← Latinum Institute Latin Reading Course
In this lesson, we'll learn the verb dīcō (say, tell, speak), one of the most important verbs in Latin. It is a third conjugation verb: dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum.
14.1 Puer the boy mihi to me vērum the truth dīcit says
14.2 Magister the teacher discipulīs to the students fābulam a story dīcit tells
14.3 Quid what dīcis do you say dē about hāc this rē matter?
14.4 Mater mother fīliō to her son bonā with good vōce voice dīcit speaks
14.5 Marcus Marcus litterās the letter mihi to me dīxit spoke about
14.6 Ego I tibi to you vēritātem the truth dīcam will tell
14.7 Quis who haec these things rēgī to the king dīxit said?
14.8 Sapientēs wise men multa many things dē about vītā life dīcunt say
14.9 Pater father fīliīs to his sons verba words sapientia wise dīxit spoke
14.10 Senātor the senator in in forō the forum dē about lēge the law dīcit speaks
14.11 Cīvēs the citizens dē about bellō war multa many things dīcēbant were saying
14.12 Dux the leader mīlitibus to the soldiers dē about victōriā victory dīxit spoke
14.13 Poēta the poet carmina poems magnī great dīcēbat was reciting
14.14 Nōn not possum I am able dīcere to say cūr why vēnistī you came
14.15 Amīcus friend mihi to me vērum the truth semper always dīcit tells
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14.1 Puer mihi vērum dīcit. The boy tells me the truth.
14.2 Magister discipulīs fābulam dīcit. The teacher tells a story to the students.
14.3 Quid dē hāc rē dīcis? What do you say about this matter?
14.4 Mater fīliō bonā vōce dīcit. Mother speaks to her son with a good voice.
14.5 Marcus litterās mihi dīxit. Marcus told me about the letter.
14.6 Ego tibi vēritātem dīcam. I will tell you the truth.
14.7 Quis haec rēgī dīxit? Who said these things to the king?
14.8 Sapientēs multa dē vītā dīcunt. Wise men say many things about life.
14.9 Pater fīliīs verba sapientia dīxit. Father spoke wise words to his sons.
14.10 Senātor in forō dē lēge dīcit. The senator speaks about the law in the forum.
14.11 Cīvēs dē bellō multa dīcēbant. The citizens were saying many things about the war.
14.12 Dux mīlitibus dē victōriā dīxit. The leader spoke to the soldiers about victory.
14.13 Poēta carmina pulchra dīcēbat. The poet was reciting beautiful poems.
14.14 Nōn possum dīcere cūr vēnistī. I cannot say why you came.
14.15 Amīcus mihi vērum semper dīcit. A friend always tells me the truth.
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14.1 Puer mihi vērum dīcit.
14.2 Magister discipulīs fābulam dīcit.
14.3 Quid dē hāc rē dīcis?
14.4 Mater fīliō bonā vōce dīcit.
14.5 Marcus litterās mihi dīxit.
14.6 Ego tibi vēritātem dīcam.
14.7 Quis haec rēgī dīxit?
14.8 Sapientēs multa dē vītā dīcunt.
14.9 Pater fīliīs verba sapientia dīxit.
14.10 Senātor in forō dē lēge dīcit.
14.11 Cīvēs dē bellō multa dīcēbant.
14.12 Dux mīlitibus dē victōriā dīxit.
14.13 Poēta carmina pulchra dīcēbat.
14.14 Nōn possum dīcere cūr vēnistī.
14.15 Amīcus mihi vērum semper dīcit.
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For English speakers learning Latin, the verb dīcō presents several important grammatical features: -
Principal Parts: -
dīcō (present) -
dīcere (infinitive) -
dīxī (perfect) -
dictum (supine) -
Present Tense Forms: -
dīcō - I say -
dīcis - you (singular) say -
dīcit - he/she/it says -
dīcimus - we say -
dīcitis - you (plural) say -
dīcunt - they say -
Case Usage with dīcō: -
Takes dative for the person spoken to -
Takes accusative for the thing said -
Uses dē + ablative for the topic ("about") Example: Magister discipulīs (dative) fābulam (accusative) dē bellō (dē + ablative) dīcit. -
Common Constructions: -
dīcere vērum - to tell the truth -
causam dīcere - to plead a case -
diem dīcere - to appoint a day -
Important Notes for English Speakers: -
Unlike English "say," dīcō can take an indirect object -
Word order is more flexible than in English -
The perfect tense (dīxī) shows a characteristic 'x' formation
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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 speeches (causam dīcere) were important -
Social Context: -
Different ways of speaking for different social situations -
Formal vs informal speech -
Importance of truth-telling in Roman culture -
Historical Perspective: -
Role of oral tradition in Roman culture -
Importance of public pronouncements -
Legal and political speeches -
Modern Connections: -
Similar to English "say," "tell," "speak" -
Used in many common Latin phrases still used today -
Important in understanding Roman literature and history
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Part F-A (Interleaved Text)
From Cicero's "Pro Archia" (1.1):
Sī if quid anything est there is in in mē me ingeniī of talent, iūdicēs judges, quod which sentiō I feel quam how sit may be exiguum small, dīcendī of speaking ratiō method et and disciplīna training
Sī quid est in mē ingeniī, iūdicēs, quod sentiō quam sit exiguum, dīcendī ratiō et disciplīna. If there is any talent in me, judges, which I feel how small it may be, it comes from my method and training in speaking.
This passage shows Cicero's characteristic modesty about his speaking ability, while using the gerund dīcendī to emphasize the importance of training in public speaking.
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dīcendī is a gerund in the genitive case -
Shows the noun use of the verb dīcō -
Part of a larger rhetorical structure -
Demonstrates the flexibility of Latin word order
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These exercises focus on legal, judicial, and political contexts with verbs of speaking (dicere and its compounds). Here's a summary of key vocabulary and patterns:
Legal/Judicial Roles: - Cicerō, iūdex, testis, accūsātor, reus, praetor, advocātus, magistrātus, quaestor
Political Roles: - Senātōrēs, cōnsul, tribūnus, lēgātus, scribae, cēnsor
Legal Concepts: - sententia (verdict, judgment) - lēx/iūra (law/rights) - iūstitia (justice) - innocentia (innocence) - crīmen (crime) - veritas (truth) - pāx (peace)
Common constructions: - Accusative + infinitive after dīxit/dīcit: - verba clara vōce dīcēbant = were speaking words in a clear voice - pecūniam computātam esse dīxit = declared that money had been calculated
- Ablative of manner (with vōce): expressing how something is done
- Tense variation: Mix of present (dīcit), imperfect (dīcēbant), and perfect (dīxit)
Would you like me to provide translations, grammatical analysis, or practice with specific constructions from these sentences? ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
14.16 Cicerō causam prō amīcō in forō dīcit. Cicero pleads the case for his friend in the forum.
14.17 Iūdex sententiam gravī vōce dīxit. The judge pronounced the verdict with a serious voice.
14.18 Testēs vēra dē crīmine dīcunt. The witnesses tell true things about the crime.
14.19 Accūsātor multa contrā reum dīxit. The prosecutor said many things against the defendant.
14.20 Senātōrēs lēgem novam dē iūstitiā dīcunt. The senators propose a new law about justice.
14.21 Praetor iūra cīvium clārā vōce dīcēbat. The praetor was declaring the rights of citizens in a clear voice.
14.22 Advocātus dē innocentiā clientis dīxit. The advocate spoke about the innocence of his client.
14.23 Cōnsul in senātū dē iūstitiā dīcere incipit. The consul begins to speak about justice in the senate.
14.24 Testis vēritātem ante iūdicem dīcere dēbet. The witness must tell the truth before the judge.
14.25 Magistrātus sententiam contrā fūrem dīxit. The magistrate pronounced judgment against the thief.
14.26 Quaestor pecūniam pūblicam computātam esse dīxit. The quaestor declared that the public money had been calculated.
14.27 Tribūnus plēbī iūra nova dīcit. The tribune announces new rights to the people.
14.28 Lēgātus pācem cum hostibus factam esse dīxit. The ambassador declared that peace had been made with the enemies.
14.29 Scribae verba lēgis clara vōce dīcēbant. The scribes were reading the words of the law with a clear voice.
14.30 Cēnsor dē mōribus cīvium multa dīxit. The censor spoke many things about the morals of citizens.
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14.16 Cicerō causam prō amīcō in forō dīcit.
14.17 Iūdex sententiam gravī vōce dīxit.
14.18 Testēs vēra dē crīmine dīcunt.
14.19 Accūsātor multa contrā reum dīxit.
14.20 Senātōrēs lēgem novam dē iūstitiā dīcunt.
14.21 Praetor iūra cīvium clārā vōce dīcēbat.
14.22 Advocātus dē innocentiā clientis dīxit.
14.23 Cōnsul in senātū dē iūstitiā dīcere incipit.
14.24 Testis vēritātem ante iūdicem dīcere dēbet.
14.25 Magistrātus sententiam contrā fūrem dīxit.
14.26 Quaestor pecūniam pūblicam computātam esse dīxit.
14.27 Tribūnus plēbī iūra nova dīcit.
14.28 Lēgātus pācem cum hostibus factam esse dīxit.
14.29 Scribae verba lēgis clara vōce dīcēbant.
14.30 Cēnsor dē mōribus cīvium multa dīxit.
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Special Legal Uses of dīcō: -
Technical Legal Phrases: -
causam dīcere: "to plead a case" -
sententiam dīcere: "to pronounce judgment" -
iūs dīcere: "to administer justice" -
testimōnium dīcere: "to give testimony" -
Case Usage in Legal Context: -
Dative of advantage/disadvantage: prō amīcō dīcere -
Accusative of the charge: dē crīmine dīcere -
Ablative of manner: clārā vōce dīcere -
Special Constructions: -
Indirect Statement (common in legal pronouncements): -
dīxit + accusative + infinitive -
Example: "pācem factam esse dīxit" -
Impersonal passive: -
dīcitur + accusative + infinitive -
Example: "iūra violāta esse dīcuntur" -
Legal Formulas and Set Phrases: -
vēra dīcere: "to tell the truth" (in testimony) -
iūra dīcere: "to declare rights" -
lēgem dīcere: "to propose/state a law" -
Word Order in Legal Latin: -
More formal than regular Latin -
Often follows set patterns -
Emphasis on clarity and precision -
Time Aspects: -
Present tense for current proceedings -
Perfect for completed actions -
Imperfect for background or continuous actions -
Voice: -
Active for official pronouncements -
Passive for formal declarations -
Deponent verbs in legal terminology -
Special Features for English Speakers: -
More formal than everyday Latin -
Heavy use of technical terminology -
Fixed phrases and formulas -
Emphasis on precision -
Cultural Notes: -
Roman legal system's influence on modern law -
Importance of verbal formulas in Roman law -
Role of public speaking in legal proceedings -
Relationship between law and rhetoric
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These sentences demonstrate indirect statements in Latin, where the main verb of saying/telling is followed by an accusative + infinitive construction.
Direct: "Hostēs appropinquant" (The enemies are approaching) Indirect: "Nūntius dīxit hostēs appropinquāre" (The messenger said [that] the enemies were approaching)
1. Main verbs of saying: dīxit, dīxērunt, dixērunt (said)
2. Tense of infinitive reflects the original tense: - Present infinitive = present/future in original - Perfect infinitive = past in original - Future infinitive = future in original
3. Common patterns: - sē (himself/themselves) = reflexive pronoun - esse = "to be" (often appears at end) - victōs esse = "had been defeated" - futūram esse = "would be"
| Sentence | Main Clause | Indirect Statement | |----------|------------|-------------------| | 14.31 | Nūntius dīxit | hostēs urbī appropinquāre | | 14.36 | Legātī dīxērunt | rēgem bellum nōlle | | 14.37 | Cīvēs dīxērunt | sē mūrōs servātūrōs esse | | 14.40 | Explōrātōrēs dīxērunt | sē castra hostium vīdisse |
These exercises reinforce recognizing and translating reported speech in Latin. ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
14.31 Nūntius dīxit hostēs urbī appropinquāre. The messenger said that the enemies were approaching the city.
14.32 Cōnsul populō dīxit perīculum magnum esse. The consul said to the people that the danger was great.
14.33 Dux mīlitibus dīxit sē victōriam spērāre. The leader said to the soldiers that he hoped for victory.
14.34 Senātōrēs dīxērunt cīvēs urbem dēfendere dēbēre. The senators said that the citizens ought to defend the city.
14.35 Imperātor dīxit lēgātōs pācem petere. The emperor said that the ambassadors were seeking peace.
14.36 Legātī dīxērunt rēgem bellum nōlle. The ambassadors said that the king did not want war.
14.37 Cīvēs dīxērunt sē mūrōs servātūrōs esse. The citizens said that they would guard the walls.
14.38 Dux mīlitibus dīxit hostēs victōs esse. The leader said to the soldiers that the enemies had been defeated.
14.39 Senātor dīxit cīvitātem salvam futūram esse. The senator said that the state would be safe.
14.40 Explōrātōrēs dīxērunt sē castra hostium vīdisse. The scouts said that they had seen the enemy camp.
14.41 Mercātor dīxit nāvēs multās portum intrāre. The merchant said that many ships were entering the harbor.
14.42 Centuriō mīlitibus dīxit tempus pugnandī vēnisse. The centurion said to the soldiers that the time for fighting had come.
14.43 Sacerdōs dīxit deōs urbī favēre. The priest said that the gods were favorable to the city.
14.44 Tribūnus dīxit lēgem iūstam futūram esse. The tribune said that the law would be just.
14.45 Senātus dīxit rem pūblicam in perīculō esse. The senate said that the republic was in danger.
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14.31 Nūntius dīxit hostēs urbī appropinquāre.
14.32 Cōnsul populō dīxit perīculum magnum esse.
14.33 Dux mīlitibus dīxit sē victōriam spērāre.
14.34 Senātōrēs dīxērunt cīvēs urbem dēfendere dēbēre.
14.35 Imperātor dīxit lēgātōs pācem petere.
14.36 Legātī dīxērunt rēgem bellum nōlle.
14.37 Cīvēs dīxērunt sē mūrōs servātūrōs esse.
14.38 Dux mīlitibus dīxit hostēs victōs esse.
14.39 Senātor dīxit cīvitātem salvam futūram esse.
14.40 Explōrātōrēs dīxērunt sē castra hostium vīdisse.
14.41 Mercātor dīxit nāvēs multās portum intrāre.
14.42 Centuriō mīlitibus dīxit tempus pugnandī vēnisse.
14.43 Sacerdōs dīxit deōs urbī favēre.
14.44 Tribūnus dīxit lēgem iūstam futūram esse.
14.45 Senātus dīxit rem pūblicam in perīculō esse.
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Key Features of Indirect Speech (Ōrātiō Oblīqua): -
Basic Structure: -
Main verb (dīcō/dīxī) + accusative subject + infinitive -
Example: "Nūntius dīxit hostēs appropinquāre" -
Original direct speech: "Hostēs appropinquant" -
Tense Changes: -
Present → Present Infinitive (appropinquāre) -
Perfect → Perfect Infinitive (vīdisse) -
Future → Future Infinitive (servātūrōs esse) -
Pronoun Changes: -
First person becomes sē (reflexive) -
Second person becomes subject accusative -
Third person remains the same -
Special Constructions: -
Future infinitive formed with -ūrus esse -
Perfect passive with esse -
Indirect commands use dēbēre + infinitive -
Common Patterns for English Speakers: -
"X said that..." = "X dīxit..." + accusative and infinitive -
Reflexive pronouns (sē) refer back to the subject -
Time expressions shift as in English indirect speech -
Sequence of Tenses: -
Primary sequence (after present dīcit) -
Historic sequence (after past dīxit) -
Effect on dependent verbs -
Cultural Context: -
Used extensively in historical writing -
Important in political and military reports -
Common in diplomatic communications -
Special Note for English Speakers: -
Unlike English, Latin uses accusative + infinitive -
No "that" conjunction as in English -
More concise than English equivalent
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14.16 Cicerō Cicero causam the case prō for amīcō his friend in in forō the forum dīcit pleads
14.17 Iūdex the judge sententiam verdict gravī with serious vōce voice dīxit pronounced
14.18 Testēs witnesses vēra true things dē about crīmine the crime dīcunt tell
14.19 Accūsātor the prosecutor multa many things contrā against reum the defendant dīxit said
14.20 Senātōrēs the senators lēgem the law novam new dē about iūstitiā justice dīcunt propose
14.21 Praetor the praetor iūra the rights cīvium of citizens clārā in a clear vōce voice dīcēbat was declaring
14.22 Advocātus the advocate dē about innocentiā the innocence clientis of his client dīxit spoke
14.23 Cōnsul the consul in in senātū the senate dē about iūstitiā justice dīcere to speak incipit begins
14.24 Testis the witness vēritātem the truth ante before iūdicem the judge dīcere to tell dēbet must
14.25 Magistrātus the magistrate sententiam judgment contrā against fūrem the thief dīxit pronounced
14.26 Quaestor the quaestor pecūniam money pūblicam public computātam calculated esse to be dīxit declared
14.27 Tribūnus the tribune plēbī to the people iūra rights nova new dīcit announces
14.28 Lēgātus the ambassador pācem peace cum with hostibus the enemies factam made esse to be dīxit declared
14.29 Scribae the scribes verba words lēgis of the law clara clear vōce with voice dīcēbant were reading
14.30 Cēnsor the censor dē about mōribus the morals cīvium of citizens multa many things dīxit spoke
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14.31 Explōrātōrēs dīxērunt barbarōs magnō exercitū appropinquāre. The scouts said that barbarians were approaching with a great army.
14.32 Iīdem dīxērunt hostēs trēs legiōnēs habēre. The same men said that the enemies had three legions.
14.33 Cōnsul senātū dīxit urbem in magnō perīculō esse. The consul said to the senate that the city was in great danger.
14.34 Senātōrēs dīxērunt tempus esse arma parāre. The senators said that it was time to prepare arms.
14.35 Dux cīvibus dīxit sē urbem dēfēnsūrum esse. The general said to the citizens that he would defend the city.
14.36 Sacerdōtēs dīxērunt deōs auxilium datūrōs esse. The priests said that the gods would give help.
14.37 Mercātōrēs dīxērunt sē frūmentum in urbem portāre. The merchants said that they were bringing grain into the city.
14.38 Centuriōnēs dīxērunt mīlitēs fortiter pugnātūrōs esse. The centurions said that the soldiers would fight bravely.
14.39 Nūntius dīxit hostēs mūrōs oppugnāre incipere. A messenger said that the enemies were beginning to attack the walls.
14.40 Tribūnus dīxit cīvēs saxa dē mūrīs iacere. The tribune said that the citizens were throwing rocks from the walls.
14.41 Dux mīlitibus dīxit hostēs multōs vulnerātōs esse. The general said to the soldiers that many enemies had been wounded.
14.42 Lēgātus dīxit hostēs pācem petere. The ambassador said that the enemies were seeking peace.
14.43 Cōnsul dīxit sē condiciōnēs pācis audītūrum esse. The consul said that he would hear the terms of peace.
14.44 Dux hostium dīxit suōs domum reditūrōs esse. The leader of the enemies said that his men would return home.
14.45 Senātus dīxit urbem servātam esse. The senate said that the city had been saved.
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14.31 Explōrātōrēs dīxērunt barbarōs magnō exercitū appropinquāre.
14.32 Iīdem dīxērunt hostēs trēs legiōnēs habēre.
14.33 Cōnsul senātū dīxit urbem in magnō perīculō esse.
14.34 Senātōrēs dīxērunt tempus esse arma parāre.
14.35 Dux cīvibus dīxit sē urbem dēfēnsūrum esse.
14.36 Sacerdōtēs dīxērunt deōs auxilium datūrōs esse.
14.37 Mercātōrēs dīxērunt sē frūmentum in urbem portāre.
14.38 Centuriōnēs dīxērunt mīlitēs fortiter pugnātūrōs esse.
14.39 Nūntius dīxit hostēs mūrōs oppugnāre incipere.
14.40 Tribūnus dīxit cīvēs saxa dē mūrīs iacere.
14.41 Dux mīlitibus dīxit hostēs multōs vulnerātōs esse.
14.42 Lēgātus dīxit hostēs pācem petere.
14.43 Cōnsul dīxit sē condiciōnēs pācis audītūrum esse.
14.44 Dux hostium dīxit suōs domum reditūrōs esse.
14.45 Senātus dīxit urbem servātam esse.
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This narrative demonstrates the key features of indirect speech through a coherent story structure: -
Narrative Progression through Tenses: -
Initial warning (present: appropinquāre) -
Preparations (present and future: parāre, dēfēnsūrum esse) -
Battle events (perfect: vulnerātōs esse) -
Resolution (perfect: servātam esse) -
Viewpoint Shifts: -
External reports (explōrātōrēs dīxērunt) -
Official announcements (cōnsul dīxit) -
Personal promises (sē dēfēnsūrum esse) -
Enemy statements (dux hostium dīxit) -
Types of Indirect Statement: -
Simple facts (hostēs legiōnēs habēre) -
Future intentions (sē dēfēnsūrum esse) -
Ongoing actions (frūmentum portāre) -
Completed actions (vulnerātōs esse) -
Special Features for English Speakers: -
Use of sē for subject reference -
Future infinitive formations -
Perfect passive constructions -
Impersonal expressions -
Cultural Context: -
Military reporting structure -
Role of religious authorities -
Civic organization -
Peace negotiations -
Narrative Elements: -
Initial threat -
City's preparation -
Battle description -
Resolution -
Multiple perspectives -
Word Order Patterns: -
Main verb (dīxit) placement -
Subordinate clause arrangement -
Emphasis through position -
Specialized Vocabulary: -
Military terms -
Political vocabulary -
Religious language -
Diplomatic phraseology
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