ant + genitive
On with Ant
Ant means on, and the noun after it takes the genitive: ant stalo (on the table), ant kėdės (on the chair).
How It Works
Forming it
Put the noun in the genitive after ant:
- stalas → ant stalo (on the table)
- kėdė → ant kėdės (on the chair)
- siena → ant sienos (on the wall)
- grindys → ant grindų (on the floor)
Being on and putting onto
With į, direction uses the accusative: į stalčių (into the drawer). Ant does not switch: ant stalo is both on the table and onto the table.
On or in?
English on does not always mean ant. For vehicles and many places, Lithuanian says in with the locative: autobuse (on the bus), traukinyje (on the train). Ant is for being physically on top of something or on its surface. See Locative of Place.
Nearby words
Prie means next to, not on top: By and At With Prie. Nuo means off a surface: From and Since With Nuo. Po with the instrumental means under.
Examples (6)
- Knyga yra ant stalo.
The book is on the table.
Word by Word: Book is on table.
- Katė sėdi ant kėdės.
The cat is sitting on the chair.
Word by Word: Cat sits on chair.
- Padėk puodelį ant lentynos.
Put the cup on the shelf.
Word by Word: Put cup on shelf.
Putting something onto a surface still uses ant with the genitive.
- Ant sienos kabo paveikslas.
A picture hangs on the wall.
Word by Word: On wall hangs picture.
- Vaikai žaidžia ant grindų.
The children are playing on the floor.
Word by Word: Children play on floor.
Grindys is plural in form, so its genitive is grindų.
- Ant kalno stovi pilis.
A castle stands on the hill.
Word by Word: On hill stands castle.
Common Mistakes
Using the accusative after ant because the sentence describes movement.
Padėk knygą ant stalą.Padėk knygą ant stalo.Ant always takes the genitive, even when something is being put onto a surface.
Using ant for being inside a vehicle.
Sėdžiu ant autobuso.Sėdžiu autobuse.Ant autobuso would mean sitting on the roof of the bus. Being on a bus as a passenger uses the locative: autobuse.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Ant selects a genitive surface whether the situation is still or moving.
Related Patterns
- prie + genitiveBy and at with Prie
Prie means next to or by, while ant means on top of.
Level 2 - nuo + genitiveFrom and Since with Nuo
Nuo is the opposite of ant: off a surface, as in nuo stalo.
Level 2 - Locative of Place
The locative is used for being in or inside a place, and for vehicles like autobuse.
Level 1 - po + instrumentalUnder with Po
Po with the instrumental means under, the opposite position to ant.
Level 3 - virš + genitiveAbove with Virš
Virš means above without touching, while ant means resting on.
Level 4 - į + accusativeInto and to with Į
Į takes the accusative for a destination; ant takes the genitive for both location and destination.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice ant + genitive in Bubblegum
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