caveat emptor
The English phrase 'buyer beware' is translated into Latin as caveat emptor.
This phrase expresses the principle that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality of a product before making a purchase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: caveat, which is the third-person singular present subjunctive of cavere meaning 'let him beware' or 'he may beware' and emptor, a noun meaning 'buyer' or 'purchaser'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the subjunctive mood to express a warning or a wish, which is why it is translated as 'let the buyer beware'.
Did you know?
- In modern legal contexts, the principle of caveat emptor is often countered by caveat venditor, which means 'let the seller beware'.
- The word emptor is derived from emō, which is a distant relative of the English word 'redeem', sharing a root related to buying back.
- The word caveat is used in English law as a noun referring to a formal notice that prevents a legal deed from being registered without the filer's consent.
Examples in context
- Caveat emptor.Let the buyer beware.This example shows the use of caveat emptor as a standalone warning.Tatoeba #1385787 by MrShoval, translation #1495308 by Thryth
- In hoc mercatu, caveat emptor.In this market, buyer beware.
Example conversation
Julia and Marcus are discussing an old item at a local market.
- JuliaMarce, estne haec res bona?Marcus, is this thing good?
- MarcusNon scio, sed caveat emptor.I do not know, but buyer beware.
- JuliaIta, cautus esse debemus.Yes, we must be careful.
- MarcusVerum est, Julia.That is true, Julia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries emptor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
