View Full Version : What is the latin translation for 'be a better person'?
lamman_33
May 22, 2011, 09:11 PM
Hi everyone
I'm trying to find the right latin translation for the phrase..
The online english to latin translator says 'exsisto a melior alio'
Is it correct? I want a precise translation
Thanks!!
Wondergirl
May 22, 2011, 09:28 PM
No, that's not correct. There's no "a" in Latin to signify a word. If I figure out the phase, I'll post it.
Wondergirl
May 22, 2011, 09:55 PM
The Google translator says quis melior. I looked it up in my Latin dictionary: why not be better?
Latin doesn't translate word for word into another language.
esse = (to) be
sum = I am
melior = better
caput = individual
vir = man
sum melior caput = I am a better person
sum melior vir = I am a better man
BUT Latin sentences are "backwards" in that the verb is at the end of the sentence, and the pronoun follows the noun it modifies --
vir melior sum
caput melior esse
Is there a college or university in your area? Find out if there's a Classics Department and a Latin-speaking instructor. Also, Lutheran pastors and Catholic priests usually have some background in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, so call an area Lutheran or Catholic church.