mercatus
The English word 'market' is translated into Latin as mercatus.
mercatus refers to a gathering for trading. In ancient Roman contexts, different terms were used to specify the type of market: Forum refers to the central public square or marketplace in ancient Roman cities, while Macellum specifically refers to a market where fresh produce, vegetables, meat and fish were sold in ancient Rome. If you need to refer to a livestock market, you would use forus pecuarius.
Meaning: gathering for trading (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
mercatus is a fourth-declension masculine noun. To say 'of the market', use the genitive singular form mercati.
Did you know?
- In Roman law, a mercatus was often a temporary event held on specific days rather than a permanent building.
- The Latin root in mercatus is related to the word 'mercenary', as both stem from the idea of buying or selling services.
- The word mercatus shares an ancient root with the English word 'merchandise'.
Examples in context
- Mercatus est apud forum.The market is near the forum.
Example conversation
Julia and Marcus are planning their day in the city.
- JuliaUbi est mercatus?Where is the market?
- MarcusMercatus prope forum est, Julia.The market is near the forum, Julia.
- JuliaVisne mecum ad mercatum venire?Do you want to come to the market with me?
- MarcusIta, Marcus te sequitur.Yes, Marcus will follow you.
