Latin phrases about warfare.

Roman Military: Phrases and Equipment

Altar of Domitius Ahenobarbus, Louvre

Common Latin Phrases Related to War

These Latin phrases, often used in the context of war, have endured through history and are part of modern lexicons.

• Veni, vidi, viciFamously attributed to Julius Caesar after his victory at Zela. - "I came, I saw, I conquered"
• Si vis pacem, para bellumA maxim emphasizing preparedness for conflict to maintain peace. - "If you want peace, prepare for war"
• Dulce et decorum est pro patria moriFrom Horace, often used to glorify sacrifice for one's country. - "It is sweet and honorable to die for one's country"
• Alea iacta estSaid by Caesar when crossing the Rubicon, signifying a point of no return. - "The die is cast"
• Aut viam inveniam aut faciamReflects determination to overcome obstacles. - "I will either find a way or make one"
• Per aspera ad astraSymbolizes achieving greatness through struggle. - "Through hardships to the stars"
• In hoc signo vincesAssociated with Constantine's vision before the Battle of Milvian Bridge. - "In this sign, you will conquer"
• Morituri te salutantWords of gladiators or soldiers facing death. - "Those who are about to die salute you"
• Non ducor, ducoEmphasizes leadership and independence. - "I am not led, I lead"
• Nemo me impune lacessitMotto of the Order of the Thistle, implying retribution for harm. - "No one provokes me with impunity"

Roman Legion Equipment

These terms describe the essential gear used by Roman legionaries, critical to their success in battle.

• HastaA thrusting spear used by early Roman soldiers. - "Spear"
• PilumA javelin designed to bend upon impact, disabling enemy shields. - "Javelin"
• GaleaA protective helmet, often with cheek guards. - "Helmet"
• LoricaBody armor, such as the lorica segmentata, made of metal strips. - "Body armor"
• ScutumA large rectangular shield for defense in formation. - "Shield"
• GladiusA short sword ideal for close combat. - "Sword"
• CaligaeDurable boots designed for long marches. - "Military boots"
• PugioA small dagger used as a backup weapon. - "Dagger"
• BalteusA belt used to carry weapons and gear. - "Belt"
• FascinaBundles of sticks used for fortifications. - "Bundle of sticks"

Pila (plural of pilum)

The hasta and pilum were primary weapons, while the galea and lorica offered protection. The scutum provided additional defense, and the gladius was used in close combat.

Gladius

The caligae were sturdy boots for marching, the pugio served as a backup weapon, the balteus held equipment, and the fascina was used for fortifications.

The Hastati

The Hastati were young, less experienced infantry in the Roman Republican army, forming the first line of the triplex acies formation, alongside the Principes and Triarii. They were equipped with a hasta (spear) and gladius (sword).

Hastati

Named after the hasta, their primary weapon, the Hastati were initially wealthy citizens who supplied their own gear. Later, the state provided equipment as the army grew. In battle, they charged first with spears, switching to swords if needed. If they failed to break the enemy, they retreated, allowing the Principes to advance. The Hastati were often used as a shock force to weaken the enemy before the more experienced lines took over.

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Ancient Egyptian phrases about trade

 

Ancient Egyptian slave trade

Here are some Ancient Egyptian phrases related to trade:

1. "nfrw mHw" (neferu mehu) - "good goods"

This phrase was used to describe high-quality merchandise that was desirable for trade.

2. "mAa-xrw" (maa-kheru) - "true of voice"

This phrase was used as a declaration of honesty and trustworthiness in business dealings.

3. "imy-r pr" (imy-per) - "in the house of the pharaoh"

This phrase was used to indicate that a particular item or product was of the highest quality and had the pharaoh's approval, making it valuable and desirable for trade.

4. "sDm Hr-sStA" (sedjem her-seshta) - "to establish a market"

This phrase was used to describe the process of setting up a market or bazaar for trading goods.

5. "wab nswt" (wab nesut) - "royal purveyor"

This phrase was used to describe a person or company that had been appointed by the pharaoh to supply goods for the royal court, indicating their high level of skill and reputation in trade.

Slave trade

It's important to note that slavery was a common practice in ancient Egypt, and it was not considered immoral or unethical at the time. However, there are no recorded phrases specifically about the slave trade in ancient Egyptian texts. 

There are, however, some texts that mention the acquisition of slaves through warfare and other means. For example, the "Tale of Sinuhe," an ancient Egyptian literary text, mentions the capture of slaves during a military campaign in the Levant. Similarly, inscriptions on the walls of temples and tombs often depict scenes of conquered peoples being brought before the pharaoh as tribute, which sometimes included slaves.

It's also worth noting that the ancient Egyptians had a complex system of social hierarchy, and slaves were considered at the bottom of the social ladder. However, slaves were not necessarily treated poorly, and some were even able to attain positions of power and influence in ancient Egyptian society.

As I mentioned earlier, there are no recorded phrases specifically about the slave trade in ancient Egyptian texts. However, I can provide some examples of related terms and phrases that were used in ancient Egypt:

- "Hery Shemsu" - This term translates to "followers of Horus" and was used to refer to prisoners of war who were taken as slaves.

- "Tawi" - This term was used to refer to foreign captives who were taken as slaves.

- "Shemayet" - This term was used to refer to domestic slaves who worked in households and were often acquired through purchase or as a form of payment for debts.

- "Senetjer" - This term was used to refer to a document that was used to transfer ownership of slaves from one person to another.

While these terms do not specifically refer to the slave trade, they do provide insight into the different types of slaves that were present in ancient Egyptian society and how they were acquired and managed.

Maritime trade

Ancient Egypt was a civilization highly dependent on its river, the Nile, for transportation and trade. However, they did engage in some maritime trade along the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts. Here are some phrases related to maritime trade in ancient Egypt:

- "Waret" - This term refers to a type of boat used for maritime trade. These boats were often made of cedar wood and were equipped with sails and oars.

- "The Great Green" - This was the term used by the ancient Egyptians to refer to the Mediterranean Sea, which was an important route for maritime trade.

- "Punt" - This was an ancient land located along the Red Sea coast that was known for its exotic goods. The ancient Egyptians established trade relations with Punt and sent expeditions there to acquire goods such as myrrh, frankincense, and exotic animals.

The land of Punt

 - "Khenmet" - This term refers to a type of harbor or port, and was used to describe the places where boats would dock to engage in maritime trade.

- "Kha-nedjet" - This term refers to a type of goods or cargo that was transported by boat. These goods could include grain, textiles, metals, and other commodities.

Overall, while maritime trade was not as significant to ancient Egypt as riverine trade, it did play a role in the economy and the acquisition of exotic goods from distant lands.

Riverine trade

Here are a few Ancient Egyptian phrases related to riverine trade:

1. "ḥw.t nb.w" (hetep nebu) - This phrase means "offerings of all goods" and was often used in the context of trade and commerce. It was used to express the idea of a general exchange of goods and services between different parties.

2. "ḫntjw" (khenetiu) - This term referred to the river traders who sailed up and down the Nile, transporting goods from one place to another. These traders were an important part of the Ancient Egyptian economy, as they helped to connect different regions and facilitate the exchange of goods.

3. "nfrw" (neferu) - This word is often translated as "beautiful" or "good" and was frequently used in the context of trade to describe the quality of goods being exchanged. For example, a trader might say that a particular shipment of grain or textiles was "nfrw" to indicate that it was of high quality.

4. "t3 nṯr" (taa netcher) - This phrase means "the land of the gods" and was used to refer to the southern region of Egypt, which was a major source of gold, precious stones, and other luxury goods. Traders who traveled to this region to obtain these goods would often use this phrase to describe their destination.

5. "sḫm.t" (sekhemet) - This term referred to the tax that was levied on goods transported along the Nile. The amount of the tax varied depending on the type of goods being transported and the distance traveled, but it was an important source of revenue for the Ancient Egyptian government.

Read also

The River Nile in Ancient Egyptian 

Back to Ancient Egyptian core phrases.

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About foreign languages (Russian podcast)

Про иностранные языки.

About foreign languages.

 

Недавно ехала на автобусе и оказалась в окружении стайки молодежи, лет 16ти-17ти.

Вероятно, все они учатся в языковой школе: за моей спиной несколько человек болтали по-французски, а справа говорили на немецком, периодически в моменты избытка эмоций переходя на английский.

Recently I was riding the bus and found myself surrounded by a flock of young people, about 16-17 years old.

Probably all of them are in a language school: behind me several people were talking in French, and on my right they were talking in German, occasionally switching to English in moments of excessive emotion.

Получалось так естественно, что сначала подумала - а не билингвы ли они… но где ж взять в нашей деревеньке одновременно столько европоязычных билингв 🧐

И вот решила спросить, как обстоит дело с языками у вас? Нужны ли вам лично иностранные языки, пользуетесь ли?

It came out so naturally, that at first I thought - whether they are not bilinguals ... but where to get in our village at the same time so many European-speaking bilinguals 🧐

So I thought I'd ask, what's the situation with languages in your country? Do you personally need and use foreign languages?

Part 1 

Transliteration: Nedavno ekhala na avtobuse i okazalas' v okruzhenii staiki molodezhi, let 16ti-17ti.

Translation: Recently, I was riding on a bus and found myself surrounded by a group of teenagers, around 16-17 years old.

Vocabulary:

- Недавно (nedavno) - recently

- Ехала (ekhala) - was riding

- На (na) - on

- Автобусе (avtobuse) - bus

- И (i) - and

- Оказалась (okazalas') - found myself

- В (v) - in

- Окружении (okruzhenii) - surrounded by

- Стайки (staiki) - group (slang)

- Молодежи (molodezhi) - teenagers/youth

- Лет (let) - years

- 16ти-17ти (16ti-17ti) - 16-17 (years old)

- Вероятно (veroyatno) - probably

- Все (vse) - all

- Они (oni) - they

- Учатся (uchatsya) - are studying

- В (v) - in

- Языковой (yazykovoy) - language

- Школе (shkole) - school

- За (za) - behind

- Моей (moyey) - my

- Спиной (spinoy) - back

- Несколько (neskol'ko) - several

- Человек (chelovek) - people

- Болтали (boltali) - were chatting/talking (slang)

- По-французски (po-frantsuzski) - in French

- А (a) - and

- Справа (sprava) - to the right

- Говорили (govorili) - were speaking/talking

- На (na) - in/on

- Немецком (nemetskom) - German

- Периодически (periodicheski) - periodically

- В (v) - in

- Моменты (momenty) - moments

- Избытка (izbytka) - excess

- Эмоций (emotsiy) - emotions

- Переходя (perehodya) - switching

- На (na) - to

- Английский (angliyskiy) - English

Part 2

Transliteration: Poluchalos' tak estestvenno, chto snachala podumala - a ne bilingvy li oni… no gde zh vzat' v nashey dereven'ke odnovremennо stol'ko evropoyazychnykh bilingv 🧐

I vot reshila sprosit', kak obstoit delo s yazykami u vas? Nuzhny li vam lichno inostrannye yazyki, pol'zuetes' li?

Translation: It seemed so natural that at first I thought - are they bilinguals... but where in our village can you find so many European-speaking bilinguals 🧐

So, I decided to ask, what is the situation with languages for you? Do you personally need foreign languages, do you use them?

Vocabulary:

- Получалось (poluchalos') - it turned out

- Так (tak) - so

- Естественно (estestvenno) - naturally

- Что (chto) - that

- Сначала (snachala) - at first

- Подумала (podumala) - thought

- А (a) - but

- Не (ne) - not

- Билингвы (bilingvy) - bilinguals

- Ли (li) - whether

- Они (oni) - they

- Но (no) - but

- Где (gde) - where

- Ж (zh) - particle indicating emphasis

- Взять (vzyat') - to find/to take

- В (v) - in

- Нашей (nashey) - our

- Деревеньке (dereven'ke) - village (diminutive)

- Одновременно (odnovremennо) - at the same time

- Столько (stol'ko) - so many

- Европоязычных (evropoyazychnykh) - European-speaking

- Решила (reshila) - decided

- Спросить (sprosit') - to ask

- Как (kak) - how

- Обстоит (obstoĭt) - the situation is

- Дело (delo) - matter

- С (s) - with

- Языками (yazykami) - languages

- У (u) - for

- Вас (vas) - you (singular)

- Нужны (nuzhny) - needed

- Лично (lichno) - personally

- Иностранные (inostrannye) - foreign

- Пользуетесь (pol'zuetes') - do you use

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Eating and drinking in Ukrainian

Ukrainian Phrases for Eating and Drinking

The Ukrainian flag, symbolizing Ukrainian language and culture.

Ordering Food

Ви будете замовляти щось на обід? (Vy budete zamovlyaty shchos na obid?)

Translation: Would you like to order something for lunch?

Так, я би замовив борщ і чай. (Tak, ya bi zamovyv borshch i chay.)

Translation: Yes, I would like to order borscht and tea.

Vocabulary

• ви будете - you will
  Grammar: Future tense of "бути" (to be), second person plural, used here to form a polite question.
• замовляти - to order
  Grammar: Infinitive verb meaning "to order," used after "будете" to express future action.
• щось - something
  Grammar: Indefinite pronoun, accusative case, used to refer to an unspecified item.
• на обід - for lunch
  Grammar: Prepositional phrase with "на" + accusative case of "обід" (lunch) to indicate purpose/time.
• так - yes
  Grammar: Adverb used to affirm or agree.
• я би замовив - I would like to order
  Grammar: Conditional phrase with "би" (conditional particle) + "замовив" (past tense of "замовити," masculine singular).
• борщ - borscht
  Grammar: Masculine noun, accusative singular as the object of "замовив."
• чай - tea
  Grammar: Masculine noun, accusative singular as the object of "замовив."

Test Your Knowledge

What does "замовляти" mean?

Breakfast Preferences

Що ви б хотіли на сніданок? (Shcho vy b hotily na snidaniek?)

Translation: What would you like for breakfast?

Я би з'їв омлет і запив його кавою. (Ya bi z'yiv omelet i zapiv yoho kavoyu.)

Translation: I would like to have an omelet and drink coffee with it.

Vocabulary

• що - what
  Grammar: Interrogative pronoun, accusative case, used to ask about an object or choice.
• ви б хотіли - you would like
  Grammar: Conditional phrase with "б" (conditional particle) + "хотіли" (past tense of "хотіти," second person plural).
• на сніданок - for breakfast
  Grammar: Prepositional phrase with "на" + accusative case of "сніданок" (breakfast) to indicate purpose/time.
• я би з'їв - I would eat
  Grammar: Conditional phrase with "би" + "з'їв" (past tense of "з'їсти," masculine singular, meaning "to eat").
• омлет - omelet
  Grammar: Masculine noun, accusative singular as the object of "з'їв."
• запив - drank (with)
  Grammar: Past tense of "запити" (to drink with), masculine singular, used to indicate drinking to accompany food.
• його - it
  Grammar: Masculine accusative pronoun referring to "омлет" (omelet).
• каввою - coffee
  Grammar: Feminine noun "кава" in instrumental case, used with "запив" to indicate the means of drinking.

Test Your Knowledge

What does "сніданок" mean?

Trying Dishes

Давайте спробуємо цю страву. (Davayte sprobuyemo tsyu stravu.)

Translation: Let's try this dish.

Як вона смакує? (Yak vona smakuye?)

Translation: How does it taste?

Дуже смачно! (Duzhe smachno!)

Translation: Very tasty!

Vocabulary

• давайте - let's
  Grammar: Imperative form of "давати" (to give), used to suggest a collective action.
• спробуємо - we will try
  Grammar: Future tense of "спробувати" (to try), first person plural.
• цю страву - this dish
  Grammar: "Цю" (this) is a feminine accusative pronoun agreeing with "страву" (dish, accusative singular).
• як - how
  Grammar: Interrogative adverb used to inquire about manner or quality.
• вона - it/she
  Grammar: Feminine nominative pronoun referring to "страва" (dish).
• смакує - tastes
  Grammar: Present tense of "смакувати" (to taste good), third person singular.
• дуже - very
  Grammar: Adverb intensifying an adjective or adverb.
• смачно - tasty
  Grammar: Adverb describing the taste of food, derived from "смачний" (tasty).

Test Your Knowledge

What does "смачно" mean?

General Food Vocabulary

Я голодний, хочу їсти. (Ya holodnyy, khochu yisty.)

Translation: I am hungry, I want to eat.

Я спраглий, хочу пити. (Ya sprahlyy, khochu pyty.)

Translation: I am thirsty, I want to drink.

Vocabulary

• їсти - to eat
  Grammar: Infinitive verb used to express the action of eating.
• пити - to drink
  Grammar: Infinitive verb used to express the action of drinking.
• страва - dish
  Grammar: Feminine noun, nominative singular, referring to a prepared food item.
• келих - glass
  Grammar: Masculine noun, nominative singular, referring to a drinking glass.
• столова ложка - tablespoon
  Grammar: Feminine noun phrase, nominative singular, referring to a large spoon.
• чайна ложка - teaspoon
  Grammar: Feminine noun phrase, nominative singular, referring to a small spoon.
• гостинець - treat, delicacy
  Grammar: Masculine noun, nominative singular, referring to a special food item.
• буты голодним - to be hungry
  Grammar: Phrase with "бути" (to be) + "голодним" (hungry, instrumental case, masculine singular).
• буты спраглим - to be thirsty
  Grammar: Phrase with "бути" (to be) + "спраглим" (thirsty, instrumental case, masculine singular).
• хочу - I want
  Grammar: Present tense of "хотіти" (to want), first person singular.

Test Your Knowledge

What does "їсти" mean?

Back to Ukrainian core phrases

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Buying stuff in Ukrainian.

Buying Things in Ukrainian

A Ukrainian market scene.

Basic Shopping

Dialogue 💬: Asking About Price

A: Добрий день! Скільки коштує це?

B: Це коштує 200 гривень.

A: Дякую!

B: Будь ласка.

Translation:

A: Good day! How much does this cost?

B: It costs 200 hryvnias.

A: Thank you!

B: You’re welcome.

Vocabulary

• добрий день - good day
  Grammar: Formal greeting.
• скільки коштує - how much does it cost
  Grammar: Question phrase.
• гривень - hryvnias
  Grammar: Feminine plural noun (currency).
• дякую - thank you
  Grammar: Polite expression.
• будь ласка - you’re welcome
  Grammar: Polite response.

Dialogue 💬: General Inquiry

A: Добрий день! Що вас цікавить?

B: Я шукаю подарунок. У вас є щось особливе?

A: Так, у нас є сувеніри. Ось кілька варіантів.

B: Дякую, я подивлюся.

Translation:

A: Good day! What are you interested in?

B: I’m looking for a gift. Do you have something special?

A: Yes, we have souvenirs. Here are a few options.

B: Thank you, I’ll take a look.

Vocabulary

• цікавить - interests
  Grammar: Verb "цікавити," third person singular.
• подарунок - gift
  Grammar: Masculine noun.
• особливе - special
  Grammar: Adjective, neuter.
• сувеніри - souvenirs
  Grammar: Masculine plural noun.
• варіанти - options
  Grammar: Masculine plural noun.

Скільки коштує це?

Translation: How much does this cost?

Дякую!

Translation: Thank you!

Що вас цікавить?

Translation: What are you interested in?

Я шукаю подарунок

Translation: I’m looking for a gift

Будь ласка

Translation: You’re welcome

Test Your Knowledge

What does "дякую" mean?

Clothing Store

Dialogue 💬: Buying a Dress

A: Добрий день! Я шукаю сукню на випускний.

B: Звичайно, ми маємо багато вибору. Який розмір вам потрібен?

A: Мені потрібен розмір М.

B: Ось, ми маємо декілька варіантів. Що ви думаєте про цю сукню?

Translation:

A: Good day! I am looking for a dress for prom.

B: Of course, we have a lot of choice. What size do you need?

A: I need a size M.

B: Here, we have a few options. What do you think about this dress?

Vocabulary

• сукню - dress
  Grammar: Feminine noun, accusative.
• випускний - prom
  Grammar: Masculine noun.
• звичайно - of course
  Grammar: Adverb.
• вибір - choice
  Grammar: Masculine noun.
• розмір - size
  Grammar: Masculine noun.
• потрібен - needed
  Grammar: Adjective, masculine.
• варіанти - options
  Grammar: Masculine plural noun.

Dialogue 💬: Asking About Colors

A: Ця сукня дуже гарна, але чи є її в іншому кольорі?

B: Так, ми маємо в чорному та червоному кольорах.

A: Дякую, я візьму червону.

B: Добре, я упакую її.

Translation:

A: This dress is very pretty, but do you have it in a different color?

B: Yes, we have it in black and red colors.

A: Thank you, I’ll take the red one.

B: Okay, I’ll pack it.

Vocabulary

• гарна - pretty
  Grammar: Adjective, feminine.
• іншому кольорі - different color
  Grammar: Noun phrase, locative case.
• чорному - black
  Grammar: Adjective, locative case.
• червоному - red
  Grammar: Adjective, locative case.
• візьму - I’ll take
  Grammar: Verb "взяти," first person singular, future.
• упакую - I’ll pack
  Grammar: Verb "упакувати," first person singular, future.

Я шукаю сукню

Translation: I am looking for a dress

Який розмір?

Translation: What size?

Розмір М

Translation: Size M

Чи є її в іншому кольорі?

Translation: Do you have it in a different color?

Червоному кольорі

Translation: Red color

Test Your Knowledge

What does "розмір" mean?

Negotiating

Dialogue 💬: Asking for a Discount

A: Скільки коштує ця сумка?

B: Вона коштує 800 гривень.

A: Чи можу я отримати знижку?

B: Добре, я можу зробити 700 гривень.

Translation:

A: How much is this bag?

B: It costs 800 hryvnias.

A: Can I get a discount?

B: Okay, I can do 700 hryvnias.

Vocabulary

• сумка - bag
  Grammar: Feminine noun.
• коштує - costs
  Grammar: Verb "коштувати," third person singular.
• знижку - discount
  Grammar: Feminine noun, accusative.
• отримати - to get
  Grammar: Verb, infinitive.
• зробити - to do/make
  Grammar: Verb, infinitive.

Dialogue 💬: Confirming Price

A: Яке ціна на цю сукню?

B: Ціна – 1500 гривень.

A: Чи можу я отримати знижку?

B: Для вас – 1300 гривень.

Translation:

A: What’s the price for this dress?

B: The price is 1500 hryvnias.

A: Can I get a discount?

B: For you – 1300 hryvnias.

Vocabulary

• ціна - price
  Grammar: Feminine noun.
• сукню - dress
  Grammar: Feminine noun, accusative.
• для вас - for you
  Grammar: Prepositional phrase.
• знижку - discount
  Grammar: Feminine noun, accusative.
• гривень - hryvnias
  Grammar: Feminine plural noun (currency).

Чи можу я отримати знижку?

Translation: Can I get a discount?

Яке ціна?

Translation: What’s the price?

Знижка

Translation: Discount

Для вас

Translation: For you

Гривень

Translation: Hryvnias

Test Your Knowledge

What does "знижка" mean?

Returns and Payment

Dialogue 💬: Returning an Item

A: Добрий день! Я хотів би повернути це.

B: Чи є у вас чек?

A: Так, ось він.

B: Добре, ми повернемо вам гроші.

Translation:

A: Good day! I would like to return this.

B: Do you have the receipt?

A: Yes, here it is.

B: Okay, we’ll refund your money.

Vocabulary

• повернути - to return
  Grammar: Verb, infinitive.
• чек - receipt
  Grammar: Masculine noun.
• гроші - money
  Grammar: Plural noun.
• повернемо - we’ll refund
  Grammar: Verb "повернути," first person plural, future.

Dialogue 💬: Paying for an Item

A: Я хотів би купити цю сукню.

B: Добре, це 1500 гривень. Готівкою чи карткою?

A: Кредитною карткою, будь ласка.

B: Ось, вставте картку сюди.

Translation:

A: I would like to buy this dress.

B: Okay, it’s 1500 hryvnias. Cash or card?

A: Credit card, please.

B: Here, insert the card here.

Vocabulary

• купити - to buy
  Grammar: Verb, infinitive.
• готівкою - cash
  Grammar: Feminine noun, instrumental case.
• карткою - card
  Grammar: Feminine noun, instrumental case.
• кредитною карткою - credit card
  Grammar: Feminine noun phrase, instrumental case.
• вставте - insert
  Grammar: Verb "вставити," imperative, polite.

Я хотів би купити це

Translation: I would like to buy this

Я хотів би повернути це

Translation: I would like to return this

Чи є у вас чек?

Translation: Do you have the receipt?

Кредитною карткою

Translation: Credit card

Готівкою чи карткою?

Translation: Cash or card?

Повернемо гроші

Translation: We’ll refund the money

Ні, дякую

Translation: No, thank you

Test Your Knowledge

What does "кредитна карта" mean?

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