Learn Hardcore Latin: Amicus est laetus.

In Latin, the nominative case is typically used for the subject. Since amicus is in the nominative singular form, it functions as the subject of est.

Why is "laetus" also in the nominative case?

Since laetus is describing amicus, it must agree with it in gender, number, and case. Because amicus is nominative masculine singular, laetus is likewise nominative masculine singular.

Why is the verb "est" placed between "amicus" and "laetus"?

Latin word order is more flexible than English, but est (the verb "to be") often appears in the middle or near the end. Placing est between subject and adjective is a common pattern, though not mandatory.

Could "amicus" and "laetus" come in the reverse order?

Yes. You might see Laetus est amicus in some contexts. Latin’s flexible word order means meaning isn’t lost if the elements are rearranged, though emphasis can shift slightly.

What if I wanted to say "The friend is happy" in the plural?

You would change both the noun and the adjective to agree in the plural: Amici sunt laeti. Here, amici is the nominative plural of amicus, and laeti is the corresponding nominative plural form of laetus.