Kazakh uses a system of noun cases to show how words connect to each other in a sentence.

Instead of using prepositions like “to”, “from”, or “with”, you simply add a suffix to the end of the noun.

There are seven noun cases in the Kazakh language.

Choosing the correct suffix depends entirely on the final sound of the root word and the rules of vowel harmony.

Let’s break down each of these seven cases.

Before we begin, remember that Kazakh suffixes change depending on whether the word has front vowels (ә, ө, ү, і, е) or back vowels (а, о, ұ, ы).

They also change based on the final consonant of the root word.

Nominative case (atau septik)

The nominative case is the basic, dictionary form of a noun.

It answers the questions kim? (who?) and ne? (what?).

There are no suffixes added to the noun in this case.

You use it for the subject of the sentence.

Genitive case (ilik septik)

The genitive case shows possession or ownership.

It translates to the English word “of” or the apostrophe-s (‘s).

It answers the questions kimniñ? (whose?) and neniñ? (of what?).

You use the genitive case on the noun that owns the object.

Dative case (barys septik)

The dative case indicates direction or movement toward a destination.

It translates to English prepositions like “to” or “for”.

It answers the questions kimge? (to whom?), nege? (to what?), and qaida? (where to?).

You use this case when someone’s going somewhere or giving something to someone.

Accusative case (tabys septik)

The accusative case marks the direct object of a sentence.

This is the person or thing that’s receiving the action of the verb directly.

It answers the questions kimdi? (whom?) and neni? (what?).

Whenever a specific object is being read, seen, bought, or eaten, it takes the accusative suffix.

Locative case (jatys septik)

The locative case shows where an action takes place or where an object is located.

It translates to English prepositions like “in”, “on”, or “at”.

It answers the questions kimde? (on/at whom?), nede? (on/in what?), and qaida? (where?).

You’ll use this case constantly when talking about your location.

Ablative case (shygys septik)

The ablative case shows movement away from a place or the origin of something.

It translates to the English word “from”.

It answers the questions kimnen? (from whom?), neden? (from what?), and qaidan? (from where?).

Use the ablative case when someone’s leaving a location or when a material is used to make something.

Instrumental case (komektes septik)

The instrumental case shows the tool used to perform an action, or the person you do an action with.

It translates to the English words “with” or “by”.

It answers the questions kimmen? (with whom?) and nemen? (with what?).

Unlike the other cases, the instrumental case doesn’t change for front or back vowels.

It only changes based on the final consonant of the root word.

This case is very useful for explaining how you travel or who you’re spending time with.