secunda mensa
feminine
The English word 'dessert' is secunda mensa in Latin. Wiktionary also lists bellaria.
Meaning: sweet confection served as the last course of a meal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| secunda mensa | feminine | |
| bellaria | [bɛlˈlaː.ri.a] (Classical Latin, narrow) [belˈlaː.ri.a] (narrow) |
neuter, plural |
In a Roman dining context, secunda mensa refers to the second course of a meal, which traditionally consisted of sweets and fruit. If you wish to specify a sweet confection, you can use the term globulus mellitus.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase secunda mensa literally translates to 'second table'.
How does it change in a sentence?
secunda mensa is a feminine noun. The word bellaria is a neuter plural noun.
Did you know?
- The word bellus, which creates bellaria, began as a form of 'baby talk' before becoming a formal way to describe pleasant things.
- Unlike the modern English 'dessert', which is a single course, the secunda mensa could include savory items like nuts and olives alongside the sweets.
- The root of the word mensa likely comes from a word meaning 'measured', implying that the table was a place of careful proportions.
Examples in context
- Secunda mensa gelatus est.The dessert is ice cream.Tatoeba #11130057 by carlosalberto, translation #11130018 by carlosalberto
- Libum in secunda mensa edere velim.I'd like to have cake for dessert.Tatoeba #1320917 by alexmarcelo, translation #39476 by CK
- Secunda mensa optima est.The dessert is excellent.
Example conversation
Quintus and Julia are finishing their dinner.
- QuintusSatur sum, sed secundam mensam desidero.I am full now, but I want dessert.
- JuliaHabemus mala et mel.We have apples and honey.
- QuintusOptime! Secundam mensam amo.Great! I love dessert.
- JuliaTibi mala dabo, Quinte.I will give you the apples, Quintus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dessert” translations and entries bellaria, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bellaria, mensa, secunda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
