k / g / h → c / z / s Alternation

Consonant Change Before Some Endings

Level 3

Some k, g and h become c, z and s before i.

How It Works

The three correspondences are k → c, g → z and h → s. They occur before certain -i endings, including many dative and locative singular forms and some masculine plurals.

Compare u ruci and na nozi. This is different from palatalization, which produces č, ž and š.

Exceptions are normal: baki, juhi and many names keep their consonant. Do not change every k, g or h merely because the following written letter is i.

Examples (3)

  1. Ključ mi je u ruci.

    The key is in my hand.

    Ruka has locative ruci.

  2. Na nozi imam zavoj.

    I have a bandage on my leg.

    Noga has locative nozi.

  3. Pišem baki.

    I am writing to my grandmother.

    Baka keeps k in the dative baki.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

k / g / h → c / z / s AlternationLevel 3Consonant Change Before Some Endings

Learn This First

Dative and related forms illustrate the k/g/h consonant alternation before the ending.