carpe noctem
The English phrase "own the night" is translated into Latin as carpe noctem.
This phrase is used to express the idea of making the most of the nighttime hours by engaging in exciting or productive activities.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb carpe literally means "to pluck" or "to harvest", as in picking fruit from a tree.
Which one should you use?
carpe noctem is used when addressing one person, while carpite noctem is used if you are addressing a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing a group of people rather than one person, you would use the plural imperative carpite instead of carpe.
Did you know?
- The command carpe is an 'imperative' verb, but in Roman social hierarchies, using this form with a social superior could be seen as an insolent or shocking breach of etiquette.
- While carpe noctem is a modern adaptation, the original carpe diem comes from a poem by Horace, where it was meant as advice to trust as little as possible in tomorrow.
- In Roman culture, using carpe with time suggests that time is a resource that must be harvested at its peak before it withers and vanishes.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding whether to stay up to study or party.
- LuciaEst noctis hora, Luci.It is the hour of the night, Lucius.
- LuciusIta, carpe noctem, Lucia!Yes, seize the night, Lucia!
- LuciaCur festinas?Why are you in such a hurry?
- LuciusMusica est optima.The music is excellent.
