Ch 2 · Lesson 16Latin · Chapter 2 · Lesson 16 · Grammar primer
Don't: noli and nolite
Classical Latin does not put in front of a command. Don't is for one person, for several, plus the infinitive: , do not be afraid.
The short version
Latin says don't with
.
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A negative command is to one person or to several, plus the infinitive. is itself a command from , I am unwilling, so is literally be unwilling to fear. is not Latin.
Don't: noli and nolite
Classical Latin does not put in front of a command. For don't, it uses (one person) or (several), followed by the infinitive.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
. | Do not be afraid. (one) |
. | Do not be afraid. (several) |
. | Do not say it. |
. | Do not come. (several) |
tangere. | Do not touch me. |
Only changes for the plural; the infinitive stays as it is. is itself a command of , I am unwilling, so is literally be unwilling to fear. tangere is what the risen Christ says to Mary Magdalene in the Vulgate (John 20:17).
You will also meet with the perfect subjunctive: . - Do not do it. Learn first.
Mistakes English speakers make
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
dice | | one of the four short ones |
dicete | | third conjugation plural is - |
| | several people need - |
| | don't is |
| | |
| | only |
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Lesson 16 of 39 in this chapter