Vocative Case - Greek Grammar

The vocative case is used for direct address—when calling out to someone. In "O king, hear me!" the word "king" is vocative.

The vocative is relatively rare and often looks like the nominative. Key points: • Often preceded by ὦ (O!) • Second declension -ος nouns change to -ε: ἄνθρωπε (O man!) • Feminine first declension nouns match the nominative; many others differ (πολῖτα, πάτερ, βασιλεῦ, πόλι, Σώκρατες) • Set off by commas in modern editions

The vocative has no grammatical function in the sentence structure—it's outside the main clause.

Recognition Tips

Look for ὦ before a noun as a vocative marker

Second declension -ος → -ε is the most distinctive change

The vocative is rare; when in doubt, assume nominative

Examples from Texts

Here are some words showing the vocative case in actual Greek texts:

σφάγι' σφάγιος slaying, slaughtering