Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sella | [ˈsɛl.la] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsɛl.la] (narrow) |
feminine |
| sēdēs | feminine | |
| sedīle | neuter | |
| cathedra | [ˈka.tʰɛ.dra] (Classical Latin, narrow) [kaˈtʰɛd.ra] (Classical Latin, narrow) |
feminine |
| solium | [ˈsɔ.li.ũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsɔː.li.um] (narrow) |
neuter |
In Latin, the word used for a chair depends on its function and the status of the person using it. While sella is the most common way to refer to a piece of furniture for sitting, other words describe specific types of seating, such as formal seats for teachers or majestic thrones for royalty.
What does it mean word for word?
The term sēdēs is derived from the verb 'sedēre', meaning 'to sit' and literally means a seat or a place of sitting.
Which one should you use?
sella is the most common, general term for a chair or stool. In contrast, sedīle refers more generally to any object intended for sitting, such as a bench or a seat, rather than a specific chair. For high-status seating, cathedra refers to a formal chair, such as a teacher's seat or a bishop's throne, while solium specifically refers to a royal or majestic throne.
How does it change in a sentence?
sella and sēdēs are feminine nouns, while sedīle and solium are neuter nouns. cathedra is a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- Because cathedra denoted a teacher's chair, the act of teaching from a seat gave rise to the English term 'ex cathedra', meaning a statement made with absolute authority.
- In Roman society, a sella curulis was a folding chair made of ivory. It was a symbol of power and could only be used by high ranking magistrates.
- While sella means 'chair' or 'stool', it is also the Latin word for a 'saddle'. This reflects the idea of a saddle being a seat for a horse.
Examples in context
- Feles sub sella est.The cat is under the chair.This sentence shows the location of a cat in relation to the sella.Tatoeba #1172337 by alexmarcelo, translation #715349 by CM
- Haec sella levis est.This chair is light.This sentence describes the weight of the sella.Tatoeba #1273636 by alexmarcelo, translation #463266 by lukaszpp
- Sella lignea cara est.The wooden chair is expensive.This sentence describes the cost of the sella.Tatoeba #1170991 by alexmarcelo, translation #463030 by lukaszpp
- Quis vendit sellam?Who sells the chair?
- Amice, senex in sella sedet.Friend, the old man is sitting in the chair.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Lucia are arranging furniture in a room.
- QuintusUbi est sella mea?Where is my chair?
- LuciaSella tua prope fenestram est.Your chair is near the window.
- QuintusGratias, Lucia.Thanks, Lucia.
- LuciaNihil est, Quinte.It is nothing, Quintus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chair” translations and entries sella, cathedra, solium, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
