Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Telling-Time

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Latin → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Numbers and Time → Telling Time

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the fascinating topic of telling time in Latin. Understanding how to express the time of day is an essential skill in any language, and Latin is no exception. By learning the vocabulary and expressions related to time, you will be able to engage in conversations about daily routines, appointments, and schedules. This knowledge will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Latin, and it will also deepen your understanding of Roman culture and society.

Throughout this lesson, we will cover various aspects of telling time in Latin, including hours, minutes, and expressions related to time. We will provide clear explanations, numerous examples, and engaging exercises to ensure your comprehension and mastery of the topic. So let's dive into the fascinating world of Latin timekeeping!

The Basics of Telling Time

Hours

In Latin, the concept of hours is quite similar to that of English. The day is divided into 24 hours, with each hour lasting 60 minutes. However, it is important to note that the Romans used a system of counting hours from sunrise to sunset, rather than the modern system of counting from midnight to midnight. This means that the length of an hour varied depending on the time of year.

To express the hours in Latin, we use the word "hora" (plural: horae) followed by the number. Here are some examples:

Latin	Pronunciation	English Translation
hora prima	HO-ra PREE-ma	first hour
hora secunda	HO-ra se-COON-da	second hour
hora tertia	HO-ra TER-ti-a	third hour
hora sexta	HO-ra SEX-ta	sixth hour
hora nona	HO-ra NO-na	ninth hour
hora duodecima	HO-ra doo-o-DE-ki-ma	twelfth hour

As you can see, the Latin words for the hours are very similar to their English counterparts. However, it is important to pay attention to the pronunciation, as Latin has its own unique sounds.

Minutes

In Latin, we can express minutes by using the word "minutum" (plural: minuta) followed by the number. For example:

Latin	Pronunciation	English Translation
quinque minuta	KWIN-kay mi-NOO-ta	five minutes
decem minuta	DE-kem mi-NOO-ta	ten minutes
viginti minuta	vi-GIN-tee mi-NOO-ta	twenty minutes
triginta minuta	tri-GIN-ta mi-NOO-ta	thirty minutes

It is worth noting that the Romans did not have a specific word for "minute" as we do in English. Instead, they referred to minutes as "small measures" or "small portions" of time.

Expressions Related to Time

In addition to the basic vocabulary for hours and minutes, there are several expressions in Latin that are commonly used to indicate specific times of the day. These expressions can be particularly useful when discussing daily routines or scheduling appointments. Here are a few examples:

• "prima hora" (the first hour) - early in the morning
• "meridie" (at midday) - at noon
• "vespere" (in the evening) - in the evening
• "nocte" (at night) - at night

These expressions can be combined with the vocabulary for hours and minutes to provide more precise indications of time. For example:

• "hora tertia meridie" (the third hour at midday) - 3 o'clock in the afternoon
• "hora sexta vespere" (the sixth hour in the evening) - 6 o'clock in the evening

It is important to note that Latin does not have specific words for "morning" or "afternoon." Instead, the Romans referred to these times of day using the expressions "ante diem," meaning "before day," and "post meridiem," meaning "after midday."

Regional Variations and Cultural Insights

While the concepts of telling time in Latin remain consistent across regions, there are some cultural and historical factors that have influenced the usage and understanding of time expressions.

In ancient Rome, the length of an hour varied depending on the time of year. During the summer months, when the days were longer, the hours were longer as well. Conversely, in the winter months, when the days were shorter, the hours were shorter too. This variation in the length of hours is known as "unequal hours" or "temporary hours."

The Roman system of unequal hours remained in use until the 14th century when mechanical clocks with equal hours were introduced in Europe. However, the remnants of the Roman system can still be seen today in the way we divide the day into 24 hours.

Another interesting cultural aspect of timekeeping in ancient Rome is the division of the night into four watches. Each watch lasted three hours, and they were known as "vigiliae." The first watch, known as "vigilia prima," started at sunset, and the fourth watch, known as "vigilia quarta," ended at sunrise. This system of dividing the night into watches was used for military and administrative purposes.

Understanding these regional variations and historical practices adds depth to your knowledge of Latin time expressions and allows you to appreciate the cultural context in which they were used.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have covered the basics of telling time in Latin, let's put your knowledge to the test with some practice exercises. The following exercises will help you reinforce your understanding and gain confidence in using Latin time expressions.

Exercise 1: Translate the following time expressions into Latin:

1. 9:15 AM 2. 7:30 PM 3. 11:45 AM 4. 3:20 PM

Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct Latin time expressions:

1. "hora _____ vespere" (6 o'clock in the evening) 2. "_____ nona" (9 o'clock) 3. "hora _____ meridie" (12 o'clock at midday) 4. "_____ nocte" (at night)

Exercise 3: Match the Latin time expression with its English translation:

1. hora sexta a. 10 o'clock 2. viginti minuta b. 6 o'clock in the evening 3. hora tertia meridie c. 20 minutes 4. decem minuta d. 3 o'clock in the afternoon

Solutions

Exercise 1:

1. 9:15 AM - "hora nona et quindecim minuta" 2. 7:30 PM - "hora septima et triginta minuta vespere" 3. 11:45 AM - "hora undecima et quadraginta quinque minuta" 4. 3:20 PM - "hora tertia et viginti minuta vespere"

Exercise 2:

1. "hora sexta vespere" 2. "hora nona" 3. "hora duodecima meridie" 4. "hora nocte"

Exercise 3:

1. hora sexta - b. 6 o'clock in the evening 2. viginti minuta - c. 20 minutes 3. hora tertia meridie - d. 3 o'clock in the afternoon 4. decem minuta - a. 10 o'clock

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the lesson on telling time in Latin. By mastering the vocabulary, expressions, and cultural insights related to time, you have taken a significant step towards becoming proficient in Latin. Keep practicing and exploring the rich world of the Latin language and culture. In the next lesson, we will delve into the fascinating topic of verbs and conjugations. Vale!

Table of Contents - Latin Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Declensions
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

  ---

Verbs and Conjugations

• Present Tense
• Imperfect Tense

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Declensions
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

  ---

Food and Dining

• Food Items
• Dining and Meals

  ---

Roman History and Mythology

• Roman Gods and Goddesses
• Famous Roman Figures

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Coordinating Conjunctions

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Directions and Locations

  ---

Roman Literature and Art

• Roman Poetry and Poets
• Roman Architecture and Art

Sources

• Telling the time in Latin
• Telling Time in Latin - Latin Language Stack Exchange

Other Lessons

• Time
• How to say Good Bye?
• Animal
• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• Months Days Planets
• Modes of Transportation
• Count from 1 to 10
• Parts of the Body
• Latin Quotes

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