imperium
[ɪmˈpɛ.ri.ũː]
The English word 'empire' is translated into Latin as imperium.
imperium refers to a political unit ruled by an emperor. In Latin, the term can describe the physical political entity (the empire) as well as the actual power, authority or right to command.
Meaning: political unit ruled by an emperor (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word imperium can mean command, power or empire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form imperium has the genitive singular imperii, which means 'of the empire'. The plural form is imperia, meaning 'empires'.
Did you know?
- The Roman Empire did not actually call itself an imperium in a formal, official title for a long time, often preferring the term res publica to maintain the illusion of a republic.
- A Roman general's imperium traditionally ended the moment he crossed the boundary back into the city of Rome, unless he was granted a special exception.
- The word 'imperator' (emperor) originally referred to a victorious general who was acclaimed by his troops, long before it became a title for a single ruler of an empire.
Examples in context
- Ubi est imperium Romanum?Where is the Roman Empire?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the Roman Empire using imperium.Tatoeba #3576506 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #7998214 by dmaddock
- Roma cecidit. Cur cecidit Imperium Romanum?Rome fell. Why did the Roman Empire fall?This sentence asks why the Roman Empire fell using imperium.Tatoeba #10973796 by shekitten, translation #10973797 by shekitten
- Quare Imperium Romanum Orientale non occidit?Why didn't the Eastern Roman Empire fall?This sentence asks why the Eastern Roman Empire did not fall using imperium.Tatoeba #9821926 by shekitten, translation #9821921 by shekitten
- Imperium RomanumRoman Empire
- Regnum CarolingianumCarolingian Empire
- Regnum Alexandri Magni ultra Europam sese extendebat.Alexander the Great's empire extended beyond Europe.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends discuss history in a garden.
- GaiusMagnum imperium erat.It was a great empire.
- LuciaIta, sed nunc finitum est.Yes, but now it is finished.
- GaiusLucia, scisne hoc?Lucia, do you know this?
- LuciaScio, Gai, scio.I know, Gaius, I know.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry imperium, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
