I'm a little bit confused about Latin declensions. I understand that there's first and second declension nouns and adjectives (as well as a handful of other declensions which we haven't learned yet). But what if you want to mix declensions, and decline a first declension adjective with a second declension noun? (For example big shape. Would that be Formi Magnae? I'm confused!) Thank you so much.
Yes, you're right. As long as the adjective matches the noun in number(s. or pl.), gender (m., f., or n.), and case (nom., gen., etc.), they can work together no matter the declension.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_declension
Declining a first declension adjective with a second declension noun can be a bit tricky, but I can help explain how to do it properly.
First, let's take a look at the second declension noun "forma" (shape) and the first declension adjective "magnus" (big). To form the phrase "big shape," you would first need to decline each word separately and then make them agree in case, number, and gender. Here's the step-by-step breakdown:
1. Decline the noun "forma" (shape):
- Nominative singular: forma
- Genitive singular: formae
- Dative singular: formae
- Accusative singular: formam
- Ablative singular: forma
- Nominative plural: formae
- Genitive plural: formarum
- Dative plural: formis
- Accusative plural: formas
- Ablative plural: formis
2. Decline the adjective "magnus" (big):
- Masculine singular: magnus
- Feminine singular: magna
- Neuter singular: magnum
- Masculine plural: magni
- Feminine plural: magnae
- Neuter plural: magna
3. Make the noun and adjective agree:
Since "forma" is feminine, we need to use the feminine forms of the adjective.
- Nominative singular: magna forma (big shape)
- Genitive singular: formae magnae (of the big shape)
- Dative singular: formae magnae (to/for the big shape)
- Accusative singular: magnam formam (big shape)
- Ablative singular: forma magna (by/with/from the big shape)
- Nominative plural: magnae formae (big shapes)
- Genitive plural: formarum magnarum (of the big shapes)
- Dative plural: formis magnis (to/for the big shapes)
- Accusative plural: formas magnas (big shapes)
- Ablative plural: formis magnis (by/with/from the big shapes)
So the correct phrase for "big shape" would be "magna forma."
Remember, it's important to always decline each word individually and then make them agree in case, number, and gender.