rogare
The English phrase 'ask' is translated into Latin as rogare.
rogare means to request information or a favor from someone. When using this verb, you typically use an accusative object for the person you are asking and an accusative object for the thing you are requesting (rogare aliquem aliquid).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form rogare is the present active infinitive, which translates to 'to ask'. To express a completed action, you can use the perfect indicative form rogavi for 'I asked' or the perfect active infinitive rogavisse to express the action of 'to have asked'.
Did you know?
- In the context of Roman law, rogare was not just a way to request information, but the specific technical term for a magistrate proposing a law. This transformed a simple verb for asking into a pillar of the legislative process.
- The word rogare is the root of the English word 'interrogate'. While rogare means 'to ask', the prefix 'inter-' suggests asking 'between' or 'among' a series of questions.
- Ancient Romans used the verb petere instead of rogare when the 'asking' was a humble plea or an ambition to win a political office.
Examples in context
- Vir sapientem interrogat: "Quomodo vitam bene peragere possum?"The man asks the wise person: "How can I lead a good life?"
- Amicus me rogavit: "Ubi es hodie?"My friend asked me: "Where are you today?"
- Te rogare volo.I want to ask you.
- Viam rogare debeo.I must ask the way.
