Latin time expressions are a crucial aspect of the language, reflecting Roman cultural perspectives on chronology and daily life. Mastering these concepts enhances comprehension of Latin literature and historical documents, allowing for accurate interpretation of temporal information.
From cardinal and ordinal numbers to days of the week and months, Latin offers a sophisticated system for expressing time. Understanding these expressions is essential for reading historical accounts, discussing daily routines, and conveying complex temporal relationships Latin composition.
Time expressions in Latin
Latin employs a sophisticated system for expressing time, crucial for understanding historical texts and inscriptions
Time expressions in Latin reflect the Roman cultural perspective on chronology and daily life
Mastering these concepts enhances comprehension of Latin literature and historical documents
Cardinal numbers for time
Top images from around the web for Cardinal numbers for time
Subinde (frequently), nonnumquam (occasionally), perpetuo (constantly)
Adverbs of sequence
Primum (firstly), deinde (then, next), postremo (finally)
Antea (before), postea (afterwards), interim (meanwhile)
Mox (soon), statim (immediately), repente (suddenly)
Denique (at last), tandem (at length), demum (not until)
Time in indirect discourse
Indirect discourse in Latin requires careful attention to tense relationships
Understanding these shifts is crucial for accurately reporting speech or thoughts in Latin
Mastery of time in indirect discourse enhances ability to convey complex narratives and historical accounts
Sequence of tenses
Main verb in primary tense (present, future) shifts subordinate verbs to primary sequence
Main verb in secondary tense (imperfect, perfect, pluperfect) shifts subordinate verbs to secondary sequence
Present tense in direct speech becomes imperfect subjunctive in indirect discourse
Perfect tense in direct speech becomes pluperfect subjunctive in indirect discourse
Shifting time references
Nunc (now) in direct speech becomes or eo tempore (then, at that time) in indirect discourse
Hodie (today) shifts to eo die (on that day)
Heri (yesterday) becomes pridie (the day before)
Cras (tomorrow) changes to postridie (the next day)
Personal pronouns shift to reflect the speaker's perspective (ego becomes se or eum/eam)
Key Terms to Review (60)
Ab urbe condita: The term 'ab urbe condita' translates to 'from the founding of the city' and refers specifically to the traditional date of the founding of Rome in 753 BCE. This expression serves as a chronological reference point in ancient Roman history, marking events in relation to the establishment of Rome itself, thus framing Roman historical narratives and time expressions.
Ad: The term 'ad' is a preposition in Latin that generally means 'to' or 'toward.' It plays a crucial role in indicating direction or purpose, which is essential for understanding how it interacts with different cases, particularly the accusative and ablative. As a preposition, it helps to define relationships between nouns and actions, making it vital for constructing meaningful sentences.
Ad tempus: The term 'ad tempus' translates to 'for the time' in English and refers to expressions that indicate specific time frames or durations in Latin. This phrase is often used to describe actions or events that are time-bound, providing context and clarity in understanding the timing of various activities. In the study of Latin, grasping this term helps to connect grammatical structures with their temporal meanings.
Ante bellum: Ante bellum is a Latin phrase that translates to 'before the war,' often used to describe the period before a conflict, particularly in reference to the American Civil War. This term highlights not just the time frame, but also the social, economic, and political conditions leading up to a significant event. Understanding this term involves recognizing its implications on societal changes and cultural dynamics during the pre-war era.
Ante diem tertium kalendas apriles: The phrase 'ante diem tertium kalendas apriles' translates to 'the third day before the Kalends of April' in English. This expression is a specific way of indicating a date in the Roman calendar system, where the Kalends (or the first day) of each month is a key reference point. It utilizes ordinal numbers to denote the position of a day relative to the Kalends, showcasing how the Romans measured time with precision.
Ante meridiem: Ante meridiem is a Latin term that translates to 'before midday' and is commonly abbreviated as 'a.m.' This term is essential for expressing time, specifically indicating the hours from midnight to noon. Understanding ante meridiem is crucial when discussing schedules, events, or daily routines, as it helps distinguish between morning and afternoon timings, thus preventing confusion in communication about time.
Aprilis: Aprilis is the Latin term for the month of April, which is the fourth month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. This month is associated with the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizing renewal and growth. In Latin culture, Aprilis is often linked to various festivals and events that celebrate the transition from winter to warmer weather.
Bis: 'Bis' is a Latin term meaning 'twice' or 'two times', commonly used to express the idea of repetition or duplication in various contexts, especially in time expressions. This word can indicate that an action or event occurs on two separate occasions or can emphasize the frequency of a particular time frame. Understanding 'bis' can help in grasping how Latin structures convey repeated actions and timing nuances.
Citius: 'Citius' is a comparative form of the Latin adjective 'citus,' which means 'swift' or 'quick.' In the context of time expressions, it highlights comparisons between the speed of actions or events. This term often serves to express a sense of urgency or efficiency in a temporal context, allowing for a nuanced understanding of how quickly one event occurs in relation to another.
Cum: The term 'cum' is a Latin preposition meaning 'with' and is commonly used with the ablative case. It expresses accompaniment, association, or the idea of being together with someone or something. Additionally, 'cum' can also appear in phrases that denote time, linking it to specific expressions that indicate when an action occurs.
Cum venisset: The phrase 'cum venisset' translates to 'when he/she/it had come' and is an example of a temporal clause in Latin, often used to indicate the timing of an action in relation to another. It is constructed using 'cum' meaning 'when', combined with the perfect subjunctive form of the verb 'venire', which means 'to come'. This phrase highlights the aspect of time and is important for understanding complex sentence structures in Latin, especially in expressing actions that occur sequentially.
Cum venit: The Latin phrase 'cum venit' translates to 'when he/she/it comes' and serves as a temporal expression that indicates the timing of an action. This phrase is pivotal in understanding how Latin constructs time-related sentences, linking actions to specific moments or conditions. The use of 'cum' as a conjunction introduces subordinate clauses that express time, making it essential for conveying sequences in narratives or descriptions.
Decem: Decem is the Latin word for 'ten'. It plays a significant role in numerical expressions and is the base for various Latin derivatives related to counting and time. Understanding decem helps in comprehending larger numbers in Latin, as it connects to multiples and related terms that extend beyond just the number itself, influencing how we approach counting in this ancient language.
Die vicesimo quinto decembris anno bis millesimo vicesimo tertio: This Latin phrase translates to 'on the twenty-fifth of December in the year two thousand and twenty-three.' It reflects how dates are expressed in Latin, which involves a specific structure for indicating the day, month, and year. Understanding this phrase is crucial for grasping how time is referenced in historical texts and Latin literature.
Dies iovis: Dies iovis translates to 'day of Jupiter' in Latin and refers to Thursday in the Roman calendar. It highlights the significance of Jupiter, the king of the gods in Roman mythology, connecting the day to themes of authority and power. Understanding dies iovis gives insight into how the ancient Romans structured their week around deities and celestial influences, reflecting cultural values and practices.
Dies lunae: The term 'dies lunae' translates to 'day of the moon' in English, referring specifically to Monday in Latin. This phrase illustrates the connection between celestial bodies and the days of the week, showcasing how ancient cultures assigned specific days to particular gods or celestial entities, reflecting their influence on daily life and activities.
Dies martis: Dies martis translates to 'day of Mars' in Latin and refers specifically to Tuesday. In Roman culture, each day of the week was associated with a particular deity, and Mars, the god of war, was linked to Tuesday. Understanding dies martis is essential as it highlights how the Romans structured their calendar around both celestial bodies and deities, reflecting their values and beliefs.
Dies mercurii: Dies mercurii is a Latin term that translates to 'Wednesday' in English. This term is derived from the Roman calendar, where each day of the week was named after a planet and its associated god or goddess, with Wednesday being dedicated to Mercury, the Roman god of communication and travel. Understanding this term provides insight into how the ancient Romans conceptualized time and assigned significance to the days of the week.
Dies saturni: Dies saturni translates to 'day of Saturn' in Latin, referring specifically to Saturday. In Roman culture, this day was dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture, wealth, and time. The connection to time expressions is significant because it highlights how the Romans structured their week around their religious and agricultural beliefs, influencing modern naming conventions for the days of the week.
Dies solis: Dies solis is the Latin term for 'day of the sun,' which refers to Sunday in the context of Roman time expressions. This term connects to the broader system of timekeeping and naming conventions used by the Romans, where each day of the week was dedicated to a celestial body or deity. Understanding dies solis helps in grasping how Romans structured their calendar and their cultural practices surrounding different days.
Dies veneris: Dies veneris translates to 'day of Venus' in Latin and refers to Friday, named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty, Venus. This term connects to time expressions as it helps designate specific days of the week, linking cultural significance with calendrical organization in ancient Rome.
Dum loquimur: Dum loquimur is a Latin phrase that translates to 'while we speak' in English. It denotes an action occurring simultaneously with the act of speaking, often emphasizing the continuity of communication or thought. This phrase can serve as a temporal marker, helping to establish the timeframe in which an event is happening relative to the conversation.
Duo: Duo is a Latin term meaning 'two', representing a cardinal number. As a fundamental numerical term, it is often used in counting and quantifying objects, and it has significant relevance in various expressions of time. Its usage can also be seen in other contexts, such as in phrases indicating pairs or duality.
Duodecima hora: The term 'duodecima hora' translates to 'the twelfth hour' in English and refers to a specific time expression in Latin. In ancient Roman timekeeping, the day was divided into 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night, meaning the twelfth hour typically marked the end of the daylight period, often corresponding to sunset. This concept connects to various time-related expressions and cultural practices in ancient Rome.
Exspecta dum veniat: The phrase 'exspecta dum veniat' translates to 'wait until he comes' in English. This term highlights the use of time expressions in Latin, specifically focusing on the action of waiting that is conditioned by the arrival of another person. The construction involves a command to wait and suggests a specific timeframe that is contingent upon the arrival mentioned, thereby illustrating how time and expectation are intertwined in Latin expressions.
Februarius: Februarius is the Latin term for the month of February, which was named after the Roman festival of purification called Februa. This month is significant as it represents the end of winter and the approach of spring, playing a key role in the Roman calendar system.
Iam: 'Iam' is a Latin adverb that translates to 'now' or 'already' in English. It is commonly used to indicate the present moment or to signal that something has already occurred, often emphasizing immediacy or a shift in time. The use of 'iam' can help clarify the timing of actions in relation to one another, making it an important term in expressing time-related concepts in Latin sentences.
Ianuarius: Ianuarius is the Latin term for January, the first month of the year in the Roman calendar. This month was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, and endings, which reflects its significance as a time for new beginnings and resolutions. The connection to Janus highlights themes of reflection on the past and anticipation for the future, which are central to how we think about time at the start of a new year.
In: The term 'in' is a preposition in Latin that generally indicates location or position, often translating to 'in,' 'on,' or 'at' in English. It can also express a state of being or time, linking nouns to their context, which is crucial when discussing syllables, stress patterns, and the functions of different cases. Its use with specific grammatical structures enhances the meaning of sentences, particularly when it comes to expressing spatial relationships and temporal contexts.
In bello: In bello is a Latin phrase that translates to 'in war' or 'in battle,' referring specifically to the conduct and regulations governing actions taken during warfare. This term is essential in discussions about the laws of war, which dictate how combatants must behave and the moral considerations that apply in conflict situations. The principles surrounding in bello are crucial for understanding not only military ethics but also the legal frameworks that seek to protect both combatants and non-combatants during armed conflicts.
In tempore: The phrase 'in tempore' translates to 'in time' and is used to indicate a specific moment or period in time. This term plays a crucial role in Latin expressions of time, often highlighting the urgency or importance of an action occurring within a certain timeframe.
Inter cenam: The phrase 'inter cenam' translates to 'during dinner' in English, referring to a specific time expression used to indicate an action or event occurring at the time of dinner. This term is commonly found in Latin literature and conversation, helping to establish the timeframe within narratives or dialogue. It highlights how certain activities were intertwined with daily routines, showcasing the importance of meal times in Roman culture.
Iunius: Iunius is the Latin term for the month of June, which is the sixth month of the year in the Julian calendar. The name is derived from the Roman goddess Juno, who was associated with marriage and childbirth. Understanding the context of 'iunius' is important for grasping time expressions, as it helps in relating specific dates and events to Roman culture and society.
Maius: Maius is the Latin word for 'greater' or 'larger', and it is the comparative form of the adjective 'magnus', which means 'great'. In the context of time expressions, it is often used to compare quantities of time or denote a sense of magnitude in events occurring at different times. Understanding 'maius' helps in forming comparisons and establishing relationships between different temporal contexts.
Mane: The term 'mane' refers to the Latin word meaning 'in the morning.' It is commonly used in various contexts to indicate the time of day and is significant in understanding how Latin expresses time-related concepts. This word can also play a role in forming adverbs, as it helps describe actions occurring specifically in the morning.
Martius: Martius is the Latin term for the month of March, named after Mars, the Roman god of war. This month marked the beginning of the military campaign season and was associated with various agricultural activities as well. Understanding martius is essential for grasping how Romans viewed time and the seasonal cycles that influenced their daily lives, particularly in relation to warfare and farming.
Nunc: Nunc is a Latin adverb meaning 'now,' used to indicate the present time or moment. This term serves as a crucial component in expressing immediacy in both speech and writing, often appearing in various contexts to convey that something is happening at this very moment. It can also function within temporal expressions, making it an essential word for understanding how time is articulated in Latin.
Per aestatem: The phrase 'per aestatem' translates to 'through the summer' in English and is commonly used to express time duration or a period within the summer season. This term is essential for understanding how time is indicated in Latin, particularly when describing ongoing actions or events that take place during this specific season. It connects to the broader concept of time expressions, highlighting the significance of seasonal references in Latin literature and communication.
Post cenam: The phrase 'post cenam' translates to 'after dinner' in English and is used in Latin to refer to the time that follows the evening meal. This term is important for understanding how Romans structured their daily activities and the significance they placed on meal times in their social and cultural practices.
Post meridiem: Post meridiem, often abbreviated as PM, refers to the time period that occurs after noon, specifically from 12:00 PM to 11:59 PM. This term originates from Latin, where 'post' means 'after' and 'meridiem' translates to 'midday'. The use of post meridiem is essential in expressing time in a clear manner, especially when differentiating between morning and afternoon hours.
Postridie idus martias: Postridie idus martias translates to 'on the day after the Ides of March,' referring specifically to March 16 in the Roman calendar. This date is significant because it follows the Ides of March, which is famously known as the date of Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE. The expression helps understand how Romans tracked time and organized their calendars, emphasizing the importance of notable historical events.
Pridie kalendas maias: Pridie kalendas maias is a Latin phrase meaning 'the day before the Kalends of May', which refers to April 30th in the Roman calendar. This term showcases the use of ordinal numbers to specify dates and highlights the way Romans expressed time, particularly through their unique calendar system that featured Kalends, Nones, and Ides.
Prima hora: Prima hora is a Latin term that translates to 'the first hour' in English, typically referring to the first hour of the day or morning. In historical contexts, particularly in Roman times, this expression was commonly used to indicate a specific time during the daily schedule of activities, especially in relation to daily prayers or meetings.
Primus: Primus is a Latin adjective meaning 'first.' It is commonly used to indicate the first position in a series or sequence, especially in terms of rank or order. This term plays a significant role in the construction of ordinal numbers, where it denotes the first in various contexts such as lists, ranks, or sequences, and also appears in time expressions where it signifies the first occurrence or point in time.
Quoque die: The term 'quoque die' translates to 'each day' or 'every day' in English, indicating a repetitive time expression that emphasizes the occurrence of an action or event on a daily basis. This phrase is often used in Latin texts to convey habitual actions and can provide insight into the frequency with which certain activities were performed in historical contexts.
Secundus: Secundus is a Latin term meaning 'second' and is primarily used as an ordinal number. This term helps in understanding the order of items, people, or events, establishing a sequence and indicating position in relation to others. It is an important building block for forming various ordinal numbers and plays a significant role in expressing time-related sequences and events.
Semel: Semel is a Latin adverb meaning 'once' or 'one time.' This term is often used to express a singular occurrence in relation to time, emphasizing the idea of an event happening only a single time rather than repeatedly. Understanding this term is important when discussing time expressions in Latin, as it provides clarity on the frequency or rarity of an action.
Semper: Semper is a Latin adverb that means 'always.' It is used to express a continuous or habitual state of being or action. This term can convey the idea of something that occurs without interruption or that is consistently true across time, making it particularly relevant in discussions related to time expressions.
Sub noctem: The term 'sub noctem' translates to 'under night' or 'toward night' in English, indicating an expression of time that signifies an action or event occurring as evening approaches. This phrase captures the idea of twilight or the transition from day to night, often used in literature and historical texts to set a scene or describe timing.
Temporis: The term 'temporis' is the genitive singular form of the Latin noun 'tempus,' which means 'time.' It often denotes a specific point in time or duration and is crucial in forming various time expressions in Latin. Understanding 'temporis' allows for a deeper grasp of how time is referenced and discussed in classical texts, as it interacts with other grammatical elements to convey temporal relationships.
Ter: The term 'ter' is an adverb in Latin that means 'thrice' or 'three times'. It is often used to express frequency or repetition in relation to time, indicating that an action occurs three times. Understanding 'ter' can help in grasping how the Romans structured their expressions of time and frequency, particularly in literature and spoken language.
Tertio quoque anno: The phrase 'tertio quoque anno' translates to 'every third year' in English. This term expresses a recurring time interval, specifically indicating events or actions that occur every three years. Understanding this phrase is essential for grasping how time expressions function in Latin, especially in contexts where frequency and duration are emphasized.
Tertius: The term 'tertius' translates to 'third' in English and is used to denote the ordinal position in a sequence. This word is integral to understanding how Latin expresses order, especially in numerals and time-related contexts, as it provides a framework for counting and describing sequences in various aspects of life.
Tres: The term 'tres' is the Latin word for 'three,' a cardinal number that indicates a specific quantity. It is essential in both numerical expressions and practical applications like telling time, where knowing the correct form of 'tres' is necessary to accurately express times related to the number three. This understanding is crucial as it helps with counting, sequencing events, and navigating daily routines.
Triginta: The term 'triginta' is the Latin word for 'thirty'. It plays a crucial role in expressing numerical values and time-related concepts in Latin. Understanding 'triginta' is important as it helps with counting, telling time, and comprehending age-related phrases that are commonly found in both written and spoken forms of Latin.
Tunc: 'Tunc' is a Latin adverb meaning 'then' or 'at that time,' commonly used to indicate a specific point in time during a sequence of events. This term is often found in historical texts and narratives where chronological order is important, serving as a marker to clarify when certain actions took place in relation to others. Understanding 'tunc' is essential for grasping the temporal context of Latin sentences and enhancing comprehension of historical narratives.
Ubi: 'Ubi' is a Latin term meaning 'where,' commonly used as an adverb and in interrogative sentences to ask about location. It connects to various grammatical structures, such as the formation of adverbs, where it functions as a location descriptor, and interrogative pronouns, where it helps in forming questions. Additionally, it plays a significant role in time expressions, often indicating a point in time or a specific situation related to location.
Unus: The term 'unus' is a Latin word meaning 'one.' It serves as a cardinal number that is foundational for counting and numerical expressions in Latin. As the first cardinal number, it lays the groundwork for understanding quantity and order, which are crucial elements in both everyday language and more complex grammatical structures.
Vesper: Vesper is a Latin term meaning 'evening' or 'evening star,' often associated with the time of day when the sun sets. It has cultural and historical significance, appearing in various contexts such as literature, poetry, and religious practices. The term also relates to specific evening rituals and expressions of time, reflecting how people marked the transition from day to night.
Viginti: Viginti is the Latin word for 'twenty', and it holds significance in understanding numerical expressions in Latin. It not only represents a specific quantity but also serves as a building block for larger numbers in Latin, demonstrating how numbers are constructed and articulated within the language. Understanding viginti is essential for grasping the broader system of counting and time expressions in Latin.