te ipsum ama
The English phrase "love yourself" is translated into Latin as te ipsum ama.
This phrase serves as an instruction or a command to have affection or care for one's own person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of te (you/yourself), ipsum (self/very) and ama (love/command).
Which one should you use?
The form te ipsum ama is a command, whereas te ipsum amas is a statement of fact in the present tense.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase te ipsum amas, the word amas is the indicative present tense, making it a statement of fact rather than a command like ama.
Did you know?
- In Latin, the word order is flexible, so you could also say ama te ipsum and the meaning would remain exactly the same.
- The word ama comes from amō, which is a root for many English words like 'amorous' and 'amiable'.
- If you were addressing a group of people instead of one person, you would change the verb ama to amate.
Examples in context
- Te ipsum amas.You love yourself.This sentence is useful for showing the difference between a command and a statement of fact using te ipsum ama.Tatoeba #3463087 by carlosalberto, translation #3462702 by shekitten
- Te ipsum ama et fortis esto.Love yourself and be strong.
Example conversation
Lucius gives emotional advice to Aurelia.
- LuciusCur tristis es, Aurelia?Why are you sad, Aurelia?
- AureliaNon me satis diligo.I do not value myself enough.
- LuciusTene spem et te ipsam ama.Hold onto hope and love yourself.
- AureliaGratias tibi, Luci.Thank you, Lucius.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
