norėti + genitive
Wanting Things with Norėti
After norėti, the wanted thing is in the genitive: kava → Noriu kavos.
How It Works
The forms of norėti. In the present: aš noriu, tu nori, jis/ji nori. It is an -i present verb.
The genitive object. The thing you want changes its ending into the genitive:
- kava → kavos: Noriu kavos.
- arbata → arbatos: Ar nori arbatos?
- pica → picos, pienas → pieno, vanduo → vandens
This is different from verbs like gerti or turėti, which can take an accusative object: Geriu kavą, but Noriu kavos. Compare the accusative direct object.
Not only for food. The genitive after norėti is the standard choice for any wanted thing, including a single, specific one: Noriu naujo telefono. (I want a new phone.) An adjective takes the genitive too.
Asking. The question word is also in the genitive: Ko nori? (What do you want?) See kas and ką.
Wanting to do something. To name a wanted action, use an infinitive: Noriu miegoti. See want, can and know how with an infinitive.
A few other common verbs take the genitive in the same way; see verbs that take the genitive. For a polite request, use norėčiau (I would like).
Examples (5)
- Noriu kavos.
I want some coffee.
Word by Word: Want-I coffee.
- Ko nori? — Arbatos.
What do you want? — Tea.
Word by Word: What want-you? — Tea.
Both the question word ko and the answer arbatos are in the genitive.
- Ar nori vandens?
Do you want some water?
Word by Word: Q want-you water?
Vanduo becomes vandens in the genitive.
- Jis nori picos.
He wants pizza.
Word by Word: He wants pizza.
- Noriu naujo telefono.
I want a new phone.
Word by Word: Want-I new phone.
The adjective naujas agrees with telefonas, so both are in the genitive.
Common Mistakes
Using an accusative noun directly after norėti.
Noriu kavą.Noriu kavos.Verbs like gerti and turėti can take the accusative, so learners carry that ending over. Standard Lithuanian puts the object of norėti in the genitive.
Asking about the wanted thing with ką, without an understood infinitive.
Ką nori?Ko nori?The question word follows the same rule as the answer. Norėti needs the genitive, so ask with ko.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Norėti selects a genitive thing, with the forms taught as a useful pattern.
Related Patterns
- norėti / galėti / mokėti + infinitiveWant, Can and Know How with an Infinitive
Norėti with an infinitive: wanting to do something.
Level 1 - kas / kąQuestion Word Kas
Ko is the genitive form of kas used after norėti.
Level 1 - Accusative Direct Object
Compare common verbs that take accusative objects.
Level 1 - laukti / ieškoti / prašyti + genitiveVerbs That Take the Genitive
Other verbs that also take the genitive.
Level 2 - Partitive Genitive
The genitive of some, as in Noriu vandens.
Level 2 - norėčiauPolite Wishes with Norėčiau
The polite way to say I would like.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice norėti + genitive in Bubblegum
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