How to Say “Greek” in Latin

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lingua graeca
[ˈlɪŋ.ɡʷa ˈɡrae̯.ka]word by wordfeminine
The English word "greek" can be translated into Latin in several ways. The default form is lingua graeca. Wiktionary also lists graecē and Graecum.
Meaning: language of the Greek people (name)

Ways to say it

“greek” in Latin
Latin IPA Note
lingua graeca [ˈlɪŋ.ɡʷa ˈɡrae̯.ka] (Classical Latin, word by word, narrow) feminine
graecē
Graecum neuter

In Latin, the term for Greek changes based on whether you are naming the language, describing a person or describing a thing. Use lingua graeca to specifically name the Greek language. Use the related adjective Graecus to describe something as being Greek, and use the forms Graecus or Graeca to refer to a Greek person.

Which one should you use?

The phrase lingua graeca is used when you want to name the Greek language itself. In contrast, the forms Graecus (masculine) or Graeca (feminine) are used to refer to a Greek person. For objects, the form changes to match the gender of the noun being described, such as the neuter Graecum.

Related words

Of or relating to Greece, its people, its language, or its culture (adj): Graecus.

Person from Greece or of Greek descent (noun): Graecus, Graeca.

How does it change in a sentence?

The phrase lingua graeca uses the feminine adjective to agree with the feminine noun lingua. When describing neuter nouns like cibus (food) or oppidum (town), use the neuter adjective Graecum. The adverbial form graecē is used specifically to mean 'in the Greek language'.

Did you know?

  • Ancient Romans often used the term Graeculus as a diminutive of Graecus to mock Greeks as being small or insignificant.
  • The Latin word lingua is an unexpected relative of the English word 'tongue'.
  • The Latin term Graecus was often used interchangeably with Achaeus in poetry to evoke a more epic or Homeric tone.

Examples in context

  • Sparta est oppidum Graecum.
    Sparta is a Greek city.
    This sentence uses the neuter form Graecum to describe a city.
    Tatoeba #3576414 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #10027657 by ddnktr
  • Cibum Graecum libenter edo.
    I like to eat Greek food.
    This sentence uses the neuter form Graecum to describe food.
    Tatoeba #8504102 by alexmarcelo, translation #4531535 by Jesse
  • Lingua Graeca difficilis est.
    The Greek language is difficult.
    This sentence uses the feminine phrase lingua graeca to refer to the language.
    Tatoeba #7108454 by alexmarcelo, translation #7119528 by CarpeLanam
  • Linguam Graecam disco
    I'm learning the Greek language.
  • Philosophus Graecus
    Greek philosopher
  • Libros Graecorum lego
    I read books by Greeks
  • Amicus Hellenus
    Greek friend
  • Orator Graecus eloquentiam docet
    An orator who is Greek teaches eloquence.
  • In bibliotheca Graeca multos libros habeo
    I have many books in a Greek library.
  • Poeta Hellēnicus novum carmen scripsit
    A Greek poet wrote a new poem.
  • 4 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Aurelia and Gaius are discussing their studies in a library.

  1. Aurelia

    Studesne linguae Graecae, Gai?
    Are you studying the Greek language, Gaius?
  2. Gaius

    Ita, sed lingua Graeca me terret.
    Yes, but the Greek language scares me.
  3. Aurelia

    Lingua Graeca non est tam difficilis.
    The Greek language is not that difficult.
  4. Gaius

    Fortasse, sed mihi auxilium petendum est.
    Perhaps, but I should seek help.

Sources

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Clifford Shawn
Clifford ShawnHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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