Latin for e-mail

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{{LanguageBar|Latin for e-mail}}
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{{LanguageBar|Latin for e-mail}}{{Latin grammar articles}}
  
'''Adding Latin greetings to your mail: a *brief* introduction for beginners.'''
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==Introduction==
  
Based on earlier work by Flavius Vedius Germanicus, A. Apollonius Cordus and Flavia Scholastica. With help from Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus.
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In keeping with ''[[mos maiorum]]'' we, the citizens of [[Nova Roma]], seek to use as much [[Latin]] in our various communications as possible. Being a global community, we will often use e-mail or mailing lists to communicate with each other.  
  
In Nova Roma we use a lot of Latin in our posts, and this guide will help you with some of it.
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This page is a guide for new citizens and beginners, to aid you along your path to [[Romanitas]]. Below is a basic framework for using [[Latin]] throughout various written communication mediums to help you better assimilate and become a true Roman!
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==Latin Layout==
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To aid you in understanding how Latin changes the format of a letter, we will use the example of ''Agricola'', writing a letter (or e-mail) to ''Cordus''.
  
==Organization==
 
  
 
{|border="1" cellpadding="2" style="background:white"  
 
{|border="1" cellpadding="2" style="background:white"  
!A simple letter from Lee to Kim might look like this:
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!A typical letter in English looks like this:
!Latin style moves things around a bit:
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!Latin style changes the format slightly:
!A similar letter in Latin looks like this:
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!A similar letter all in Latin looks like this:
 
|-
 
|-
|width="33%"|Dear Lee,
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|width="38%"|Dear Cordus,
  
Blah blah blah.
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Keep practicing your Latin.
  
Yours,
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Sincerely,
Kim
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Agricola
  
|width="33%"|Kim sends greetings to Lee,
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|width="33%"|Agricola sends greetings to Cordus,
  
Blah blah blah.
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Keep practicing your Latin.
  
 
Take care!
 
Take care!
  
|Agricola Cordo sal.
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|''Agricola Cordo sal.''
  
Blah blah blah
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Latine semper exerceas.
  
Optime vale!
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''Vale!''
 
|}
 
|}
  
  
The big difference is that the sender's name goes on the top. We can also do it the nice familiar way with the sender's name on the bottom, but the way shown above is more "authentic".
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The big difference is that the sender's name goes at the top of the letter, not at the bottom. It is still acceptable to follow the familiar conventions and also include the sender's name on the bottom, but the way shown above is more "authentic".
  
Just like in English, there are several ways to say this that are more or less formal, so lets look at some now, starting with the simple, less formal, ways first.
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Of course, just like in English, there are several ways to write a letter or message to someone - some formal and others less so. Read on below to explore various Latin methods, starting with more colloquial, less formal approaches.  
  
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==Initial Greetings==
  
==Openings==
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The words and phrases that [[Latin]] uses usually have meanings of "sends a greeting" or "be well!". Several Latin phrases and examples have been prepared below which you can use depending on the circumstance or context of your letter, e-mail or message.  
 
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The words that Latin uses usually have the meaning of "sends a greeting" or "be well!".
+
  
  
 
===Hello!===
 
===Hello!===
  
Use a Latin verb that means "to be well".  
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This greeting uses a Latin verb that means "to be well".  
*If you are writing to exactly one person, use "Salve!" (the imperative singular).  
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*If you are writing to exactly one person, use "''Salve!''" (the imperative singular).  
*If you are writing to more than one person, use "Salvete!" (the imperative plural).
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*If you are writing to more than one person, use "''Salvete!''" (the imperative plural).
  
 
(Grammar note: "Imperative" means the form of the verb that gives a command. You are making a command that your reader(s) be well! Very Roman of you.)
 
(Grammar note: "Imperative" means the form of the verb that gives a command. You are making a command that your reader(s) be well! Very Roman of you.)
  
  
===Hello Kim!===
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===Hello Cordus!===
  
 
:''Main article: [[Vocative]]''
 
:''Main article: [[Vocative]]''
When we call someone by name, we use a form of the name called the "[[vocative]]". Here are the basic rules for making a vocative:
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When we address someone directly by name, we use the form of the name called the "[[vocative]]". Here are the basic rules for making a vocative:
*If a name ends in "-ius", then the vocative ends in "-i". "Tullius" becomes "Tulli".
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*If a name ends in "-ius", then the vocative ends in "-i". For example, "''Tullius''" becomes "''Tulli''".
*If a name ends in "-us", then the vocative ends in "-e". "Marcus" becomes "Marce".
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*If a name ends in "-us", then the vocative ends in "-e". For example, "''Marcus''" becomes "''Marce''".
*All other names do not change at all. "Felix" stays "Felix", "Marca" stays "Marca" and so on.
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*All other names do not change at all. Examples include: "''Felix''" stays "''Felix''", "''Fabia''" stays "''Fabia''", and so on.
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It is the general convention that you address someone by their [[cognomen]] (the last part of the name). Women were often called by their [[nomen]] (middle name) alone.  
  
There is a complete discussion of *which* name you should use at [[Choosing_a_Roman_name#Which_Names.3F]] .  
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Here are some more examples:
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*To say hello to Marcus Lucretius Agricola you would write "''Salve, Agricola!''".
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*To say hello to Aulus Apollonius Cordus you would write "''Salve, Corde!''".  
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*To say hello to Gaius Equitius Cato you would write "''Salve, Cato!''".  
  
It is a good idea in general to use the cognomen (the last part of the name).
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Roman tradition dictates that you should never refer to someone by their [[praenomen]] (first name). The use of the praenomen was reserved for among family members or very close friends and they were never used in a public forum. Examples of the use of praenomen in this situation would look like:
*To say hello to Marcus Lucretius Agricola you would write "Salve Agricola!".
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*"''Salve, Marce!''"
*To say hello to Aulus Apollonius Cordus you would write "Salve Corde!".
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*"''Salve, Aule!''"
*To say hello to Gaius Equitius Cato you would write "Salve Cato!".
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*"''Salve, Gai!''"
  
Only if you are very close friends indeed with these people you could write:
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It is recommended you read more on how to address fellow citizens in our article on [[using Roman names]].
*"Salve Marce!"
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*"Salve Aule!"
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*"Salve Gai!"
+
  
There is more detail about how to address people at the address given above.
 
  
 
===Hello Everyone!===
 
===Hello Everyone!===
  
You need to use plurals. "Salvete Omnes!"  
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You need to use plurals: "''Salvete omnes!''"  
  
(Grammar note: "Salvete!" is the plural of "Salve!" and "Omnes" is the plural of "omnis", meaning "all" or "every".)
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(Grammar note: "''Salvete!''" is the plural of "''Salve!''" and "''omnes''" is the plural of "''omnis''", meaning "all" or "every".)
  
  
===Kim sends greetings to Lee===
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===Agricola sends greetings to Cordus===
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:''Main article: [[Dative]]''
  
The hard part here is "to Lee". In Latin, we do not use a word for "to". Instead, we change the end of the name in a way that tells us the same idea as "to".  
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The hard part here is how to write "to Cordus". In Latin, we do not use a word for "to" in this context. Instead, we change the end of the name in a way that denotes that they are receiving the greeting.
  
(Grammar note: This form of the name, or any noun, is called the "dative case".) Here are some examples showing how to make the dative:
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This form of the name, or any noun, is called the "[[dative|dative case]]".) Here are some basic rules how to make the [[dative]]:
*Marc-us -> Marc-o (most names that end in "-us" work like this)
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*'''Names ending in -us:''' Lentul-us -> Lentul-o  
*Gai-a -> Gai-ae (most names that end in "-a" work like this)
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*'''Names ending in -a:''' Tulli-a -> Tulli-ae  
*Felix -> Felici (there are some names that don't fit those patterns. You will have to learn more about Latin than we can teach you right now.  Or you can simply ask the Roman in question; s/he'll know.)
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*'''Names ending in -o:''' Cat-o -> Cato-oni
*Marcus Lucretius Agricola -> M. Lucretio Agricolae
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*Aula Tullia Scholastica -> A. Tulliae Scholasticae
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*Gaius Equitius Cato -> C. Equitio Catoni
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(Grammar note: "Cato" is another of those "learn more" names.)
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Here are some full names in the [[dative]] case for example:
  
(Latin usage note: Normally, Latin praenomina "first names" were abbreviated. Gaius is always abbreviated "C." and Gnaeus is always abbreviated "Cn.")
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*''Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus'' -> ''Gnaeo Cornelio Lentulo''
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*''Aula Tullia Scholastica'' -> ''Aulae Tulliae Scholasticae''
 +
*''Gaius Equitius Cato'' -> ''Gaio Equitio Catoni''
  
"Sends greetings" is a simple phrase "salutem dicit" but we nearly always write it "sal." See Example 2 for a sample.
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There are some names that don't fit these patterns. You will have to learn more Latin to grasp the unusual cases. Or you can simply ask the Roman in question; they'll know.
  
On a mailing list you might say hello to everyone, as we show in Example 3.
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"Sends greetings" is a simple phrase "''salutem dicit''" but the Romans nearly always abbreviated it as "''s. d.''" or "''sal.''" See Example 2 below for a sample.
  
(Grammar note: "Omnibus" means "to everyone". )
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On a mailing list you might say hello to everyone, as we show below in '''Example 3.'''
  
(Grammar note: In this example, "valete" is plural because "Omnibus" is plural. Agricola sent greetings to "All" and so said goodbye in the plural.)
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(Grammar note: "''omnibus''" means "to everyone". )
  
 +
(Grammar note: In this example, "''valete''" is plural because "''Omnibus''" is plural. Agricola sent greetings to "all" and so said goodbye in the plural.)
  
===Kim sends greetings to Lee and Everyone===
 
  
If you reply to a message by one person, but you want to greet everyone else who is reading, you could write it like Example 4.
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===Agricola sends greetings to Cordus and Everyone===
  
(Grammar note: In this example, the "-que" on the end of "Omnibus" means "and".)
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If you want to send to, or reply to a message by, one person, but you also want to greet everyone else who is reading, you could write it like '''Example 4'''.
  
 +
(Grammar note: In this example, the "''-que''" on the end of "''omnibusque''" means "and".)
  
===Kim sends many greetings to Lee===
 
  
"Salutem plurimam dicit", means "says many greetings". You can write it out, but S.P.D. is a common acronym. Example: "Agricola Cordo S.P.D."
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===Agricola sends many greetings to Cordus===
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"''Salutem plurimam dicit''", means "says many greetings". You can write it out, but "''S.P.D.''" is a common acronym. Example: "''Agricola Cordo S.P.D.''"
  
  
 
===I really hope you're well===
 
===I really hope you're well===
  
"Si vales, bene est, ego valeo" literally means "If you are sound, that is well; I'm sound". The usual way is to write the abbreviation "S.V.B.E.E.V." You can write this in addition to saying hello: “Agricola Cordo S.P.D. S.V.B.E.E.V.”
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"''Si vales, bene est, ego valeo''" literally means "If you are sound, that is well; I'm sound". The common usage of this phrase is in the abbreviated form, "''S.V.B.E.E.V.''" You can write this in addition to saying hello: “''Agricola Cordo S.P.D. S.V.B.E.E.V.''
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==Closing salutations==
  
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[[Latin]] has its own customs for closing a letter or message. Below are the most common ones you will encounter that you can use.
  
==Closings==
 
  
 
===Goodbye!===
 
===Goodbye!===
  
If you start with "Salve!" or "Salvete!" you can end with "Vale!" or "Valete!".  The meaning is still "be well!" Can you see which is singular and which is plural?
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If you start with "''Salve!''" or "''Salvete!''" you can end with "''Vale!''" or "''Valete!''".  The meaning is still "be well!" Can you see which is singular and which is plural?
  
 
Example 1 is a friendly, informal letter from M. Lucretius Agricola to A. Apollonius Cordus.
 
Example 1 is a friendly, informal letter from M. Lucretius Agricola to A. Apollonius Cordus.
*To say "be very well" you could use "Bene vale!".  
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*To say "be very well" you could use "''Bene vale!''".  
*To say "be most well" you could use "Optime vale!".  
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*To say "be most well" you could use "''Optime vale!''".  
  
 
(Grammar note: "bene" and "optime" are adverbs.)
 
(Grammar note: "bene" and "optime" are adverbs.)
  
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A '''more elegant''' and formal way to say goodbye is to use the expression "''Cura, ut valeas!''" which means "Take care that you be well." In plural it will become "''Curate, ut valeatis!''".
  
===May the Gods keep you safe===
 
  
This is a nice way to end a formal letter, instead of the simple "vale!" or "valete!" "Di te incolumem custodiant" is singular and "Di vos incolumes custodiant" is plural. It means "may the Gods guard your safety".
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===May the gods keep you safe===
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This is a nice way to end a formal letter, instead of the simple "''Vale!''" or "''Valete!''" "''Di te incolumem custodiant!''" is singular and "''Di vos incolumes custodiant!''" is plural. It means "may the Gods guard your safety".
  
  
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!Example 4<br/>Hello to one person and everyone.
 
!Example 4<br/>Hello to one person and everyone.
 
|-
 
|-
|Salve Corde!
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|''Salve Corde!''
  
 
Blah blah blah
 
Blah blah blah
  
Vale!
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''Vale!
Agricola
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Agricola''
  
|Agricola Cordo sal.
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|''Agricola Cordo sal.''
  
 
Blah blah blah.
 
Blah blah blah.
  
Optime vale!
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''Vale!''
  
|Agricola Omnibus sal.
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|''Agricola omnibus sal.''
  
 
Blah blah blah.
 
Blah blah blah.
  
Optime valete!
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''Valete!''
  
|Agricola Cordo Omnibusque sal.
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|''Agricola Cordo omnibusque sal.''
  
 
Blah blah blah.
 
Blah blah blah.
  
Optime valete!
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''Valete!''
  
 
|}
 
|}
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!The same example with everything spelled out.
 
!The same example with everything spelled out.
 
|-
 
|-
|Agricola Cordo S.P.D.
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|''Agricola Cordo S.P.D.
S.V.B.E.E.V.
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S.V.B.E.E.V.''
  
I see that a new legio was just created. I'm not sure how many legiones we have now... do you know?  
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I see that a new legio was just created. I'm not sure how many ''legiones'' Nova Roma has now... do you know?  
  
Di te incolumem custodiant!
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''Di te incolumem custodiant!''
  
  
|Agricola Cordo salutem plurimam dicit.
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|''Agricola Cordo salutem plurimam dicit.
Si vales, bene est, ego valeo.
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Si vales, bene est, ego valeo.''
  
I see that a new legio was just created. I'm not sure how many legiones we have now... do you know?  
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I see that a new legio was just created. I'm not sure how many ''legiones'' Nova Roma has now... do you know?  
  
Di te incolumem custodiant!
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''Cura, ut valeas!''
 
|}
 
|}
  
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!An example with everything spelled out and in the plural.
 
!An example with everything spelled out and in the plural.
 
|-
 
|-
|M. Lucretius Agricola Omnibus salutem plurimam dicit.
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|''M. Lucretius Agricola omnibus salutem plurimam dicit.
Si valetis, bene est, ego valeo.
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Si valetis, bene est, ego valeo.''
  
 
I hope all New Romans will learn about Academia Thules and Sodalitas Latinitatis, two excellent places to learn more Latin. You can learn more about them on the Nova Roma website at www.novaroma.org/nr/Main_Page .
 
I hope all New Romans will learn about Academia Thules and Sodalitas Latinitatis, two excellent places to learn more Latin. You can learn more about them on the Nova Roma website at www.novaroma.org/nr/Main_Page .
  
Di vos incolumes custodiant!
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''Di vos incolumes custodiant!''
 
|}
 
|}
  
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==Difficult names==
 
==Difficult names==
  
Finally, here are a few of those troublesome names with difficult datives:
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Finally, here are a few of those troublesome names with difficult [[dative]]s:
*Astur -> Asturi
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*Audens -> Audenti
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'''-R''' changes to '''-RI''':
*Cato -> Catoni
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*''Astur'' -> ''Asturi''
*Caesar -> Caesari
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*''Caesar'' -> ''Caesari''
*Cicero -> Ciceroni
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*Felix -> Felici
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'''-O''' changes to '''-ONI''':
 +
*''Cato'' -> ''Catoni''
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*''Cicero'' -> ''Ciceroni''
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 +
'''-X''' changes to '''-CI''':
 +
*''Felix'' -> ''Felici''
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*''Velox'' -> ''Veloci''
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 +
'''-NS''' changes to '''-NTI''':
 +
*''Audens'' -> ''Audenti''
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*''Prudens'' -> ''Prudenti''
  
  
 
==Latin words==
 
==Latin words==
  
There are many Latin words you're likely to see, and this can't be a complete Latin glossary, but these words are frequently used in our communities. Keeping a dictionary by the computer is a good idea. See [[Reading list for lingua Latina]] for suggestions on Latin dictionaries. See [[Online resources for learning Latin]] for online dictionaries.
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There are many Latin words you're likely to see and are frequently used in our communities. This can't be a complete Latin glossary, so keeping a dictionary by the computer is a good idea. See [[Reading list for lingua Latina]] for suggestions on Latin dictionaries. See [[Online resources for Latin]] for online dictionaries. Study our articles about [[Latin grammar]], [[declension]]s and [[Latin language]], visit our short [[Latin phrasebook]].
  
 
* "''Gens''" means "clan" (plural "''gentes''").
 
* "''Gens''" means "clan" (plural "''gentes''").
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* "''Edictum''" means "edict" (plural "''edicta''")
 
* "''Edictum''" means "edict" (plural "''edicta''")
  
The names of magistracies are usually in Latin. Sometimes the singular form seems familiar but the plural is not what would be expected in English. You could use these forms when writing to the office holders.
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The names of '''[[Magistracies (Nova Roma)|magistracies]]''' are usually in [[Latin]]. Sometimes the singular form seems familiar but the plural is not what would be expected in English. To learn more about '''Latin plurals''', read [[Nominative|this article]]. 
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You could use these forms when writing to the office holders.
  
 
{| border="1"
 
{| border="1"
!width="25%"|Nominative singular
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!width="25%"|[[Nominative]] singular
!width="25%"|Dative singular
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!width="25%"|[[Dative]] singular
!width="25%"|Nominative plural
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!width="25%"|[[Nominative]] plural
!width="25%"|Dative plural
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!width="25%"|[[Dative]] plural
  
 
|-
 
|-
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|}
 
|}
  
'''Example''': Marcus Tullius Cicero would start a letter to the Censores thus: ''M. Tullius Cicero Censoribus S.P.D.''
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'''Example''': Marcus Tullius Cicero would start a letter to the ''censores'' thus: ''M. Tullius Cicero censoribus S.P.D.''
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 +
 
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===Computer Terms===
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 +
{|border="1" cellpadding="2" style="background:#ffffff"
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|-
 +
 
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!English
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!Latin
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 +
|-
 +
| website
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| ''situs interretialis''
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|-
 +
| computer
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|''computator''
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|-
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| e-mail
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|''epistula electronica''
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|-
 +
| sound file
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|''scapus sonorus''
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|-
 +
| list
 +
|''index''
 +
|-
 +
| download
 +
|''onerare''
 +
 
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
 
  
  
  
  
[[Category: Lingua Latina]]
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[[Category:Latin language]]

Latest revision as of 19:27, 10 March 2022

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Latin grammar

Introduction
The Latin language
The Latin sentence
The four conjugations
The five declensions


Nominative - Accusative - Genitive - Dative - Ablative


Vocative - Locative


Latin phrasebook
Latin for e-mail
Latin jokes
Reading list
Online resources


All articles about Latin


Contents

Introduction

In keeping with mos maiorum we, the citizens of Nova Roma, seek to use as much Latin in our various communications as possible. Being a global community, we will often use e-mail or mailing lists to communicate with each other.

This page is a guide for new citizens and beginners, to aid you along your path to Romanitas. Below is a basic framework for using Latin throughout various written communication mediums to help you better assimilate and become a true Roman!

Latin Layout

To aid you in understanding how Latin changes the format of a letter, we will use the example of Agricola, writing a letter (or e-mail) to Cordus.


A typical letter in English looks like this: Latin style changes the format slightly: A similar letter all in Latin looks like this:
Dear Cordus,

Keep practicing your Latin.

Sincerely, Agricola

Agricola sends greetings to Cordus,

Keep practicing your Latin.

Take care!

Agricola Cordo sal.

Latine semper exerceas.

Vale!


The big difference is that the sender's name goes at the top of the letter, not at the bottom. It is still acceptable to follow the familiar conventions and also include the sender's name on the bottom, but the way shown above is more "authentic".

Of course, just like in English, there are several ways to write a letter or message to someone - some formal and others less so. Read on below to explore various Latin methods, starting with more colloquial, less formal approaches.

Initial Greetings

The words and phrases that Latin uses usually have meanings of "sends a greeting" or "be well!". Several Latin phrases and examples have been prepared below which you can use depending on the circumstance or context of your letter, e-mail or message.


Hello!

This greeting uses a Latin verb that means "to be well".

  • If you are writing to exactly one person, use "Salve!" (the imperative singular).
  • If you are writing to more than one person, use "Salvete!" (the imperative plural).

(Grammar note: "Imperative" means the form of the verb that gives a command. You are making a command that your reader(s) be well! Very Roman of you.)


Hello Cordus!

Main article: Vocative

When we address someone directly by name, we use the form of the name called the "vocative". Here are the basic rules for making a vocative:

  • If a name ends in "-ius", then the vocative ends in "-i". For example, "Tullius" becomes "Tulli".
  • If a name ends in "-us", then the vocative ends in "-e". For example, "Marcus" becomes "Marce".
  • All other names do not change at all. Examples include: "Felix" stays "Felix", "Fabia" stays "Fabia", and so on.

It is the general convention that you address someone by their cognomen (the last part of the name). Women were often called by their nomen (middle name) alone.

Here are some more examples:

  • To say hello to Marcus Lucretius Agricola you would write "Salve, Agricola!".
  • To say hello to Aulus Apollonius Cordus you would write "Salve, Corde!".
  • To say hello to Gaius Equitius Cato you would write "Salve, Cato!".

Roman tradition dictates that you should never refer to someone by their praenomen (first name). The use of the praenomen was reserved for among family members or very close friends and they were never used in a public forum. Examples of the use of praenomen in this situation would look like:

  • "Salve, Marce!"
  • "Salve, Aule!"
  • "Salve, Gai!"

It is recommended you read more on how to address fellow citizens in our article on using Roman names.


Hello Everyone!

You need to use plurals: "Salvete omnes!"

(Grammar note: "Salvete!" is the plural of "Salve!" and "omnes" is the plural of "omnis", meaning "all" or "every".)


Agricola sends greetings to Cordus

Main article: Dative

The hard part here is how to write "to Cordus". In Latin, we do not use a word for "to" in this context. Instead, we change the end of the name in a way that denotes that they are receiving the greeting.

This form of the name, or any noun, is called the "dative case".) Here are some basic rules how to make the dative:

  • Names ending in -us: Lentul-us -> Lentul-o
  • Names ending in -a: Tulli-a -> Tulli-ae
  • Names ending in -o: Cat-o -> Cato-oni

Here are some full names in the dative case for example:

  • Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus -> Gnaeo Cornelio Lentulo
  • Aula Tullia Scholastica -> Aulae Tulliae Scholasticae
  • Gaius Equitius Cato -> Gaio Equitio Catoni

There are some names that don't fit these patterns. You will have to learn more Latin to grasp the unusual cases. Or you can simply ask the Roman in question; they'll know.

"Sends greetings" is a simple phrase "salutem dicit" but the Romans nearly always abbreviated it as "s. d." or "sal." See Example 2 below for a sample.

On a mailing list you might say hello to everyone, as we show below in Example 3.

(Grammar note: "omnibus" means "to everyone". )

(Grammar note: In this example, "valete" is plural because "Omnibus" is plural. Agricola sent greetings to "all" and so said goodbye in the plural.)


Agricola sends greetings to Cordus and Everyone

If you want to send to, or reply to a message by, one person, but you also want to greet everyone else who is reading, you could write it like Example 4.

(Grammar note: In this example, the "-que" on the end of "omnibusque" means "and".)


Agricola sends many greetings to Cordus

"Salutem plurimam dicit", means "says many greetings". You can write it out, but "S.P.D." is a common acronym. Example: "Agricola Cordo S.P.D."


I really hope you're well

"Si vales, bene est, ego valeo" literally means "If you are sound, that is well; I'm sound". The common usage of this phrase is in the abbreviated form, "S.V.B.E.E.V." You can write this in addition to saying hello: “Agricola Cordo S.P.D. S.V.B.E.E.V.


Closing salutations

Latin has its own customs for closing a letter or message. Below are the most common ones you will encounter that you can use.


Goodbye!

If you start with "Salve!" or "Salvete!" you can end with "Vale!" or "Valete!". The meaning is still "be well!" Can you see which is singular and which is plural?

Example 1 is a friendly, informal letter from M. Lucretius Agricola to A. Apollonius Cordus.

  • To say "be very well" you could use "Bene vale!".
  • To say "be most well" you could use "Optime vale!".

(Grammar note: "bene" and "optime" are adverbs.)

A more elegant and formal way to say goodbye is to use the expression "Cura, ut valeas!" which means "Take care that you be well." In plural it will become "Curate, ut valeatis!".


May the gods keep you safe

This is a nice way to end a formal letter, instead of the simple "Vale!" or "Valete!" "Di te incolumem custodiant!" is singular and "Di vos incolumes custodiant!" is plural. It means "may the Gods guard your safety".


Examples

Example 1
Simple Hello and Goodbye.
Example 2
Hello and Goodbye, Roman style.
Example 3
Hello to Everyone.
Example 4
Hello to one person and everyone.
Salve Corde!

Blah blah blah

Vale! Agricola

Agricola Cordo sal.

Blah blah blah.

Vale!

Agricola omnibus sal.

Blah blah blah.

Valete!

Agricola Cordo omnibusque sal.

Blah blah blah.

Valete!


More Examples

An example The same example with everything spelled out.
Agricola Cordo S.P.D.

S.V.B.E.E.V.

I see that a new legio was just created. I'm not sure how many legiones Nova Roma has now... do you know?

Di te incolumem custodiant!


Agricola Cordo salutem plurimam dicit.

Si vales, bene est, ego valeo.

I see that a new legio was just created. I'm not sure how many legiones Nova Roma has now... do you know?

Cura, ut valeas!


An example with everything spelled out and in the plural.
M. Lucretius Agricola omnibus salutem plurimam dicit.

Si valetis, bene est, ego valeo.

I hope all New Romans will learn about Academia Thules and Sodalitas Latinitatis, two excellent places to learn more Latin. You can learn more about them on the Nova Roma website at www.novaroma.org/nr/Main_Page .

Di vos incolumes custodiant!


Difficult names

Finally, here are a few of those troublesome names with difficult datives:

-R changes to -RI:

  • Astur -> Asturi
  • Caesar -> Caesari

-O changes to -ONI:

  • Cato -> Catoni
  • Cicero -> Ciceroni

-X changes to -CI:

  • Felix -> Felici
  • Velox -> Veloci

-NS changes to -NTI:

  • Audens -> Audenti
  • Prudens -> Prudenti


Latin words

There are many Latin words you're likely to see and are frequently used in our communities. This can't be a complete Latin glossary, so keeping a dictionary by the computer is a good idea. See Reading list for lingua Latina for suggestions on Latin dictionaries. See Online resources for Latin for online dictionaries. Study our articles about Latin grammar, declensions and Latin language, visit our short Latin phrasebook.

  • "Gens" means "clan" (plural "gentes").
  • "Legio" means "legion" (plural "legiones") (as in "Roman Legion"; soldiers).
  • "Civis" means "citizen" (plural "cives")
  • "Lex" means "law" (plural "leges")
  • "Edictum" means "edict" (plural "edicta")


The names of magistracies are usually in Latin. Sometimes the singular form seems familiar but the plural is not what would be expected in English. To learn more about Latin plurals, read this article.

You could use these forms when writing to the office holders.

Nominative singular Dative singular Nominative plural Dative plural
Consul Consuli Consules Consulibus
Censor Censori Censores Censoribus
Quaestor Quaestori Quaestores Quaestoribus
Praetor Praetori Praetores Praetoribus

Example: Marcus Tullius Cicero would start a letter to the censores thus: M. Tullius Cicero censoribus S.P.D.


Computer Terms

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computer computator
e-mail epistula electronica
sound file scapus sonorus
list index
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