Et ego
[ˈɛt ˈɛ.ɡoː]word by word
The Latin phrase for "me too" is Et ego.
This phrase is used to express that a statement or situation applies to you as well.
Meaning: that applies to me as well (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of et meaning "and" and ego meaning "I".
Which one should you use?
The form Et ego is used specifically when you are the subject of an implied verb (for example, "I am also hungry"). If you want to express "me too" in the sense of "to me also" as an object of a verb or preposition, you would use the accusative Et me or the dative Et mihi depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because ego is in the nominative case, this phrase is used when "I" am the subject of the implied verb.
Did you know?
- Because ego is so emphatic, using it too often in a conversation can make a speaker sound arrogant or overly self-centered to a Roman listener.
- Latin is a pro-drop language, meaning the subject is usually omitted because the verb ending reveals who is acting. Using ego in Et ego adds a strong emphasis on the person, making it closer to 'I, too!' than a casual 'me too'.
Examples in context
- Et ego hoc amo.I love this too.
- Et ego ad urbem festino.I am hurrying to the city too.
Example conversation
Marcus and Claudia are talking about their hunger.
- MarcusEsurio.I am hungry.
- ClaudiaEt ego!Me too!
- MarcusVisne cenare nunc?Do you want to dine now?
- ClaudiaIta, cenemus!Yes, let's dine!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (et, ego) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ego, et, CC BY-SA 4.0.
