Unit 6: Suffixes, Prepositions & Numbers
The suffix -ne is attached to the end of the first word (usually the verb or the most emphatic word) of a sentence to form a yes/no question. It has no translation of its own — it simply signals that a question is being asked.
Estne Roma in Italia? = Is Rome in Italy? (Est + ne)
Amatne dominus servum? = Does the master love the slave?
Suntne servi in villa? = Are the slaves in the villa?
The answer to a -ne question is either:
ita / ita est = yes (literally: "thus / thus it is")
non / minime = no / not at all
The suffix -que means "and" and is attached to the END of the second of two connected words. It is "enclitic" — it clings to the word before it. It connects two words or clauses of equal weight and often feels more formal or emphatic than et.
Correct: Marcus Iuliaque = Marcus and Julia (-que attaches to Iulia, the second item)
Wrong: Marcusque Iulia (this puts -que on the first item — incorrect)
Classic example: senatus populusque Romanus (SPQR) = the Senate and the Roman people
Another example: terra marique = on land and sea (terra + mari + que)
Rule: -que attaches to the SECOND item and means "and [the first thing] and [this thing]."
Prepositions in Latin always govern a specific case. Memorize which case each preposition requires — this is tested directly.
PREPOSITIONS WITH THE ACCUSATIVE (often motion toward or extent):
ad = to, toward
ante = before, in front of
apud = at, near, among
circum = around
contra = against
in + acc = into, onto (motion toward)
inter = between, among
ob = on account of, because of
per = through, by means of
post = after, behind
prope = near
propter = because of, on account of
sub + acc = under (motion toward)
trans = across
PREPOSITIONS WITH THE ABLATIVE (often location or separation):
a / ab = from, by (agent in passive sentences)
cum = with (accompaniment)
de = down from, about, concerning
e / ex = out of, from
in + abl = in, on (location — no motion)
pro = in front of, on behalf of, in place of
sine = without
sub + abl = under (location — no motion)
KEY DISTINCTION: "in" takes the accusative for motion INTO (in villam = into the villa) and the ablative for location IN (in villa = in the villa).
Cardinal numbers (how many) 1–10:
1 = unus, una, unum
2 = duo, duae, duo
3 = tres, tria
4 = quattuor
5 = quinque
6 = sex
7 = septem
8 = octo
9 = novem
10 = decem
Note: unus, duo, and tres decline (change their endings). Numbers 4–10 are indeclinable (never change ending).
Ordinal numbers (in what order), decline like 1st/2nd declension adjectives (bonus -a -um):
primus, -a, -um = first
secundus, -a, -um = second
tertius, -a, -um = third