etiam
[ˈɛ.ti.ãː]
The English word 'also' is translated into Latin as etiam.
etiam is used to add another piece of information or a new point to what has already been said. In Latin, rather than being placed strictly at the beginning of a clause as the English 'also' often is, etiam is frequently positioned near the specific word or phrase it is intended to emphasize.
Which one should you use?
While etiam is commonly used for 'also', it can also be translated as 'even' depending on the emphasis of the sentence. Additionally, you can use the enclitic particle -que to express 'and… also' by attaching it to the end of a word.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle -que is an enclitic, meaning it is attached to the end of the word it modifies to mean 'and' or 'and also'.
Did you know?
- The word etiam is actually a linguistic fusion of two separate words: et, meaning 'and', and iam, meaning 'now' or 'already'.
- While etiam is a standalone word, Latin has a separate 'sticky' version called -que that must be attached to the end of a word to mean 'and also'.
- The enclitic -que allows a writer to pair two words together more closely than the standard word et does.
Examples in context
- Etiam magna tuba cano.I also play the trombone.This sentence shows the use of etiam to add information about an instrument.Tatoeba #8505251 by alexmarcelo, translation #5916375 by CK
- Etiam in templum ibamus.We also went to the temple.This sentence demonstrates how etiam can be used to include more people in an action.Tatoeba #1149239 by Hans07, translation #47039 by CK
- Etiam nocte splendet sol.The sun shines also at night.This sentence illustrates how etiam can specify a new time or condition.Tatoeba #8458777 by alexmarcelo, translation #4325121 by monahxo
- Universum constat non solum ex stellis sed etiam ex innumerabilibus galaxiis.The universe consists of not only stars but also countless galaxies.
- Illa non solum pulchra sed quoque intellegens est.She is not only beautiful but also intelligent.
- Discipuli non solum Latinam sed quoque Graecam discunt.The students not only study Latin but also Greek.
- Illa non solum pianofortem pulsat sed item pulchre cantat.She not only plays the piano but also sings beautifully.
- Non solum simul ridemus sed item simul ploramus.We not only laugh together but also cry together.
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia and Marcus are discussing their travel plans.
- AureliaMarce, visne ad forum ire?Marcus, do you want to go to the forum?
- MarcusIta, et etiam ad forum libros portare volo.Yes, and I also want to carry books to the forum.
- AureliaEgo etiam tecum veniam.I will also come with you.
- MarcusOptime, mox ibimus.Great, we will go soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry etiam, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries etiam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
