valeo
The Latin phrase for "I am well" is valeo.
This phrase is used to state that a person is in good health.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb valeo literally means "I am strong" or "I am powerful", which provides the underlying sense of being in good health.
Which one should you use?
While valeo describes a person's specific state of being strong or healthy, the phrase bene est is used as a more general way to say "it is well" or "things are going well".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the form of the verb to describe different subjects: use vales for "you are well", valet for "he/she/it is well", valemus for "we are well" and valetis for "you all are well".
When do people say it?
While the phrase valeo refers to personal health, the word Valete! is used to mean "Goodbye!"
Did you know?
- While valeo refers to personal strength, the related word valentia is the root of the English word 'valence' used in chemistry to describe the bonding power of an atom.
- The word valeo can be used to describe a legal or official document as being 'valid'. In this context, the document is 'strong' enough to hold power in court.
- In Latin literature, using vale to say goodbye was sometimes a poignant way to signal a permanent parting or death, effectively telling the person to 'be well' in the afterlife.
Examples in context
- Si vos quaeritis, ego bene sum.If you're asking, I am well.
- Gratus est tibi nuntiare optime me habere.I am pleased to inform you that I am very well.
- Valeo.I am well.
- Bene valeo et laetus sum.I am well and happy.
Example conversation
Lucius and Lucia meet in a public garden.
- LuciusQuomodo vales, Lucia?How are you, Lucia?
- LuciaBene valeo, gratias tibi ago.I am well, thank you.
- LuciusEt ego valeo.And I am well.
- LuciaMagno gaudio te video.I see you with great joy.
