me ipsum
The English phrase "myself" is translated into Latin as me ipsum.
Meaning: me, reflexive form of me (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the accusative pronoun me (me) and the intensive pronoun ipsum (myself/itself), literally meaning "me myself".
How does it change in a sentence?
Use me ipsum when the pronoun is the direct object of a transitive verb. If the verb requires a dative case, such as in the phrase "giving to myself", you must change me to the dative form mihi so that the phrase becomes mihi ipsum.
Did you know?
- Because Latin word order is flexible, me ipsum can be split apart in a sentence, with other words placed between me and ipsum.
- The Latin 'me' is a linguistic cousin to the Sanskrit word 'mā', showing how deeply connected these ancient languages are.
- The intensive pronoun ipsum can be used without me to mean 'the very thing' or 'itself' in a general sense.
Examples in context
- Nunc possum curare me ipsum.I can look after myself now.Tatoeba #6608220 by CarpeLanam, translation #31353 by CK
- Me ipsum defendi.I defended myself.Tatoeba #7369105 by CarpeLanam, translation #5859503 by CK
- Sum homo ipse et id bonum desidero.I am a person myself, and I desire that good thing.
- Me ipsum non cognosco.I do not recognize myself.
Example conversation
Gaius and Claudia are talking about a new hobby.
- GaiusHodie per me ipsum discere volo.Today I want to learn by myself.
- ClaudiaQuid discere vis, Gaie?What do you want to learn, Gaius?
- GaiusMe ipsum in arte exercere volo.I want to train myself in art.
- ClaudiaOptimum consilium est!That is a great idea!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
