Motto translation

Here you can discuss all things Latin. Use this board to ask questions about grammar, discuss learning strategies, get help with a difficult passage of Latin, and more.
Post Reply
wm33
Textkit Neophyte
Posts: 17
Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:07 am
Location: Scotland

Motto translation

Post by wm33 »

Salvete amici,

A company that specialises in software to use GPS signals for accurately locating objects on the Earth has as its motto:

UBI SUMUS RE VERA

Could this be translated as "Where we are - by the true method"? (i.e. using re vera as an ablative of means?) or perhaps "Where we truly are"? (is "re vera" ever used to mean truly?) or is there a more fitting translation/interpretation?

Suggestions welcomed.

User avatar
benissimus
Global Moderator
Posts: 2733
Joined: Mon May 12, 2003 4:32 am
Location: Berkeley, California
Contact:

Post by benissimus »

Yes, it means "Where we really/truly are". Res is a word that really cannot be described, you just must see how it is used. Res vera is "the true thing", and thus "the truth". Ablative pretty much turns that into an adverb, and choose the words at your best discretion. And maybe it's just me, but it seems a little odd to use the phrase with the verb esse.
flebile nescio quid queritur lyra, flebile lingua murmurat exanimis, respondent flebile ripae

Episcopus
Textkit Zealot
Posts: 2563
Joined: Sat Jun 14, 2003 8:57 pm

Post by Episcopus »

re vera means more 'in fact'. There are many possibilities for that little sentence.

Post Reply