Pax vobiscum
The English phrase "peace be with you" is translated into Latin as Pax vobiscum.
Pax vobiscum is a formal greeting or blessing used to wish someone peace.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun Pax (peace) and the prepositional phrase vobiscum (with you).
Which one should you use?
Pax vobiscum is used for a group of people, whereas Pax tecum is used for a single person. An older form of conveying the sentiment of peace is adding Sit (meaning 'May it be') to the end, forming Pax Vobiscum Sit.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vobiscum is a combination of vos (you, plural) and cum (with), specifically used for the plural 'you'. If you are addressing only one person, you use Pax tecum instead of Pax vobiscum.
Did you know?
- The ancient Roman orator Cicero suggested that the word order of certain 'cum' phrases was changed to avoid sounding like a vulgar anatomical insult.
- While pax means 'peace', in Roman law it specifically referred to a formal treaty or a pact between two warring parties.
- In the Catholic Mass, Pax vobiscum is part of the 'Kiss of Peace', a ritual gesture of reconciliation and unity among the congregation.
Examples in context
- At ille respondit: Pax vobiscum, nolite timere. Deus vester et Deus patris vestri dedit vobis thesauros in saccis vestris, nam pecuniam, quam dedistis mihi, probatam ego habeo. Eduxitque ad eos Simeon.But he answered: Peace be with you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks. For the money, which you gave me, I have for good. And he brought Simeon out to them.This sentence shows how someone might respond using Pax vobiscum.Tatoeba #7894632 by carlosalberto, translation #7894647 by carlosalberto
- Pax vobiscum in hoc die.Peace be with you on this day.
- Sacerdos ad populum dixit: Pax vobiscum.The priest said to the people: Peace be with you.
Example conversation
Two people greet each other at a formal gathering.
- JuliaPax vobiscum, Quinte.Peace be with you, Quintus.
- QuintusEt cum spiritu tuo, Julia.And with your spirit, Julia.
- JuliaQuomodo vales hodie?How are you today?
- QuintusBene valeo, gratias tibi.I am doing well, thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pax, vobiscum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
