fodiō
To dig in Latin is expressed by fodiō or cavō.
Meaning: to move hard-packed earth out of the way (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin |
|---|
| fodiō |
| cavō |
Both terms describe moving hard-packed earth out of the way, but they focus on different aspects of the action.
Which one should you use?
fodiō is the standard verb used when you are digging into the earth or making a hole. In contrast, cavō emphasizes the act of hollowing out, excavating or creating a cavity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The principal parts of the verb fodiō are fodiō, fodere, fodī and fossus.
Did you know?
- The word fossus is the origin of the English word 'fossile' and 'fossil'. In Latin, it refers to anything that has been dug out of the earth.
- In Roman society, the word fossor specifically identified a gravedigger, a role tied to the lowest social status.
- While fodiō is used for physical labor, cavō can be used metaphorically to describe 'hollowing out' an argument or a philosophical concept.
Examples in context
- Archeologus fossam modicam effodit.The archaeologist dug a small pit.
- In hortō fodiō ad radices inveniendas.I dig in the garden to find the roots.
Example conversation
Lucia and Marcus are working in a garden.
- LuciaQuid agis, Marce?What are you doing, Marcus?
- MarcusHīc fodiō.I am digging here.
- LuciaCur hīc fodiō?Why are you digging here?
- MarcusHīc arborem ponam.I will place a tree here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dig” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
