emō
The English verb 'buy' is translated into Latin as emō. Wiktionary also lists sūmō.
Meaning: to obtain something with money (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin |
|---|
| emō |
| sūmō |
The verb is used to describe the act of obtaining something with money.
Which one should you use?
While emō is the standard way to say 'to buy', the form sūmō is a distinct verb that means 'to take up', 'to adopt' or 'to assume'. Do not use sūmō when you intend to express the act of purchasing something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb is emere. The form emō is the first-person singular present indicative active form, which translates to 'I buy'. Other forms include the present tense emis for 'you buy' and the imperfect tense emebam for 'I used to buy'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using sūmō to mean 'to buy', as it specifically means 'to take up', 'to adopt' or 'to assume'.
Did you know?
- The English word 'redeem' comes from Latin redimere, 'to buy back', which is built on emere.
- The verb emere can also be used figuratively in Latin to mean 'to earn' or 'to win' something through effort, rather than just with coins.
- In ancient Roman commercial law, the distinction between emere and capere (to seize or take) was vital for determining if a transfer of property was a legal sale or a simple physical movement.
Examples in context
- Emis illud vestimentumYou are buying that garment.
- Emere librosTo buy books.
- Panem emō.I buy bread.
- Vinum emō in mercato.I buy wine at the market.
- Novam vestem emō.I buy a new garment.
Example conversation
Quintus and Aurelia are shopping at a market.
- QuintusQuid hīc emō?What am I buying here?
- AureliaEmīs fructūs, Quinte.You are buying fruit, Quintus.
- QuintusEt mēla emō.And I am buying apples.
- AureliaOptimē, ego quoque mēla volō.Great, I want apples too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
