A portkey

ricelius · Post by **ricelius** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 9:02 pm

A friend and I have recently begun wondering about how to translate a certain term from an English book into Latin. More specifically, it's the word "portkey", created by the author of Harry Potter. In short, a "portkey" is a thing that can be used to instantly transport people from one place to another. However, we find it very difficult to come up with a Latin expression for this, especially because we'd like this Latin expression to be at least a tad catchy. I have a couple of attempts here. Please tell me if they are valid, and do contribute if you have any suggestions.

clavis portandi (key of transporting)
clavis portae (literally port key I guess)
clavis portans (key that transports)
clavis portanda (key that is to be transported)

As you see, it becomes increasingly difficult as the "port" in "portkey" can be regarded as both a verb and a noun.

Thanks!

Ricelius

benissimus · Post by **benissimus** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 9:16 pm

Why don't you just check how it is in the Latin Harry Potter, or has that one not come out yet?

ricelius · Post by **ricelius** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 9:26 pm

Only the first installment has been published in Latin (I don't even know if they're planning on translating the other books). However, this word doesn't appear till book iv.

Magistra · Post by **Magistra** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 2:32 am

[quote][/quote]

Since you're expressing the purpose of the key, perhaps

clavis ad portandum

or something similar woud be appropriate.

Magistra