Klausimui

Klausimui is the dative singular form of the Lithuanian noun klausimas, meaning “question” or “inquiry.” The word klausimas is derived from the verb klausti, “to ask.” The dative form klausimui is used to indicate the indirect object or the recipient of an action, roughly translating as “to the question” or “for the question” in English.

Morphology and forms

- Gender: masculine noun

- Singular: nominative klausimas, genitive klausimo, dative klausimui, accusative klausimą

- Plural: nominative klausimai, genitive klausimų, dative klausimams, accusative klausimus

The dative form is contrasted with the more common accusative for direct objects in many everyday sentences.

Usage

In everyday speech, the direct object is often expressed with the accusative (klausimą) and a preposition, as in atsakyti į klausimą, “to answer the question.” The dative klausimui appears mainly in formal or literary contexts, or when the question is the recipient or focus of an action. Examples:

- Šiam klausimui reikia aiškaus atsakymo. (This question requires a clear answer.)

- Klausimui skiriamas papildomas laikas. (Additional time is allocated to the question.)

Notes

Klausimui is not a separate concept but a grammatical form used within phrases about questions. Its use emphasizes the relation to the question as the thing receiving attention, time, or consideration, particularly in formal Lithuanian prose.