ita, domine
[ˈɪ.ta ˈdɔ.mɪ.nɛ]word by word
The English phrase "yes, sir" can be translated into Latin as ita, domine.
ita, domine is a polite way to say yes when speaking to a man in a position of authority.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of ita, which means "thus" or "so" (used here to mean "yes") and domine, which is the vocative form of dominus, meaning "master" or "lord".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word domine is in the vocative case, which is the grammatical case used when addressing someone directly. If you are addressing a woman in a position of authority instead of a man, you should change the vocative domine to the feminine domina, resulting in ita, domina.
Did you know?
- While ita is used for 'yes' in this phrase, Classical Latin had no single word for 'yes' or 'no' that functioned like English equivalents.
- The word ita is a linguistic relative of the English word 'item', as both stem from an ancient root meaning 'so' or 'thus'.
- The word dominus originally referred to the owner of a house, but it evolved to denote a legal master over enslaved people.
Examples in context
- Ita, domine, id faciam.Yes, sir, I will do it.
- Ita, domine, adsum.Yes, sir, I am present.
- Ita, domine, scio.Yes, sir, I know.
Example conversation
A servant is being instructed by her master in a villa.
- GaiusAurelia, ad mensam veni.Aurelia, come to the table.
- AureliaIta, domine, venio.Yes, sir, I am coming.
- GaiusVincit labor, Aurelia.Work prevails, Aurelia.
- AureliaVerum est.It is true.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ita, domine) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
