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Grammar 02

Objects & Destinations

Use target endings for what you act on and where you go.

FocusTargets
Lesson2/5
Checks0/3
The Idea

A target is the thing your action points toward.

Lithuanian bends objects and destinations into a 'target' shape. This is why words like 'book' or 'park' change endings when you read them or go to them.

When It Happens

Use it for direct objects: the thing being read, bought, called, or chosen.

Use it after movement toward a destination.

Expect adjectives near the target to bend with it.

Some borrowed words do not visibly change, but their role is still target-like.

How To Read The Shape

Direct object

What gets acted on

Look for the word that answers what after the verb.

Destination

Where movement is headed

Movement into or toward a place often uses the same target idea.

Whole phrase bends

Adjective plus noun

If a noun bends as a target, its describing word usually bends too.

Hear It In Context
Aš skaitau knygą.

I am reading a book.

The book is the thing being read, so it takes the target role.

Mes einame į parką.

We are going to the park.

The park is the destination, so it behaves like a target.

Aš noriu nuvykti į Vilnių.

I want to get to Vilnius.

The city is where the motion is headed.

Aš noriu pirkti naują suknelę.

I want to buy a new dress.

The dress is the target, and the describing word bends with it.

Ar galite iškviesti taksi?

Can you call a taxi?

The taxi is the object, even though this borrowed word does not visibly change.

Checkpoints
Step 1/3
Aš skaitau knygą.

I am reading a book.

Why does this sentence use a target idea?

Step 2/3
Mes einame į parką.

We are going to the park.

What role is the park playing?

Step 3/3
Aš noriu pirkti naują suknelę.

I want to buy a new dress.

Why do the describing word and the noun both bend?

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