quōmodo
The English word 'how' can be translated into Latin as quōmodo. Wiktionary also lists qualiter and quō modo.
Meaning: in what manner (adv)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| quōmodo | |
| qualiter | |
| quō modo | |
| quārē | |
| quemadmodum | [ˈkʷẽː ˈad.mɔ.dũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkʷɛm ˈad.mo.dum] (narrow) |
| quī |
What does it mean word for word?
The form quōmodo is a combination of the interrogative pronoun quī (which/what) in the ablative case and the noun modus (manner/way), literally meaning 'in what manner'.
Which one should you use?
Both quōmodo and quemadmodum mean 'how'. However, quemadmodum is often used in more formal or complex interrogative clauses.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'how' for almost any inquiry, Latin often requires you to specify whether you are asking about the manner, the reason, or the kind.
- In Classical Latin, the vowel in the adverb modo was shortened for rhythmic reasons. This is called iambic shortening and is the same reason why ego has a short 'o' despite its origin.
- The root of modus in quōmodo doesn't just mean 'way', it also carries the sense of 'measure' or 'limit'.
Examples in context
- Quōmodo lūna fulget nocte?How does the moon shine at night?This sentence is useful for asking about the manner in which something shines using quōmodo.Tatoeba #11087785 by alexmarcelo, translation #328748 by fcbond
- Quemadmodum sciebas me cum Thoma fuisse?How did you know I was with Tom?This sentence is useful for asking about the manner of knowing something using quemadmodum.Tatoeba #9075885 by soridsolid, translation #3394316 by CK
- Scin quemadmodum?Do you know how?This sentence is useful for a short inquiry about how something is known using quemadmodum.Tatoeba #10325349 by soridsolid, translation #2891087 by CK
- Quomodo vales?How are you?
- Quomodo hoc facis?How do you do this?
- Quomodo id est possibile?How is that possible?
- Qualiter vincitur?How is it conquered?
- Qualiter hoc fit?How is this done?
- Utinam melius sit!How I wish it were better!
- Sic fit!It happens like this!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Gaius are discussing how to complete a task.
- LuciaQuōmodo hanc rem facimus?How do we do this thing?
- GaiusPrīmum librum legere dēbēmus.First, we must read the book.
- LuciaSed quōmodo librum inveniamus?But how shall we find the book?
- GaiusIn bibliothēcā est, Lucia.It is in the library, Lucia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “how” translations and entries qualiter, quemadmodum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries modo, qualiter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
