Welcome to Latin with Livia!
Here you will find answers to many of your burning questions about Latin. There are some things textbooks don’t cover – or don’t cover in enough detail.
This site is my answer. I’ve taught a lot of Latin classes, so I know what kinds of questions students ask. I know about the most common stumbling blocks.
This isn’t a comprehensive Latin course. This is, however, an invaluable guide and supplement. Whether you’re confused about terminology or stuck on some grammatical feature, I can help.
Why am I qualified to teach you anything about Latin? The short answer is that I have a PhD in Classical Philology from Harvard and I have a lot of teaching experience.
If you would like more details, then you can read all about my qualifications on my About page. Or you can look me up under my real name, Rebecca Deitsch.
Still with me? Okay, it’s time to see what Latin with Livia has to offer you.
Latin Resources
Are you trying to decide how to learn Latin? Then your first stop should be my enormous list of Latin resources. There is a blend of physical and digital materials, and I have included free options when possible.
You may also find the following detailed reviews and recommendations helpful.
Best Latin Dictionaries for Students
My Favorite Latin Novellas for Beginners
A Review of Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata
Latin for Very Beginners
One of the first things you will realize about learning Latin is that there is a lot of niche terminology. Why? Well, Latin has traditionally been taught with the grammar-translation method (for better or for worse). This leads to a heavy focus on grammar and results in a lot of grammatical terms.
Even if grammar isn’t your favorite, there are some terms and concepts you absolutely must master. Is this your first time learning an inflected language? If so, you will want to make sure you understand declensions and conjugations.
Latin may be a “dead” language, but pronunciation is still important. These two posts will tell you everything you need to know!
How To Pronounce Classical Latin
Another important topic for beginners is macrons. You know those tiny little lines over vowels? They are actually very helpful for Latin learners. So don’t ignore them!
Why Latin Macrons Are Important
How To Type Latin Macrons (The Easy Way)
Finally, you are about to learn lots of new vocabulary. The following guide will help you out.
How To Make Latin Flashcards Step by Step
Latin Nouns & Adjectives
Once you have the basic terminology down, it’s time to start grappling with the noun system in earnest. You will find the following introductory posts useful:
How To Find The Declension of Any Latin Noun
How To Find The Base of Any Latin Noun
As I mentioned up above, Latin is an inflected language. This means that nouns, adjectives, and pronouns have cases. Check out my guides to the Latin cases:
You will also want to look at my ultimate guide to noun endings. This post includes the case endings of all five declensions, as well as tips on how to memorize them.
Adjectives are another important hurdle for Latin learners. You can start off with these introductory posts:
Latin Adjectives for Beginners
How To Find the Stem of Any Latin Adjective
Possessive Adjectives: My, Your, etc.
Latin Verbs
Latin verbs can be confusing for students, since there is an intense conjugation system. I have structured each of the following posts so that they can benefit students of all levels.
If you are a beginning student, you may only want to read the first few sections. But if you are very advanced, be sure you finish each post and learn all the teeny-tiny details.
In other words, just read as far as is appropriate for you!
How To Find The Conjugation of Any Latin Verb
The Irregular Verb Sum (To Be)
The Irregular Verb Possum (To Be Able)
Latin Transitive, Intransitive, and Linking Verbs
These next posts can help you wrap your head around some tough verbal concepts.
Latin Deponent & Semi-Deponent Verbs
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs, Part 2
Latin Pronouns
Pronouns are crucial for understanding Latin, but there are so many different types. Check out my comprehensive guides.
Personal Pronouns (Ego, tū, etc.)
Possessive Pronouns & Adjectives
Relative Pronouns (quī, quae, quod)
Reflexive Pronouns (Suī and more)
Interrogative Pronouns (and Adjectives)
Intensive Pronouns (Ipse, ipsa, ipsum)
Miscellaneous Latin Posts
Ultimate Guide to Latin Prepositions
Ultimate Guide to Latin Adverbs
50+ Latin Phrases Used Everyday in English
How to say “Happy Birthday” in Latin
Language Learning Tips
The main focus of this site is Latin, but I have experience with many different languages. So if you are interested in general tips, head on over to my language learning section.
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