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🏛️elementary latin review

Quae puella cantat?

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The phrase 'quae puella cantat?' translates to 'which girl is singing?' in English. It features an interrogative pronoun, 'quae,' which is used to ask questions about a specific subject. This phrase illustrates how Latin employs interrogative pronouns to obtain information regarding particular nouns, often specifying gender and number.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. 'Quae' agrees in gender and number with 'puella,' both being feminine singular, which is essential for proper grammatical structure.
  2. Interrogative pronouns in Latin can change form depending on case, so understanding the context helps determine the correct usage.
  3. 'Cantat' is a third-person singular verb form meaning 'is singing,' linking the subject (the girl) with the action of singing.
  4. In Latin, word order is more flexible than in English; however, questions often place the interrogative pronoun at the beginning for clarity.
  5. Using interrogative pronouns like 'quae' enhances sentence variety and depth, allowing speakers to engage more effectively with their audience.

Review Questions

  • How does the phrase 'quae puella cantat?' demonstrate the use of interrogative pronouns in Latin?
    • 'Quae puella cantat?' showcases the function of interrogative pronouns by using 'quae' to ask about a specific subject—the girl who is singing. In Latin, such pronouns help to clarify questions by pinpointing particular characteristics of nouns. This is crucial for understanding who or what is being referenced in communication.
  • Analyze how gender and number agreement plays a role in the structure of the phrase 'quae puella cantat?'.
    • 'Quae puella cantat?' illustrates the importance of gender and number agreement through the matching forms of 'quae' and 'puella.' Both are feminine singular, ensuring grammatical harmony within the sentence. This agreement is essential for proper syntax in Latin, as it provides clarity and reinforces relationships between words.
  • Evaluate the significance of using interrogative pronouns like 'quae' in everyday Latin conversation and how it affects communication.
    • The use of interrogative pronouns such as 'quae' significantly enhances communication in Latin by allowing speakers to pose clear, specific questions. This leads to more engaging and informative conversations, as it helps identify particular subjects or objects in discussion. Furthermore, mastering these structures equips learners with tools to navigate complex dialogues, facilitating deeper interactions within various contexts.