Latin, the ancient language of the Romans, has a rich history and is still studied today. If you are interested in learning how to say years in Latin, whether for academic purposes or simply out of curiosity, this comprehensive guide is here to assist you. We will cover both formal and informal ways to express years in Latin, provide regional variations where necessary, and offer numerous tips and examples to enhance your understanding. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Years in Latin
In formal settings or when encountering Latin in scholarly works, the following phrases are commonly used to express years:
- Annus Domini (AD): This phrase means “in the year of our Lord.” It is used to indicate years in the Christian era. For example, “2021 AD” would be expressed as “Anno Domini 2021.”
- Anno Hegirae (AH): This term refers to the Islamic calendar. It represents years since the Hijra, the migration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. For instance, “2022 AH” would be stated as “Anno Hegirae 2022.”
- In the year of…: When specifying a significant historical event, the phrase “Anno” is followed by the event or individual’s name. For example, “In the year of the founding of Rome” would be expressed as “Anno Urbe Condita.”
Informal Ways to Say Years in Latin
On less formal occasions or when conversing with Latin enthusiasts, you can use the following phrases to discuss years in a more informal tone:
- Anno Domini (AD): Similarly to the formal usage, “Anno Domini” can be used in a less formal context to express years in the Christian era.
- Anno Hegirae (AH): Just like in the formal setting, “Anno Hegirae” can also be employed conversationally to denote years according to the Islamic calendar.
- Post urbem conditam (PUC): This phrase means “After the founding of Rome.” It can be used colloquially to refer to years following the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus in 753 BC.
- Anno urbis conditae (AUC): This term is an alternative to “Post urbem conditam” and is also used informally to represent years since the founding of Rome.
Regional Variations
Latin, as a language, has spread across many regions, and variations in terminology can sometimes be found. While the formal and informal expressions mentioned above are widely used, regional variations exist as follows:
In Spain: Instead of “Anno Hegirae,” the term “Después de la Hégira (DH)” is occasionally used to indicate years according to the Islamic calendar.
In Italy: In some Italian discussions, you might encounter “Anno Salutis (AS),” which is similar to “Anno Domini” and represents years in the Christian era.
Tips for Proper Usage
When using Latin to express years, it is essential to keep a few tips in mind:
- Punctuation: Always place a space between the numerical year and the Latin phrase, such as “2023 AD,” not “2023AD.”
- Correct Capitalization: Proper nouns in Latin are typically capitalized. Ensure the relevant terms, such as “Anno Domini” or “Anno Hegirae,” are capitalized accordingly.
- Consistency: If you choose to use the formal expressions like “AD” or “AH,” maintain the same format throughout your writing or conversation.
Examples
Here are a few examples to help you understand how to say years in Latin:
- In a formal context: “In the year 2020 AD, significant political changes took place” would be expressed as “Anno Domini 2020, mutationes politicae magnae factae sunt.”
- In an informal conversation: “We are in the year 2023 AD” could be said as “Sumus in Anno Domini 2023.”
- Referring to years after the founding of Rome: “The Roman Empire reached its height in the year 117 AD” could be stated as “Imperium Romanum ad summum pervenit Anno Domini 117.”
Remember, depending on the context and audience, you can modify the expressions to sound more formal or informal. But above all, enjoy and immerse yourself in the beauty of Latin as you explore the expression of years!
