bona valetudo
The English phrase "good health" is translated into Latin as bona valetudo.
bona valetudo refers to the state of being in a healthy physical and mental condition. While valetudo specifically refers to physical health or bodily condition, the word salus is a common alternative that encompasses health, well-being and safety.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bona (good) and the noun valetudo (health/state of being well).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on its role in a sentence. If "good health" is the direct object of a verb, the phrase changes to the accusative form bonam valetudinem. If you want to say "of good health" (e.g., "the benefits of good health"), use the genitive form bonae valetudinis.
Did you know?
- Even though bona valetudo means 'good health', the word valetudo can sometimes imply a 'state of sickness' depending on the context of the sentence.
- The word salus shares a root with the English word 'salvation'. In Latin, health and being saved from danger were viewed as the same state of well-being.
- In Roman culture, wishing for salus often involved rituals or prayers to the goddess Salus, the personification of health and well-being.
Examples in context
- Nihil pretiosius quam bona valetudo.Nothing is more valuable than good health.This sentence highlights the extreme value of bona valetudo.Tatoeba #5031088 by alexmarcelo, translation #239006 by CK
- Opto tibi Salutem Optimam!I wish you good health!
- Spero Vobis Valetudinem Optimam!I hope you have excellent health!
- Bona valetudo est pretiosa.Good health is precious.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Lucius are greeting each other in the forum.
- AureliaSalve, Luci! Quomodo vales?Hello, Lucius! How are you doing?
- LuciusSalve, Aurelia. Bona valetudine utor.Hello, Aurelia. I am in good health.
- AureliaGaudeo te bene habere.I am glad that you are doing well.
- LuciusGratias tibi ago, amica mea.Thank you, my friend.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
