What would the translation of Live and Learn be in Latin?
Thursday, October 15th, 2009 at
11:23 pm
I would like not to get a ton of different variations back, what is the one most sure fire translation to "Live and Learn" into latin?
Specifically thinking about getting this as a tattoo. Reason being that live over the past years I have learned a lot.
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Tagged with: latin • translation • variations
Filed under: Latin Language
First, I always caution people against getting a tattoo in a language they have never studied. There may be subtleties of meaning you do not understand. Also, any of us are capable of making a mistake or typo, which will then become permanent on your body. Finally, as you can tell here, there are many ways to translate even a simple three word phrase. Proceed at your own risk.
Based upon what you have said, perhaps the first person past tense (we call it perfect tense) would be appropriate.
"Vixi et didici." – I have lived and I have learned.
I know you want just one answer, but let me give you the present tense just so you do have an alternative that you may like better.
"Vivo et disco." – I live and I learn.
The present would indicate that the living and the learning are an ongoing process which will presumably continue into the future, whereas the past tense emphasizes what you have overcome in the past and the knowledge you’ve gained from it. See what I mean by subtleties of meaning? Sorry for the long answer, but I hope it helps!
Ago quod perceptum
vive et stude. Or vive studeque.
Vivere et discere = To live and (to) learn
Vive et disce = Live and learn – as a command to one person
Vivite et discite = Live and learn – as a command to more than one.
Vivas et discas = May you (singular) live and learn.
Vivamus/discamus for you plural.