telephonum
The Latin word for phone is telephonum.
To express the idea of communicating 'over the phone' or 'by means of a phone', use the preposition per with the accusative form telephonum (per telephonum).
Meaning: to call (someone) on the telephone (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun is telephona. If you need to say 'of the phone', use the genitive singular form telephoni.
Did you know?
- The word telephonum is a Neo-Latin term, meaning it was created long after the Roman Empire fell to describe modern technology.
- If a Latin speaker wanted to say 'smartphone', they might use the term telephonum callidum, where callidum means 'clever' or 'smart'.
- In the Vatican, where Latin is still used officially, modern technology is described using these adapted Neo-Latin terms to keep the language functional.
Examples in context
- Telephonum in culina est.There's a phone in the kitchen.This sentence shows the location of the telephonum.Tatoeba #7077676 by alexmarcelo, translation #4014895 by CK
- Cur telephonum meum habes?Why do you have my phone?This sentence shows how to ask why someone has the telephonum.Tatoeba #7054708 by alexmarcelo, translation #2644655 by CK
- Per telephonum locutus sum.I talked on the phone.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase to express talking 'over the phone' with the form telephonum.Tatoeba #1357498 by alexmarcelo, translation #705207 by andresevargas
- Hic apparatus telephonicus mihi non est aptus.This phone is not suitable for me.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Claudia are planning a meeting.
- LuciusPossumne tibi cras telephonare?Can I phone you tomorrow?
- ClaudiaIta, sed post meridiem.Yes, but after noon.
- LuciusOptime, tibi tunc telephonabo.Great, I will phone you then.
- ClaudiaVale, Luci!Goodbye, Lucius!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
