servus
[ˈsɛr.wʊs]masculine
The English word 'slave' is translated into Latin using servus. Wiktionary also lists serva and sclavus.
Meaning: person owned by another (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| servus | [ˈsɛr.wʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsɛr.vus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| serva | [ˈsɛr.wa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsɛr.va] (narrow) |
feminine |
| sclavus | [ˈskɫa.wʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsklaː.vus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| sclava | [ˈskɫa.wa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsklaː.va] (narrow) |
feminine |
| ancilla | [aŋˈkɪl.la] (Classical Latin, narrow) [an̠ʲˈt͡ʃil.la] (narrow) |
feminine |
The term refers to a person owned by another.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form servus refers specifically to a male slave, while the feminine form serva refers to a female slave. For women, you may also use ancilla, which often implies a domestic female slave or handmaid. The form sclavus is a later variant of the word.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form sclavus is characteristic of Late Latin.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple male slaves, use the plural form servi. If you need to indicate possession by multiple slaves, use the genitive plural form servorum.
Did you know?
- The word sclavus is the root of the English word 'slave' and comes from the name of the Slavic people, who were frequently enslaved during the Middle Ages.
- The word ancilla survives in modern English through the term 'ancillary', meaning providing necessary support to a primary activity.
- Ancient Roman comedy often featured a 'clever slave' trope, where a servus was the most intelligent character and manipulated his masters.
Examples in context
- Nōn sum servus tuus.I'm not your slave.This sentence uses servus.Tatoeba #5052944 by Wezel, translation #1935175 by Spamster
- Me tractat ut servam.He treats me like his slave.This sentence uses serva.Tatoeba #3591392 by carlosalberto, translation #298162 by CK
- Delia et Syra duae ancillae sunt.Delia and Syra are two slave girls.This sentence uses ancilla.Tatoeba #3589219 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #7998241 by dmaddock
- Servus meus est fidelis.My slave is loyal.
- Illius famulus est egregius.His slave is remarkable.
- Ancillae nostrae sunt diligentes.Our female slaves are diligent.
- Hic scelestus subit servitutem.This wicked one submits to slavery.
- Hic verna nullum alium dominum vere novit.This slave truly knows no other master.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A master and a laborer are discussing household staff.
- LuciaNum servus hic est?Is this a slave here?
- GaiusIta, servus meus est.Yes, he is my slave.
- LuciaLaboratne bene?Does he work well?
- GaiusIta, laborat bene.Yes, he works well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slave” translations and entries servus, serva, sclavus, sclava, ancilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sclava, sclavus, serva, servus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
