Latin Family Motto Embroidery Project

Latin Learning Latin
1

I’m trying to turn an old family saying into Latin for an embroidery project, does this look like a good translation?

Original:
Am I a tree, that you should climb me? (spoken to a rambunctious child)

Modified:
Be the tree, that they may climb you. (Grow tall, so that you can boost and support others)

Initial Translation:
Esto arbor, ut ascendant te.

Any advice would be appreciated.

2

EDIT:
I found a slightly more stable phrase on google translate, does this sound right?

Esto illa arbor ut super te ascendant.

3

I take it that you dont know any Latin? Google translate cant be used for Latin.

You have to decide exactly what you think the motto means in English. You have given several versions all of which mean different things. So decide what you exactly want to say, what the idea is that you want to convey and then we may be able to help.

What you are trying to do is to translate into Latin literally hoping that the idea will translate in a simple way. it very rarely does!

I assume for example that you don’t literally mean that someone should become a tree. What you mean is that someone should become like a tree. Although of course Daphne did become a laurel tree, so there is a precedent.

It is normal to introduce yourself first and tell us something about your interest in classical languages before asking a question.

4

Thanks for the reply!

My name is Samuel, and I’m trying to create phrase for an embroidery project for my parents. Our last name is Birch, so a family phrase + tree themed motto seems appropriate. My interest in Latin is primarily focused on this project, as this will be hanging over the door, coat of arms style, but I have a deep respect for the language in general, as a conlang enthusiast and member of the scientific community, it comes up a lot. :slight_smile:

I was trying to give some wiggle room in case the English phrase was awkward to translate, I’m sorry if I added too much confusion.

I was advised by a friend that short, three-word Latin statements would look nice, so if it were possible to translate the following, I feel the meaning would come across all the same:

Be a tree to climb

Notes:

  • “Be/Become” here can be future or present imperative, and DOES actually connotate transformation, not just “be like a tree.”


  • “to climb” may also be translated as “that they may climb”, I just figured “to climb” would be simpler.


  • There is a word, “arborēscēre” that could be useful, but I’m not sure if it applies.
5

Your formulations are a bit difficult to turn into a short pithy motto.

Have you considered something like “floreat Betulla” “may the Birch flourish”?

6

Unfortunately, I don’t think that would work

7

What about

Arbori Scandenti Esto

would that work?

8

Arbor, I’d say: be a tree to who is climbing,

9

Thanks! I think I like that one:

Arbor Scandenti Esto

That you all for helping!