spes
The English phrase 'hope' can be translated into Latin as spes.
In Latin, spes is a noun used to describe the belief that something wished for can happen or a person or thing that serves as a source of hope. While spes is the noun, the standard way to express the action of hoping is to use the related verb sperare.
Meaning: to want something to happen, with expectation that it might (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its grammatical role in a sentence. spes is the standard form, but when 'hope' is the direct object of a sentence, you must use the accusative form spem. To express 'of hope', use the genitive form spei. While spes is the noun, sperare is the corresponding verb meaning 'to hope'.
Did you know?
- The Latin word spes was personified as a Roman goddess who represented eternal hope and was often depicted holding a flower.
- Because of its Proto-Indo-European roots, spes is a linguistic relative of the English word 'speed', specifically in the sense of 'success' or 'prosperity' rather than 'velocity'.
- The Latin root spes is a distant relative of the English word 'despair', which combines the prefix 'de-' meaning 'away from' with the root for hope.
Examples in context
- In te spes est.There's hope in you.This sentence shows how to express that hope is located within a person using spes.Tatoeba #5147154 by alexmarcelo, translation #13852149 by rul
- Spes panem non donat.Hope doesn't put food on the table.This sentence demonstrates the use of spes as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #2730710 by seveleu_dubrovnik, translation #2731122 by _undertoad
- Spes est ratio vitae.Hope is the reason for life.This sentence shows how to use spes to define a concept.Tatoeba #12138899 by carlosalberto, translation #12138862 by carlosalberto
- Spes est virtus quae nobis tribuiturHope is the virtue given to us.
- Perseverantia est spesPerseverance is hope.
- Opto mihi bonam fortunamI hope for good fortune.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Aurelia are discussing a difficult journey.
- QuintusIter longum est, sed spes manet.The journey is long, but hope remains.
- AureliaCredisne in hanc spem, Quinte?Do you believe in this hope, Quintus?
- QuintusIta, spes est unica via nostra.Yes, hope is our only way.
- AureliaTunc iter pergamus cum spe.Then we continue the journey with hope.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries spes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
