salvete amici
Hello friends in Latin is salvete amici.
salvete amici is a plural form used to greet a group of friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb salvete is the plural imperative of salvere, literally meaning be well or be healthy. The word amici is the masculine plural form, used for a group of male friends or a mixed-gender group of friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the singular form salve amice if you are addressing only one friend. If the group of friends consists entirely of women, use the feminine form salvete amicae.
When do people say it?
In Ancient Rome, it was common to greet friends by saying Ave amici! In medieval Latin, Pax vobiscum, amici! means Peace be with you, friends!
Did you know?
- The related word salus, which forms the base of salvete, is also the root of the English word 'salute'. To salute someone was originally to wish them health.
- In Latin, the concept of 'friendship' expressed in amici implies not just social connection, but a sense of mutual obligation and loyalty that was central to Roman social structures.
- The plural salvete is an imperative verb. In Latin, you are not just saying 'hello' but are effectively ordering your friends to 'be healthy'.
Examples in context
- Salvete amici.Hello, friends.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase salvete amici.Tatoeba #13797797 by mattlb92, translation #13238520 by Sifaks
- Salvete amici, quomodo valetis?Hello friends, how are you?
- Salvete amici, ad festum venite!Hello friends, come to the feast!
Example conversation
Claudia arrives at a small gathering where Marcus and others are waiting.
- ClaudiaSalvete amici!Hello friends!
- MarcusSalve Claudia, venisti!Hello Claudia, you have come!
- ClaudiaIta, ad vos veni.Yes, I have come to you.
- MarcusBene est, intra.That is good, enter.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
