genua
[ˈɡɛ.nu.a]
The English phrase "knees" is translated into Latin as genua.
The word refers to the joints in the middle of the legs that allow them to bend.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is genu. To express "of the knees", use the genitive plural form genuum. For the dative and ablative plural forms, which mean "to/on/from the knees", use genibus.
Did you know?
- The Latin word patella literally means 'small plate' or 'small pan', describing the shape of the bone protecting the genu.
- In Roman culture, the act of 'genu flectere' or bending the genu was a formal gesture of supplication used when addressing an emperor or a deity.
- The phrase genu flectere gave rise to the English word 'genuflect', meaning to bend one knee as a sign of respect.
Examples in context
- Maria manus suas super genua sua ponebat.Mary placed her hands on her knees.This sentence is useful for showing the placement of hands on the genua.Tatoeba #6303714 by RudeGuyGames, translation #6303634 by Hybrid
- At illa: Ecce, inquit, famula mea Bilha, ingredere ad illam, ut pariat super genua mea, et habeam ex illa et ego filios.But she said: I have here my servant Bala: go in unto her, that she may bear upon my knees, and I may have children by her.This sentence uses genua in a context regarding bearing children upon them.Tatoeba #7816813 by carlosalberto, translation #7818052 by carlosalberto
- Genua eius valde dolent.His knees hurt a lot.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Marcus are resting after a long walk.
- JuliaMarce, doluntne genua tua?Marcus, do your knees hurt?
- MarcusIta, genua mea valde fessa sunt.Yes, my knees are very tired.
- JuliaTunc hic sedeamus et quiescamus.Then let us sit here and rest.
- MarcusGratias tibi ago, Iulia.I thank you, Julia.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry Genua.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
