← Latinum Institute Ecclesiastical Latin Reading Course
The verb dīcō (to say) is a key word in Latin communication. Principal parts: dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum.
31.1 Magister the teacher discipulīs to the students dīcit says vērum the truth
31.2 Quid what mihi to me dīcis do you say dē about librō the book?
31.3 Nihil nothing dē about hāc this rē matter dīcere to say possum I am able
31.4 Senātor the senator causam case magnā with great vōce voice dīxit spoke
31.5 Sacerdōs the priest populō to the people vērba words sacra sacred dīcit says
31.6 Num surely not hoc this mihi to me dīxistī did you say?
31.7 Pater father fīliō to his son semper always vēritātem truth dīcēbat was saying
31.8 Dīc tell mihi me dē about tuīs your amīcīs friends
31.9 Rēx the king omnibus to all pācem peace dīxit proclaimed
31.10 Magistra the teacher discipulae to the student fābulam story dīcit tells
31.11 Heri yesterday multa many things dē about bellō war dīxērunt they said
31.12 Dūx the leader mīlitibus to the soldiers diem the day pugnae of battle dīxit appointed
31.13 Nōn not possum I am able dīcere to say cūr why veniat he comes
31.14 Mater mother līberīs to the children fābulam story dīcēbat was telling
31.15 Iūdex the judge sententiam judgment clārā in a clear vōce voice dīxit pronounced
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
31.1 Magister discipulīs vērum dīcit. The teacher tells the truth to the students.
31.2 Quid mihi dīcis dē librō? What do you tell me about the book?
31.3 Nihil dē hāc rē dīcere possum. I can say nothing about this matter.
31.4 Senātor causam magnā vōce dīxit. The senator spoke the case with a loud voice.
31.5 Sacerdōs populō vērba sacra dīcit. The priest says sacred words to the people.
31.6 Num hoc mihi dīxistī? Surely you didn't say this to me?
31.7 Pater fīliō semper vēritātem dīcēbat. Father was always telling the truth to his son.
31.8 Dīc mihi dē tuīs amīcīs. Tell me about your friends.
31.9 Rēx omnibus pācem dīxit. The king proclaimed peace to everyone.
31.10 Magistra discipulae fābulam dīcit. The teacher tells a story to the student.
31.11 Heri multa dē bellō dīxērunt. Yesterday they said many things about the war.
31.12 Dūx mīlitibus diem pugnae dīxit. The leader appointed the day of battle to the soldiers.
31.13 Nōn possum dīcere cūr veniat. I cannot say why he comes.
31.14 Mater līberīs fābulam dīcēbat. Mother was telling a story to the children.
31.15 Iūdex sententiam clārā vōce dīxit. The judge pronounced the sentence with a clear voice.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
31.1 Magister discipulīs vērum dīcit.
31.2 Quid mihi dīcis dē librō?
31.3 Nihil dē hāc rē dīcere possum.
31.4 Senātor causam magnā vōce dīxit.
31.5 Sacerdōs populō vērba sacra dīcit.
31.6 Num hoc mihi dīxistī?
31.7 Pater fīliō semper vēritātem dīcēbat.
31.8 Dīc mihi dē tuīs amīcīs.
31.9 Rēx omnibus pācem dīxit.
31.10 Magistra discipulae fābulam dīcit.
31.11 Heri multa dē bellō dīxērunt.
31.12 Dūx mīlitibus diem pugnae dīxit.
31.13 Nōn possum dīcere cūr veniat.
31.14 Mater līberīs fābulam dīcēbat.
31.15 Iūdex sententiam clārā vōce dīxit.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
For English speakers learning Latin, the verb dīcō presents several important grammatical features: -
Principal Parts: -
Present: dīcō (I say) -
Infinitive: dīcere (to say) -
Perfect: dīxī (I said/have said) -
Supine: dictum (said) -
Key Forms Used in Our Examples: -
Present tense: dīcō, dīcis, dīcit -
Perfect tense: dīxī, dīxistī -
Imperfect tense: dīcēbat -
Imperative: dīc -
Important Constructions: -
Takes dative for indirect object (person spoken to) -
Uses accusative for direct object (thing said) -
Can introduce indirect statements -
Special phrases: -
causam dīcere (to plead a case) -
diem dīcere (to appoint a day) -
Word Order: -
Verb often comes at end of clause -
Indirect object typically precedes direct object
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
For English speakers, understanding dīcō requires cultural context: -
Roman Oratory: -
Speaking was a crucial skill in Roman society -
Public speaking was essential for political career -
Legal system relied heavily on spoken arguments -
Social Context: -
Different ways of speaking for different social situations -
Formal vs informal speech -
Importance of truth-telling in Roman society -
Educational Context: -
Speaking exercises were central to Roman education -
Students practiced declamation -
Teachers emphasized proper speech -
Modern Connections: -
Many English words derive from dīcō: -
dictate, dictation, dictator -
diction, dictionary -
verdict (vērum dictum - truth spoken)
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Part F-A (Interleaved Text)
From Cicero's "Pro Caelio":
Dīcam I shall speak enim for nōn not libenter willingly sed but necesse necessary est it is
Dīcam enim nōn libenter sed necesse est. For I shall speak not willingly but it is necessary.
This quote demonstrates Cicero's rhetorical style, using dīcō to introduce reluctant but necessary testimony. The future tense dīcam shows planned action.
-
dīcam: first person singular future indicative -
Contrasting construction with nōn...sed -
Use of impersonal necesse est -
Typical Ciceronian periodic sentence structure
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
This is an excellent set of parallel sentences practicing the dative case (indirect object) with verbs of speaking and telling. Here are the translations:
| # | Translation | |---|---| | 31.16 | The Lord spoke a parable to his disciples | | 31.17 | The priest speaks the truth of the Gospel to the people | | 31.18 | The angel spoke the word of the Lord to Mary | | 31.19 | The apostles were speaking the word of God to the nations | | 31.20 | The prophet told the people to do repentance | | 31.21 | The bishop explains the mysteries of faith to the faithful | | 31.22 | The martyr gave testimony of truth to the judge | | 31.23 | The monks say prayers in the assembly | | 31.24 | The pope pronounces a blessing to the city and to the world | | 31.25 | The Virgin Mary spoke a song of praise to God | | 31.26 | The catechist tells the teaching of Christ to the children | | 31.27 | Our Father in heaven speaks hope to us | | 31.28 | Christ gave a new commandment to the disciples | | 31.29 | The saints tell examples of virtues to us | | 31.30 | The Church proclaims the truth to all nations |
Key Pattern: These sentences follow the structure [Subject] + [Dative recipient] + [Direct object] + [Verb], showcasing how the dative expresses the indirect object in Latin. ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
31.16 Dominus discipulīs suīs parabolam dīxit. The Lord spoke a parable to his disciples.
31.17 Sacerdōs populō vēritātem Evangeliī dīcit. The priest speaks the truth of the Gospel to the people.
31.18 Angelus Marīae verbum Dominī dīxit. The angel spoke the word of the Lord to Mary.
31.19 Apostolī gentibus verbum Deī dīcēbant. The apostles were speaking the word of God to the nations.
31.20 Prophēta populum paenitentiam agere dīxit. The prophet told the people to do penance.
31.21 Episcopus fīdelibus mystēria fidēī dīcit. The bishop explains the mysteries of faith to the faithful.
31.22 Mārtyr iūdicī testimōnium vēritātis dīxit. The martyr gave testimony of truth to the judge.
31.23 Monachī in conventū prēcēs dīcunt. The monks say prayers in assembly.
31.24 Pontifex benedīctiōnem urbī et orbī dīcit. The pope pronounces a blessing to the city and to the world.
31.25 Virgo Marīa canticum laudis Deō dīxit. The Virgin Mary spoke a song of praise to God.
31.26 Catechista puerīs doctrinam Christī dīcit. The catechist tells the teaching of Christ to the children.
31.27 Pater noster in caelīs nōbīs spem dīcit. Our father in heaven speaks hope to us.
31.28 Christus discipulīs mandātum novum dīxit. Christ gave a new commandment to the disciples.
31.29 Sanctī exempla virtūtum nōbīs dīcunt. The saints tell us examples of virtues.
31.30 Ecclesia vēritātem omnibus gentibus dīcit. The Church proclaims the truth to all nations.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
31.16 Dominus discipulīs suīs parabolam dīxit.
31.17 Sacerdōs populō vēritātem Evangeliī dīcit.
31.18 Angelus Marīae verbum Dominī dīxit.
31.19 Apostolī gentibus verbum Deī dīcēbant.
31.20 Prophēta populum paenitentiam agere dīxit.
31.21 Episcopus fīdelibus mystēria fidēī dīcit.
31.22 Mārtyr iūdicī testimōnium vēritātis dīxit.
31.23 Monachī in conventū prēcēs dīcunt.
31.24 Pontifex benedīctiōnem urbī et orbī dīcit.
31.25 Virgo Marīa canticum laudis Deō dīxit.
31.26 Catechista puerīs doctrinam Christī dīcit.
31.27 Pater noster in caelīs nōbīs spem dīcit.
31.28 Christus discipulīs mandātum novum dīxit.
31.29 Sanctī exempla virtūtum nōbīs dīcunt.
31.30 Ecclesia vēritātem omnibus gentibus dīcit.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
In Christian Latin texts, the verb dīcō takes on specialized meanings and appears in particular contexts: -
Religious Terminology: -
Often used for divine communication -
Introduces sacred teachings and proclamations -
Used in liturgical contexts -
Special Constructions: -
Indirect commands (e.g., dīxit populum paenitentiam agere) -
Liturgical formulas (e.g., prēcēs dīcere) -
Solemn pronouncements (e.g., benedīctiōnem dīcere) -
Case Usage in Religious Context: -
Dative of recipient (often the faithful or disciples) -
Accusative of teaching or message -
Special phrases with prepositions (e.g., in conventū) -
Word Order in Religious Texts: -
More formal than classical Latin -
Often follows biblical Greek patterns -
Emphasis on solemnity and clarity -
Tense Usage: -
Perfect tense for historical events (e.g., Christ's words) -
Present tense for ongoing church teachings -
Imperfect for continuous past actions
This religious context adds layers of meaning to dīcō beyond its basic definition of "to say."
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
31.16 Dominus the Lord discipulīs to the disciples suīs his parabolam parable dīxit spoke
31.17 Sacerdōs the priest populō to the people vēritātem truth Evangeliī of the Gospel dīcit speaks
31.18 Angelus the angel Marīae to Mary verbum word Dominī of the Lord dīxit spoke
31.19 Apostolī the apostles gentibus to the nations verbum word Deī of God dīcēbant were speaking
31.20 Prophēta the prophet populum the people paenitentiam repentance agere to do dīxit told
31.21 Episcopus the bishop fīdelibus to the faithful mystēria mysteries fidēī of faith dīcit explains
31.22 Mārtyr the martyr iūdicī to the judge testimōnium testimony vēritātis of truth dīxit gave
31.23 Monachī the monks in in conventū assembly prēcēs prayers dīcunt say
31.24 Pontifex the pope benedīctiōnem blessing urbī to the city et and orbī to the world dīcit pronounces
31.25 Virgo the Virgin Marīa Mary canticum song laudis of praise Deō to God dīxit spoke
31.26 Catechista the catechist puerīs to the children doctrinam teaching Christī of Christ dīcit tells
31.27 Pater father noster our in in caelīs heaven nōbīs to us spem hope dīcit speaks
31.28 Christus Christ discipulīs to the disciples mandātum commandment novum new dīxit gave
31.29 Sanctī the saints exempla examples virtūtum of virtues nōbīs to us dīcunt tell
31.30 Ecclesia the Church vēritātem truth omnibus to all gentibus nations dīcit proclaims
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
31.31 Discipulōs studiōsōs esse dīcit magister. The teacher says that the students are diligent.
31.32 Dīxit dux hostēs urbī appropinquāre. The leader said that the enemies were approaching the city.
31.33 Nūntius rēgem cum magnō exercitū venīre dīxit. The messenger said that the king was coming with a great army.
31.34 Dīcēbat agricola agrōs aquam dēsīderāre. The farmer was saying that the fields needed water.
31.35 Pater librōs sē fīliō datūrum esse dīxit. Father said that he would give books to his son.
31.36 Senātor dīxit cīvēs pācem cupere. The senator said that the citizens desired peace.
31.37 Ventūrās esse crās nāvēs dīcit mercātor. The merchant says that the ships will arrive tomorrow.
31.38 Servus vīllam ardēre dominō dīxit. The slave said to the master that the villa was burning.
31.39 Mīles sē dīxit in proeliō vulnerātum esse. The soldier said that he had been wounded in battle.
31.40 Poēta nova carmina sē scrīpsisse dīcit. The poet says that he has written new poems.
31.41 Dīxit philosophus sapientiam virtūtem maximam esse. The philosopher said that wisdom is the greatest virtue.
31.42 Māter in hortō dīcēbat puellam lūdere. Mother was saying that the girl was playing in the garden.
31.43 Reum culpam negāre dīxit iūdex. The judge said that the accused denied guilt.
31.44 Magister puerōs dīxit linguam Latīnam discere. The teacher said that the boys were learning the Latin language.
31.45 Herbās morbōs sānāre medicus dīcēbat. The doctor was saying that herbs cure diseases.
31.31 Discipulōs studiōsōs esse dīcit magister.
31.32 Dīxit dux hostēs urbī appropinquāre.
31.33 Nūntius rēgem cum magnō exercitū venīre dīxit.
31.34 Dīcēbat agricola agrōs aquam dēsīderāre.
31.35 Pater librōs sē fīliō datūrum esse dīxit.
31.36 Senātor dīxit cīvēs pācem cupere.
31.37 Ventūrās esse crās nāvēs dīcit mercātor.
31.38 Servus vīllam ardēre dominō dīxit.
31.39 Mīles sē dīxit in proeliō vulnerātum esse.
31.40 Poēta nova carmina sē scrīpsisse dīcit.
31.41 Dīxit philosophus sapientiam virtūtem maximam esse.
31.42 Māter in hortō dīcēbat puellam lūdere.
31.43 Reum culpam negāre dīxit iūdex.
31.44 Magister puerōs dīxit linguam Latīnam discere.
31.45 Herbās morbōs sānāre medicus dīcēbat.
The grammar of indirect speech (oratio obliqua) in Latin has several key features that English speakers should note: -
Basic Structure: -
Main verb of saying (dīcō, dīxī, etc.) -
Subject of reported speech in accusative case -
Reported verb in infinitive form -
Tense Changes: -
Present infinitive for action contemporary with main verb -
Perfect infinitive for action prior to main verb -
Future infinitive for action subsequent to main verb -
Special Features: -
Use of reflexive pronoun sē for subject referring back to speaker -
Retention of original case for objects and other elements -
Time expressions may shift perspective -
Key Differences from English: -
No "that" conjunction (quod, ut) needed -
No subjunctive mood as in some other subordinate clauses -
More precise tense relationships shown through infinitive forms -
Common Patterns: -
Simple statement: Subject (acc.) + Predicate (inf.) -
Future reference: Subject (acc.) + Future infinitive -
Past reference: Subject (acc.) + Perfect infinitive -
Contemporary action: Subject (acc.) + Present infinitive
These patterns are essential for mastering Latin indirect speech and understanding classical texts.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
---