Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| camera | [ˈka.mɛ.ra] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkaː.me.ra] (narrow) |
feminine |
| conclāve | neuter | |
| cella | [ˈkɛl.la] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈt͡ʃɛl.la] (narrow) |
feminine |
| aula | [ˈau̯.ɫa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaːu̯.la] (narrow) |
feminine |
| aedis | [ˈae̯.dɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɛː.dis] (narrow) |
feminine |
| aedēs | feminine | |
| membrum | [ˈmɛm.brũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmɛm.brum] (narrow) |
neuter |
| aedicula | [ae̯ˈdɪ.kʊ.ɫa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [eˈdiː.ku.la] (narrow) |
feminine |
| zōthēca | feminine |
While camera is a common term, other words specify whether a room is grand, small or private. For instance, the word cubiculum is often known as a bedroom, but it can also represent a general living space or a cozy room.
What does it mean word for word?
The word camera literally refers to a vaulted or arched room or ceiling.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the room's characteristics: aula refers to a large, grand room or hall, often associated with a palace or a court. cella refers specifically to a small, simple or cramped room, such as a monk's cell or a small storage room.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Medieval Latin, the variation sala was occasionally used to denote a room.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun aedis is a third-declension feminine noun, meaning its genitive singular is aedis and its plural is aedes.
Did you know?
- The Latin word camera is the direct ancestor of the English word 'camera', as early photographic devices were essentially light-proof rooms.
- The term conclāve is the root of the English word 'conclave', which originally referred to the locked room where cardinals elect a new Pope.
Examples in context
- Cella plena hominibus est.The room is full of people.This sentence uses cella.Tatoeba #6065101 by sicerabibax, translation #44197 by CK
- Camera erat plena hominum.The room was filled with people.This sentence uses camera.Tatoeba #8180098 by CarpeLanam, translation #44199 by CK
- Erant aliqui liberi in camera.There were a few children in the room.Tatoeba #5000812 by CarpeLanam, translation #319495 by CK
- Sum in camera.I am in the room
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Lucia are looking for a place to study.
- QuintusUbi est tua camera, Lucia?Where is your room, Lucia?
- LuciaCamera mea proxima est.My room is next door.
- QuintusEstne camera magna?Is the room large?
- LuciaIta, camera magna et lucida est.Yes, the room is large and bright.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “room” translations and entries camera, cella, aula, aedis, membrum, aedicula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aula, camera, cella, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
