Learn Hardcore Latin: Frater matri parvum librum donat. - The brother gives a small book to mother.

In Latin, the dative case (marked often with -i or -ae in singular, depending on declension) generally indicates the indirect object—the person or thing "to" or "for" whom the action is done. Here, matri shows that the mother is receiving the small book.

Why is "parvum librum" in the accusative case?

The accusative case identifies the direct object of the verb. In this sentence, the brother gives "a small book." So librum is the direct object receiving the action of "donat" (gives). Parvum is in the accusative singular form to agree with librum in gender, number, and case.

What is the function of "frater"?

The nominative case frater indicates the subject of the sentence, the one performing the action of giving.

Could this Latin sentence be written in a different word order?

Yes. Latin relies heavily on endings rather than strict word order for meaning. You might see Frater parvum librum matri donat or Matri parvum librum frater donat, among others. The standard function of cases remains the same regardless of the word order.

Is "donat" present tense, or does it imply another time frame?

Donat is a present tense verb meaning he/she/it gives. If we wanted the perfect tense (he/she/it gave), we would use .