Given the fact that Black uses the Greek word for "young man" as the paradigm for this subset of first declension nouns, we may call it the neani,aj type. The word Messi,aj also falls under this subset of the first declension.

Observe the following about these endings:

• The nominative case ending has a final sigma, similar to the second declension masculine singular nominative (oj).
• The genitive case ending is ou, just like in the second declension.
• The dative and accusative endings are identical to those of the feminine first declension e, i, or r stem subset.
• There is a separate vocative ending: a.

Since Black uses the Greek word for "disciple" as the paradigm for this subset of first declension nouns, we may call it the maqhth,j type.

Observe:

• The masculine "other stems" will most often end in a t (e.g., maqht-).
• In nearly every respect this subset resembles the masculine e, i, or r stem subset, except for the fact that h is the predominating linking vowel instead of a.
• The dative and accusative are identical to those of the feminine "other" subset.
• The separate vocative form is not h, as one would expect, but a (like the masculine e, i, or r stem subset).

• Pitfall: make sure not to confuse either of the first declension masculine singular nominative forms aj or hj with any of the first declension feminine singular genitive forms.
• Observe that there is no masculine sibilant stem subset (or do,xa type) like there is for feminine first declension nouns.
• If the masculine first declension trips you up a bit, remember that you will often be able to rely on an accompanying definite article (which is always consistently declined) to indicate how the noun is to be analyzed.
• Again, the plural endings for all first declension nouns (masculine and feminine) are identical and will be presented separately.