Correctly translate the subjunctive in Latin
Many students find it difficult to find the correct translation for verbs in the subjunctive while doing their Latin homework. The reason for this is that there are not only four different subjunctive forms in Latin, but there are also different translation options for each of them. However, if you remember a few rules of thumb, you will soon become more confident in translating the Latin subjunctive.
The four forms of the subjunctive in Latin
in the Latin a distinction must be made between four different subjunctive forms. These are present subjunctive, imperfect subjunctive, perfect subjunctive and past perfect subjunctive, each of which can be translated in different ways.
- In Latin, the present subjunctive indicates a request, a presentable wish or a conjecture or conjecture. I have a clue and can accordingly be translated as "should", "may" or "could / should".
- The imperfect subjunctive in Latin corresponds to the unrealis of the present - i.e. the imagining of the impossible - or an unrealisable wish from the past. In both constellations it can be translated appropriately with the auxiliary verb "would".
- The subjunctive perfect can be a fulfillable wish of the past or - similar to the subjunctive Present tense - also express a presumption or a premonition, whereby it also means "may" or "may" translates. In addition, the subjunctive perfect in Latin can also stand for a prohibition and must then be translated as a negative imperative.
- The subjunctive past perfect can correspond to the unrealis of the past or denote an unrealisable wish from the past. In both cases it can be translated as "would have" or "would be".
Without understanding the ACI, the Accusativus cum infinitivo, you can ...
The use of the subjunctive in subordinate clauses
In addition to the different translation options for the various subjunctive forms, you should also use the Latin also has some differences in the use of the subjunctive in main and subordinate clauses note.
- If the subjunctive occurs in a simple main clause, it is to be translated according to the above rules according to the context.
- The use of the subjunctive in subordinate clauses, on the other hand, is difficult to get to the point in Latin. Most of the time, it is best not to translate the subjunctive at all.
- An important exception to this rule of thumb applies when the subjunctive in the subordinate clause is introduced with an "si" or "nisi". In these cases, as in the main clause, the above rules must be translated.
The difficult thing about translating the subjunctive in Latin is that there are almost as many exceptions as there are rules. In addition to the cramming rule, it is therefore also important to always pay attention to the context and a good one Develop a feeling for language in order to find the right translation option for this important grammatical form Find.
