for grasping how verbs function within sentences and how they are conjugated in Latin.
Amant: Amant is the third person plural present active indicative form of the verb 'amo', which means 'to love' in Latin. This term specifically translates to 'they love' in English and illustrates a fundamental concept of the first conjugation, highlighting how verbs are modified based on person, number, and tense. Understanding 'amant' helps to grasp the broader patterns of verb conjugation in the first conjugation category, which includes verbs that typically end in '-are'.
Amantur: Amantur is the third person plural present passive indicative form of the verb 'amare', which means 'to love' in Latin. This term is essential for understanding how verbs are conjugated in the first conjugation, particularly in passive voice, where the subject receives the action rather than performing it. Recognizing 'amantur' helps to grasp the nuances of Latin sentence structures, allowing one to see how actions can be described from different perspectives.
Amari: Amari is the present passive infinitive form of the verb 'amo,' which means 'to love' in Latin. It belongs to the first conjugation of Latin verbs, characterized by a specific pattern in their endings. This term is significant because it illustrates the concept of passive voice in Latin, allowing the subject to receive the action of the verb rather than performing it.
Amaris: Amaris is the second person singular passive present indicative form of the verb 'amo,' which means 'to love.' In Latin, this form indicates that the subject is being loved, highlighting the action performed upon the subject rather than by it. This distinction is crucial in understanding the passive voice in Latin, particularly within the first conjugation, where verbs typically end in '-are.'
Amat: Amat is the third person singular present indicative form of the Latin verb 'amare,' which means 'to love.' This term is a prime example of the first conjugation, which encompasses verbs that typically have an infinitive ending in '-are.' Understanding 'amat' allows for deeper insights into verb conjugation patterns, subject-verb agreement, and its usage in different contexts within Latin sentences.
Amate: Amate is the second person singular present active imperative form of the verb 'amare,' which means 'to love.' In Latin, the imperative mood is used to give commands or requests, making 'amate' a direct way of telling someone to 'love' or 'you love.' This form is a key example of the first conjugation, characterized by its -are endings, showcasing how verbs change their endings based on tense and mood.
Amatis: Amatis is the second person plural form of the verb 'amare', meaning 'to love', in the present indicative active tense. It indicates that a group of people (you all) is performing the action of loving in a current and ongoing manner. Understanding this term is crucial because it highlights how verbs are conjugated to convey different subjects and tenses in Latin.
Amatur: Amatur is the third person singular present passive indicative form of the verb 'amare,' which means 'to love' in Latin. This term is crucial for understanding how verbs are conjugated in the first conjugation, especially when forming passive voice sentences where the subject receives the action rather than performing it. Recognizing 'amatur' helps build foundational skills in translating and interpreting Latin texts accurately.
Amo: The verb 'amo' means 'I love' in Latin and serves as a fundamental example of the first conjugation of verbs. It showcases how Latin verbs are structured, specifically focusing on the present tense, first-person singular form. Understanding 'amo' is essential for grasping the conjugation patterns, recognizing direct objects that receive the action of the verb, and appreciating how personal pronouns interact with verbs in sentences.
Amor: Amor is a Latin noun meaning 'love,' and it often embodies both romantic and platonic affection in various contexts. This term is derived from the first conjugation, where its forms can be used in different grammatical cases to convey nuanced meanings. Additionally, amor serves as a base for many words and concepts in modern languages, particularly through common Latin suffixes that expand its meanings in contemporary use.
Cogito: Cogito, originating from the Latin phrase 'Cogito, ergo sum,' translates to 'I think, therefore I am.' It serves as a fundamental element of philosophical reasoning that emphasizes self-awareness and the act of thinking as proof of existence. This term reflects not only the power of thought but also the importance of conscious awareness in understanding one's own existence.
Do: In Latin, 'do' is a verb that means 'to give' and belongs to the first conjugation, characterized by its -are ending in the present infinitive form. This verb is essential in expressing actions and is highly versatile, often used in various grammatical constructions and contexts. Understanding 'do' in its various forms is crucial for mastering verb conjugation and sentence structure in Latin.
Erro: The term 'erro' is a first conjugation verb in Latin meaning 'I wander,' 'I err,' or 'I make a mistake.' This verb is commonly used in various contexts, including literature and conversation, to express actions related to wandering or making errors. As a first conjugation verb, it follows specific patterns for its inflections, which are essential for forming different tenses and grammatical structures.
Imperfect tense: The imperfect tense is a verb tense used to describe actions that were ongoing or incomplete in the past. It often sets the scene for other actions, emphasizing habitual actions or states of being rather than focusing on a specific point in time. This tense is crucial for understanding both the first and third conjugation verbs as well as the general concept of tenses in Latin, especially when dealing with common verbs.
Indicative mood: The indicative mood is a grammatical mood used to make factual statements, ask questions, or express opinions. In Latin, it serves as the default mood for most verbs and is essential for conveying information about actions or states of being in various tenses. Understanding how the indicative mood functions is crucial for mastering verb conjugations, particularly in different conjugations and with irregular verbs.
Infinitive Form: The infinitive form is the base form of a verb that expresses an action without specifying the subject or tense. In the context of the first conjugation in Latin, infinitives typically end in '-are' and serve as a fundamental building block for forming various tenses and grammatical constructions. Understanding the infinitive form is essential as it allows learners to recognize how verbs function within sentences and how they can be manipulated to convey different meanings.
Laboro: Laboro is a Latin verb that means 'to work' or 'to labor.' It is a part of the first conjugation, characterized by its -are ending in the present infinitive form. This verb plays a crucial role in expressing actions related to work and effort, and is commonly used in various contexts, from everyday tasks to more complex undertakings.
Laudo: Laudo is a Latin verb that means 'I praise' or 'I commend'. This term is significant as it exemplifies the first conjugation of Latin verbs, which typically have their infinitive form ending in '-are'. Understanding laudo provides insight into the regular patterns and structures that define first conjugation verbs, which are foundational to mastering Latin grammar.
Paro: Paro is a Latin verb that means 'I prepare' or 'I get ready.' It belongs to the first conjugation group of Latin verbs, which typically end in '-are' in their infinitive form. This verb exemplifies the characteristics of first conjugation verbs, including its regular conjugation patterns and common usage in various contexts such as daily activities and events.
Passive Voice: Passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of a sentence is acted upon by the verb, rather than performing the action. This construction shifts the focus from the doer of the action to the recipient, which can change how information is perceived. In Latin, passive voice is formed differently across various conjugations, affecting the endings of verbs and their agreements with subjects.
Personal Endings: Personal endings are specific suffixes added to the verb stem in Latin to indicate the subject of the verb. They play a crucial role in conjugating verbs, especially in the first conjugation, as they help identify who is performing the action, whether it is 'I', 'you', 'he/she/it', 'we', or 'they'. Understanding personal endings is essential for proper verb conjugation and sentence structure.
Porto: Porto is a Latin verb meaning 'to carry' or 'to bring.' This term is a primary example of a first conjugation verb, which typically ends in '-are' in its infinitive form. Understanding porto helps learners recognize the patterns of first conjugation verbs, their endings, and how they change to express different tenses and moods.
Present Tense: The present tense is a grammatical tense used to describe actions that are currently happening or that are habitual. In Latin, the present tense is formed differently across conjugations, indicating the subject's action in the now, and plays a crucial role in understanding how verbs function within sentences.
Pugno: The term 'pugno' is a Latin verb that means 'to fight' or 'to struggle.' This verb belongs to the first conjugation, which is characterized by its infinitive ending in '-are.' Understanding 'pugno' is essential for grasping how action verbs function in Latin sentences, as well as recognizing its various forms and uses in different grammatical contexts.
Spero: The Latin verb 'spero' means 'to hope' or 'to expect.' This verb is a key representative of the first conjugation, which typically features verbs ending in '-are' in their infinitive form. Understanding 'spero' helps illuminate the characteristics of the first conjugation, as it demonstrates how these verbs are formed and conjugated in various tenses and contexts.
Sto: The Latin verb 'sto' means 'to stand' or 'to stand still.' It is a first conjugation verb that plays an essential role in the formation of various tenses, moods, and voices in Latin. Understanding 'sto' allows for better comprehension of how action is described in relation to standing or remaining in place, which is fundamental to the overall structure and usage of first conjugation verbs.
Voco: The term 'voco' is a Latin verb meaning 'to call' or 'to summon.' It is a primary example of a first conjugation verb, characterized by its '-are' ending in the present infinitive form. This verb is crucial for understanding how to form and use verbs in the first conjugation, which is foundational in Latin grammar.