domina
[ˈdɔ.mɪ.na]
In Latin, the English word 'lady' is translated as domina.
The term domina is a formal way to address a woman and translates to 'lady' or 'mistress'.
Meaning: polite: woman (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word domina is the feminine form of dominus, meaning mistress or lady of a household.
Which one should you use?
While femina is the neutral term for a woman, domina implies a certain social status or respect (lady). The term domina is more formal and respectful than the common word for woman, femina.
Is it said differently in some regions?
During the Roman Republic, matrona was used to address married women or women with children.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'of the lady', use the form dominae. When the lady is the direct object of a verb, use the form dominam.
Did you know?
- The word domina is the root of the English word 'dominate'. It describes the power held by the 'master' or 'mistress' of a house over their servants.
- The word domina may be related to the Oscan word diomanas, suggesting the term existed in Italy before the Romans standardized their language.
- In Ancient Rome, a domina did not just refer to nobility, but specifically to the woman who managed the household and its finances.
Examples in context
- Domina est soror mihi.The lady is my sister.This sentence shows how to use domina as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #6303729 by RudeGuyGames, translation #6302505 by Gulliver
- Avia tua domina lepida est.Your grandmother is a charming lady.This sentence describes a lady using the subject form domina.Tatoeba #8425699 by Vibius_Marcus, translation #70986 by CK
- Noli cogere dominam ad exspectandam.Never keep a lady waiting.This sentence uses the accusative form dominam to show a lady as the direct object.Tatoeba #10886011 by carlosalberto, translation #267325 by CK
- Salve, domina!Hello, lady!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus greets a visiting woman with Claudia.
- ClaudiaEcce domina ad nos venit.Look, the lady is coming to us.
- MarcusQuis est haec domina, Claudia?Who is this lady, Claudia?
- ClaudiaEst amica mea et docta est.She is my friend and she is learned.
- MarcusSalve, domina! Bene adventus est.Hello, lady! You are welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry domina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries domina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
