Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Food-Items
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn vocabulary related to food items in Latin. You will learn the names for fruits, vegetables, meats, and beverages. You will also learn how to use these words in sentences to describe what you like or don't like to eat. Additionally, you will learn about the cultural significance of these foods in ancient Rome. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently order food in Latin and talk about your favorite dishes.
Food Items
Fruits
Fruits were a staple of the Roman diet and were often eaten fresh or dried. Here are some of the most common fruits in Latin:
Latin | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
malum | mAH-lum | apple |
pera | PEH-rah | pear |
uva | OO-wah | grape |
prunum | PROO-num | plum |
ficus | FEE-kus | fig |
pirum | PEE-rum | quince |
- Malum est fructus. (An apple is a fruit.)
- Uvae sunt dulces. (Grapes are sweet.)
- Non magnum prunum volo. (I don't want a big plum.)
Vegetables
Vegetables were also an important part of the Roman diet, and were often used in soups and stews. Here are some of the most common vegetables in Latin:
Latin | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
broccoli | braw-KOH-lee | broccoli |
carota | kuh-RO-tah | carrot |
cuminum | koo-MEE-num | cumin |
petroselinum | peh-troh-SEH-lih-num | parsley |
porrus | POR-rus | leek |
allium | AL-lee-um | garlic |
beta | BEH-tah | beet |
- Carota magna est. (The carrot is big.)
- Porri in lago coquebantur. (The leeks were cooked in broth.)
- Non satis petroselinum in pulmento habeo. (I don't have enough parsley in the soup.)
Meats
Meat was a luxury item in ancient Rome and was often reserved for special occasions. Here are some of the most common meats in Latin:
Latin | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
bos | bohs | beef |
porcus | POR-koos | pork |
pullus | POOL-loos | chicken |
piscis | PIS-kis | fish |
ovum | OH-wum | egg |
- Pullum cibum suavissimum est. (Chicken is a very tasty food.)
- Non amo pisces, sed ova volo. (I don't like fish, but I want eggs.)
- Caro porcina pinguis est. (Pork meat is fatty.)
Beverages
In addition to water, Romans often drank wine with their meals. Here are some common beverages in Latin:
Latin | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
aqua | AH-kwa | water |
vinum | WEE-num | wine |
cervesia | ser-WAY-see-uh | beer |
mulsum | MOOL-soom | honeyed wine |
- Vino delectamur. (We are delighted with the wine.)
- Cervesiam non amo. (I don't like beer.)
- Mulsum optimum est. (Honeyed wine is the best.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned the basic vocabulary related to food items in Latin, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and beverages. You can now order food and drink in Latin and describe your favorite dishes. By learning about the foods that were important to the Romans, you have gained insight into their daily lives and customs. In the next lesson, you will learn about dining and meals in Latin, including meal times, table settings, and etiquette.