When a feminine singular noun acts as a possessor (Genitive case) or a recipient (Dative case), its definite ending changes. The Genitive and Dative cases share the exact same forms.
To form the definite Genitive and Dative for feminine singular nouns, the standard definite article (-a or -ea) changes to -ei or -ii.
Nouns taking "-ei"
For most feminine nouns ending in -a, replace the -a with -ei. This pattern is very common for female professions.
Here it is in the Genitive case to show possession:
| The judge's decision is clear. | Decizia judecătoarei este clară. |
The exact same ending is used in the Dative case for a recipient. Remember that Dative sentences also require the unstressed pronoun îi before the verb:
| I offer the document to the judge. | Îi ofer documentul judecătoarei. |
| I send the invoice to the accountant. | Îi trimit factura contabilei. |
If a feminine noun ends in -ia (like compania), it changes to -iei:
| The company's success is wonderful. | Succesul companiei este minunat. |
Nouns taking "-ii"
For feminine nouns that form their plural with -i (such as femeie → femei, or prezentare → prezentări), the definite Genitive and Dative ending is -ii:
| Someone is hiding the woman's bag. | Cineva ascunde geanta femeii. |
| The title of the presentation is clear. | Titlul prezentării este clar. |
