gratias tibi ago, Domine
The English phrase "thank you, lord" can be expressed in Latin as gratias tibi ago, Domine.
This phrase is an expression of gratitude addressed to God.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "thanks to you I give, Lord". The word gratias serves as the object, tibi means "to you" and ago means "I give" or "I perform".
Which one should you use?
While gratias tibi ago, Domine means "I give thanks to you, Lord", you can also use the shorter form Tibi gratias, Domine to mean "Thanks to you, Lord".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word tibi is the dative singular form of tu, used because the thanks are being given "to" the Lord. The word Domine is the vocative case of Dominus, which is the form used when addressing someone directly.
Did you know?
- While Domine is used here for God, in Roman times the same word was used to address a master or owner of slaves.
- The verb ago originally meant 'to drive' or 'to lead' rather than 'to give'. In the phrase gratias tibi ago, the speaker is metaphorically driving or performing an action of thanks.
- In traditional Catholic liturgy, the phrase Te Deum serves as a grand hymn of thanks to God, acting as a more formal and communal version of gratias tibi ago.
Examples in context
- Tibi gratias, Domine, semper adesto nobis.Thanks to you, Lord, always be with us.
- Gratias tibi ago, Domine, pro hoc gaudio.Thank you, Lord, for this joy.
- Gratias tibi ago, Domine, quod me servasti.Thank you, Lord, because you saved me.
- In hoc tempore, gratias tibi ago, Domine.In this time, thank you, Lord.
Example conversation
A woman and a man are praying together in a quiet room.
- GaiusGratias tibi ago, Domine, pro vita mea.Thank you, Lord, for my life.
- ClaudiaEt ego gratias tibi ago, Domine.And I thank you, Lord.
- GaiusClaudia, esne tu laeta hodie?Claudia, are you happy today?
- ClaudiaIta, Gai, quia spiritus meus est laetus.Yes, Gaius, because my spirit is joyful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ago, tibi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
