et
[ˈɛt]
The English word 'and' is expressed in Latin using et. It is also spelled ac. Wiktionary also lists atque and -que.
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| et | [ˈɛt] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɛt] (narrow) |
|
| ac | [ˈak] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈak] (narrow) |
alternative form |
| atque | [ˈat.kʷɛ] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈat.kʷe] (narrow) |
|
| -que | [kʷɛ] (Classical Latin, narrow) [kʷe] (narrow) |
Used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj).
Which one should you use?
et is the standard, neutral way to say 'and' and is used for connecting words of equal weight. atque is used to add emphasis to the second item in a list, often implying 'and even' or 'and also'. ac is an alternative spelling of atque and is a conjunction used in formal Latin to connect two nouns or verbs, implying a closer relationship than 'et'. The enclitic -que is often used in poetry or formal prose to connect two closely related words or short phrases.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form -que is an enclitic, meaning it is attached to the end of the second word it connects rather than standing alone.
Did you know?
- The Latin particle -que is a distant relative of the Sanskrit word च, which also serves as a conjunction meaning 'and'.
- The enclitic -que can sometimes function as a generalising particle meaning 'any' or 'every' when attached to certain pronouns or adverbs.
- The Latin word for 'finally', dēnique, actually contains a hidden 'and' inside it through the particle -que.
Examples in context
- Ad vim atque ad arma cōnfugere.To resort to violence and to arms.This sentence shows the use of atque to connect two phrases.
- habēmus pāpam – ēminentissimum ac reverendissimum dominum[…]We have a Pope – the Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord […]This sentence shows the use of ac in a formal context.
- Tace et audi me.Stop talking and listen to me.This sentence shows the use of et to connect two commands.Tatoeba #1557718 by alexmarcelo, translation #65046 by CK
- Senatus Populusque RomanusThe Senate and the People of Rome
- Vita ac morsLife and death
- Legere ac scribereTo read and to write
- Amicus meus atque magisterMy friend and teacher
- 2823 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Claudia and Gaius are discussing their shopping list at the market.
- ClaudiaHabeō panem et vinum.I have bread and wine.
- GaiusNumquam olīvam et caseum habēmus.We never have olives and cheese.
- ClaudiaEmūmus olīvās et caseōs nunc.We are buying olives and cheeses now.
- GaiusBene, vāmus et emūmus.Good, let's go and buy them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries et, ac, atque, -que, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries -que, atque, et, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
