← Latin for Soldiers, Sailors and Military Strategists
The verb dīcō (to say, speak, tell) is one of the most fundamental verbs in Latin military communication. As a 3rd conjugation -ō verb, it follows a regular pattern that students will encounter frequently in military dispatches, commands, and historical narratives. This verb is essential for understanding how orders were given, intelligence was reported, and strategic decisions were communicated in the Roman military.
In military contexts, dīcō appears in various forms: causam dīcere (to plead a case in military tribunals), diem dīcere (to appoint a day for battle or assembly), and sententiam dīcere (to express an opinion in councils of war). The verb's flexibility makes it indispensable for conveying the complex communications necessary in military operations.
Throughout this lesson, you will encounter dīcō in authentic military scenarios - from centurions relaying commands to scouts reporting enemy movements, from naval commanders issuing orders to generals addressing their troops. The examples progress from simple statements to more complex military communications, incorporating vocabulary and grammatical constructions from previous lessons.
Question: What does dīcō mean in Latin? Answer: Dīcō means "to say, speak, or tell" in Latin. It is a 3rd conjugation verb with principal parts: dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum. In military contexts, it is used for giving commands, reporting intelligence, and formal military communications.
@type: EducationalMaterial @context: https://schema.org/ name: Latin Lesson 33 - dīcō (Military Latin) educationalLevel: Beginner to Intermediate learningResourceType: Language Lesson inLanguage: en, la teaches: Latin verb dīcō in military contexts author: Latinum Institute
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dīcō is a 3rd conjugation -ō verb meaning "to say, speak, tell" -
Principal parts: dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum -
Essential for military commands and communications -
Common military phrases: causam dīcere (plead a case), diem dīcere (appoint a day) -
Frequently appears in indirect statement constructions -
Can take various objects and complements depending on context
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33.1 Centuriō centurion mīlitibus to soldiers dīcit says hostēs enemies appropinquāre to approach
33.2 Explōrātōrēs scouts imperātōrī to commander omnia all things dīxērunt said
33.3 Quid what dīcis do you say dē about hostium of enemies castrīs camps
33.4 Nauta sailor perīculum danger in in marī sea esse to be dīcit says
33.5 Imperātor general diem day pugnae of battle dīxit appointed
33.6 Mīlitēs soldiers sē themselves parātōs ready esse to be dīcunt say
33.7 Lēgātus lieutenant causam case prō for mīlite soldier dīcet will plead
33.8 Nūntius messenger victōriam victory magnam great factam made esse to be dīxit said
33.9 Dux leader nāvium of ships tempestātem storm ventūram about to come esse to be dīcit says
33.10 Tribūnus tribune mīlitum of soldiers fortiter bravely pugnāvisse to have fought dīcitur is said
33.11 Custōdēs guards portārum of gates nihil nothing vīdisse to have seen dīcunt say
33.12 Senātus senate bellum war gerendum must be waged esse to be dīxit declared
33.13 Captīvus prisoner multa many things dē about hostibus enemies dīcere to say coāctus forced est was
33.14 Nautae sailors ventum wind secundum favorable futūrum will be esse to be dīcunt say
33.15 Praefectus prefect classī to fleet parāre to prepare nāvēs ships dīcit orders
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33.1 Centuriō mīlitibus dīcit hostēs appropinquāre. The centurion tells the soldiers that the enemies are approaching.
33.2 Explōrātōrēs imperātōrī omnia dīxērunt. The scouts told everything to the commander.
33.3 Quid dīcis dē hostium castrīs? What do you say about the enemy camps?
33.4 Nauta perīculum in marī esse dīcit. The sailor says there is danger at sea.
33.5 Imperātor diem pugnae dīxit. The general appointed the day of battle.
33.6 Mīlitēs sē parātōs esse dīcunt. The soldiers say they are ready.
33.7 Lēgātus causam prō mīlite dīcet. The lieutenant will plead the case for the soldier.
33.8 Nūntius victōriam magnam factam esse dīxit. The messenger said that a great victory had been won.
33.9 Dux nāvium tempestātem ventūram esse dīcit. The naval commander says a storm is coming.
33.10 Tribūnus mīlitum fortiter pugnāvisse dīcitur. The tribune is said to have fought bravely with the soldiers.
33.11 Custōdēs portārum nihil vīdisse dīcunt. The guards of the gates say they saw nothing.
33.12 Senātus bellum gerendum esse dīxit. The senate declared that war must be waged.
33.13 Captīvus multa dē hostibus dīcere coāctus est. The prisoner was forced to tell many things about the enemies.
33.14 Nautae ventum secundum futūrum esse dīcunt. The sailors say the wind will be favorable.
33.15 Praefectus classī parāre nāvēs dīcit. The prefect orders the fleet to prepare the ships.
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33.1 Centuriō mīlitibus dīcit hostēs appropinquāre.
33.2 Explōrātōrēs imperātōrī omnia dīxērunt.
33.3 Quid dīcis dē hostium castrīs?
33.4 Nauta perīculum in marī esse dīcit.
33.5 Imperātor diem pugnae dīxit.
33.6 Mīlitēs sē parātōs esse dīcunt.
33.7 Lēgātus causam prō mīlite dīcet.
33.8 Nūntius victōriam magnam factam esse dīxit.
33.9 Dux nāvium tempestātem ventūram esse dīcit.
33.10 Tribūnus mīlitum fortiter pugnāvisse dīcitur.
33.11 Custōdēs portārum nihil vīdisse dīcunt.
33.12 Senātus bellum gerendum esse dīxit.
33.13 Captīvus multa dē hostibus dīcere coāctus est.
33.14 Nautae ventum secundum futūrum esse dīcunt.
33.15 Praefectus classī parāre nāvēs dīcit.
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The verb dīcō belongs to the 3rd conjugation with an -ō ending in the first person singular present. This distinguishes it from 3rd conjugation -iō verbs like capiō. Understanding its conjugation and usage patterns is essential for military Latin.
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dīcō - I say (present active indicative) -
dīcere - to say (present active infinitive) -
dīxī - I said (perfect active indicative) -
dictum - said (perfect passive participle)
Present Indicative Active: -
dīcō - I say -
dīcis - you say -
dīcit - he/she/it says -
dīcimus - we say -
dīcitis - you (pl.) say -
dīcunt - they say
Imperfect Indicative Active: -
dīcēbam - I was saying -
dīcēbās - you were saying -
dīcēbat - he/she/it was saying -
dīcēbāmus - we were saying -
dīcēbātis - you (pl.) were saying -
dīcēbant - they were saying
Future Indicative Active: -
dīcam - I will say -
dīcēs - you will say -
dīcet - he/she/it will say -
dīcēmus - we will say -
dīcētis - you (pl.) will say -
dīcent - they will say
Perfect Indicative Active: -
dīxī - I said/have said -
dīxistī - you said/have said -
dīxit - he/she/it said/has said -
dīximus - we said/have said -
dīxistis - you (pl.) said/have said -
dīxērunt - they said/have said
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Indirect Statement: dīcō takes accusative + infinitive -
Example: "Centuriō dīcit hostēs appropinquāre" (The centurion says the enemies are approaching) -
The subject of the infinitive goes into the accusative case -
The infinitive shows time relative to the main verb -
Direct Object: dīcō can take a direct object -
Example: "Explōrātōrēs omnia dīxērunt" (The scouts told everything) -
Common objects: verba (words), sententiam (opinion), vēritātem (truth) -
Specialized Military Phrases: -
causam dīcere - to plead a case (in military court) -
diem dīcere - to appoint a day (for battle, assembly) -
sententiam dīcere - to express an opinion (in war council) -
Passive Voice: dīcitur (it is said, he is said) -
Example: "Tribūnus fortiter pugnāvisse dīcitur" (The tribune is said to have fought bravely) -
Often used for reports and rumors in military contexts
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Confusing dīcō with dūcō -
dīcō (dīcere) = to say -
dūcō (dūcere) = to lead -
These are easily confused by English speakers due to similar spelling -
Incorrect Infinitive Construction -
Wrong: "Dīcit hostēs appropinquant" (using indicative instead of infinitive) -
Correct: "Dīcit hostēs appropinquāre" (using accusative + infinitive) -
Forgetting Accusative Subject in Indirect Statement -
Wrong: "Mīlitēs dīcunt parātī esse" (nominative parātī) -
Correct: "Mīlitēs dīcunt sē parātōs esse" (accusative sē parātōs) -
Using Wrong Case After dīcō -
Wrong: "Dīcit mīlitēs" (accusative without infinitive) -
Correct: "Dīcit mīlitibus" (dative for indirect object) or "Dīcit mīlitēs venīre" (acc. + inf.)
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Identify the main verb (form of dīcō) -
Find the accusative subject of the infinitive -
Locate the infinitive (present, perfect, or future) -
Check for any accusative predicate nouns/adjectives -
Translate: "[Subject] says that [acc. subject] [infinitive action]"
Example Analysis: "Nauta perīculum in marī esse dīcit" -
Main verb: dīcit (he says) -
Accusative subject: perīculum (danger) -
Infinitive: esse (to be) -
Predicate: in marī (at sea) -
Translation: "The sailor says that there is danger at sea"
Unlike English, which uses "that" clauses ("He says that..."), Latin uses the accusative + infinitive construction. This is a fundamental difference that English speakers must master. Where English might use a subjunctive or indicative in the subordinate clause, Latin consistently uses the infinitive in indirect statement.
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For English speakers learning Latin, understanding how dīcō functioned in Roman military culture provides crucial context. The Roman military's success depended heavily on clear, hierarchical communication, and dīcō was central to this system.
In the Roman military, the verb dīcō reflected strict hierarchical relationships. When a superior "dīcit" (orders/says), it carried the force of command. When a subordinate "dīcit," it typically meant reporting or requesting. The phrase "imperātor dīxit" (the general has spoken) ended all debate.
The phrase causam dīcere (to plead a case) was particularly important in military contexts. Roman soldiers had legal rights and could defend themselves in military tribunals. A soldier accused of cowardice, desertion, or insubordination would "causam dīcere" before his commanding officers.
Diem dīcere (to appoint a day) was a formal military act. Roman commanders carefully chose battle days based on religious omens, tactical advantages, and logistical readiness. When a general "diem pugnae dīxit," it set in motion a complex series of preparations.
Scouts (explōrātōrēs) and spies (speculātōrēs) would "dīcere" their findings to commanders. The accuracy of what they "dīxērunt" could determine the outcome of entire campaigns. False reports were punishable by death.
In the Roman navy, dīcō took on special importance. Ships communicated through signal flags and trumpet calls, but verbal reports upon reaching port were crucial. When a "nauta dīcit" about conditions at sea, lives depended on the accuracy.
The formal nature of military "saying" in Rome parallels modern military communication: -
"The commanding officer directs..." (imperātor dīcit) -
"Intelligence reports indicate..." (explōrātōrēs dīcunt) -
"By order of..." (dictum est ā...)
Understanding these cultural contexts helps English speakers grasp why Latin military texts use dīcō in specific ways and why certain constructions became standardized in military Latin.
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From Caesar's De Bello Gallico 1.40:
Caesar Caesar convocātō having been called together cōnsiliō council omniumque and of all ōrdinum ranks ad to id that cōnsilium council adhibitīs having been summoned centuriōnibus centurions vehementer strongly eōs them incūsāvit he blamed prīmum first quod because aut either quam to where in into partem region aut or quō for what cōnsiliō plan dūcerentur they were being led sibi to themselves quaerendum needing to be asked aut or cōgitandum needing to be thought putārent they thought
Caesar convocātō cōnsiliō omniumque ōrdinum ad id cōnsilium adhibitīs centuriōnibus, vehementer eōs incūsāvit: prīmum, quod aut quam in partem aut quō cōnsiliō dūcerentur sibi quaerendum aut cōgitandum putārent.
Caesar, having called together a council and having summoned centurions of all ranks to that council, strongly rebuked them: first, because they thought it necessary for them to ask or think about either into what region or according to what plan they were being led.
This passage demonstrates the military use of implied dīcō through reported speech. Caesar doesn't use dīxit directly but the entire passage represents what Caesar "said" to his officers. The subjunctive verbs (putārent, dūcerentur) show this is reported speech. Caesar's act of "speaking" (implied dīcō) to rebuke his centurions shows the hierarchical nature of military communication where questioning orders was considered insubordination.
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convocātō cōnsiliō: ablative absolute showing completed action before main verb -
adhibitīs centuriōnibus: second ablative absolute, parallel construction -
incūsāvit: main verb, perfect tense, "he blamed/rebuked" -
quod...putārent: causal clause with subjunctive (indirect speech) -
sibi quaerendum: gerundive showing necessity with dative of agent -
dūcerentur: imperfect subjunctive passive in indirect question
The passage illustrates how military dīcō often involves not just saying but commanding, rebuking, and maintaining discipline. Caesar's speech act here reinforces military hierarchy.
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These exercises practice indirect statements, where a main verb of saying/reporting is followed by an infinitive construction. Here's the pattern for each:
Main Verb (nominative) + quod/quia + subordinate clause becomes Main Verb (nominative) + Accusative + Infinitive
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33.16 Lēgātus Caesarī nūntiōs mīsisse sē dīcit - "The legate says [that] he sent messengers to Caesar" - sē (acc.) = the subject of the infinitive - mīsisse (inf.) = the action reported
33.20 Barbarī pācem petere sē velle dīcuntur - "Barbarians are said to wish to seek peace" - sē = the barbarians (accusative subject) - velle + petere = two infinitives in sequence
33.29 Imperātor victōriam certam fore mīlitibus dīxit - "The general declared that victory would be certain to the soldiers" - fore = future infinitive of esse (will be)
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1. Accusative Subject always matches the person performing the action 2. Infinitive Tenses: - Present = same time as main verb - Perfect = prior action - Future (fore) = later action 3. Double Infinitives: velle mittere = to wish to send
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33.16 Lēgātus Caesarī nūntiōs mīsisse sē dīcit. The lieutenant reports to Caesar that he has sent messengers.
33.17 Hostēs pontem trānsīre incipere explōrātor dīxit. The scout reported that the enemies were beginning to cross the bridge.
33.18 Praefectus castrōrum frūmentum dēficere imperātōrī dīcit. The camp prefect reports to the commander that grain is running short.
33.19 Centuriōnēs mīlitēs ad arma parātōs esse dīcunt. The centurions report that the soldiers are ready for battle.
33.20 Barbarī pācem petere sē velle dīcuntur. The barbarians are said to wish to seek peace.
33.21 Tribūnus vigilēs somnō oppressōs esse dīxit. The tribune reported that the sentries had been overcome by sleep.
33.22 Nāvēs longās quīnque in portū vīsās esse speculātor dīcit. The spy reports that five warships have been seen in the harbor.
33.23 Dux hostium castra movēre suōs iussisse dīcitur. The enemy leader is said to have ordered his men to move camp.
33.24 Equitēs flūmen trānsīre nōn posse dīcunt. The cavalry report that they cannot cross the river.
33.25 Captīvī legiōnem novam adventāre dīxērunt. The prisoners said that a new legion was approaching.
33.26 Praefectus classīs tempestātem nāvēs impedīre dīcit. The fleet commander reports that the storm is hindering the ships.
33.27 Sociī auxilia prōmissa mittere sē dīcunt. The allies say they are sending the promised reinforcements.
33.28 Custōs portae omnēs trānseuntēs īnspēxisse sē dīcit. The gate guard says he has inspected everyone passing through.
33.29 Imperātor victōriam certam fore mīlitibus dīxit. The general declared to the soldiers that victory would be certain.
33.30 Nūntiī obsidēs datōs esse rēgī dīcunt. The messengers report that hostages have been given to the king.
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33.16 Lēgātus Caesarī nūntiōs mīsisse sē dīcit.
33.17 Hostēs pontem trānsīre incipere explōrātor dīxit.
33.18 Praefectus castrōrum frūmentum dēficere imperātōrī dīcit.
33.19 Centuriōnēs mīlitēs ad arma parātōs esse dīcunt.
33.20 Barbarī pācem petere sē velle dīcuntur.
33.21 Tribūnus vigilēs somnō oppressōs esse dīxit.
33.22 Nāvēs longās quīnque in portū vīsās esse speculātor dīcit.
33.23 Dux hostium castra movēre suōs iussisse dīcitur.
33.24 Equitēs flūmen trānsīre nōn posse dīcunt.
33.25 Captīvī legiōnem novam adventāre dīxērunt.
33.26 Praefectus classīs tempestātem nāvēs impedīre dīcit.
33.27 Sociī auxilia prōmissa mittere sē dīcunt.
33.28 Custōs portae omnēs trānseuntēs īnspēxisse sē dīcit.
33.29 Imperātor victōriam certam fore mīlitibus dīxit.
33.30 Nūntiī obsidēs datōs esse rēgī dīcunt.
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Military dispatches demonstrate the most formal and precise uses of dīcō. These reports followed strict conventions that English-speaking students must understand.
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Intelligence Reports (explōrātor/speculātor dīcit) -
Always use present tense for current intelligence -
Perfect infinitive for completed enemy actions -
Present infinitive for ongoing enemy activities -
Status Reports (praefectus/centuriō dīcit) -
Report readiness: "parātōs esse dīcunt" -
Report problems: "dēficere dīcit" -
Report completion: "īnspēxisse sē dīcit" -
Command Communications (imperātor/dux dīcit) -
Orders given: "iussisse dīcitur" -
Declarations made: "fore dīxit" -
Strategic decisions: "movēre dīcit"
Military Latin favors clarity over style: -
Subject (who reports) typically comes first -
Indirect object (to whom) follows -
Accusative + infinitive construction at end -
Main verb (dīcit) often final for emphasis
Example: "Lēgātus Caesarī nūntiōs mīsisse sē dīcit" -
Lēgātus (reporter) + Caesarī (recipient) + accusative/infinitive + dīcit
The passive "dīcitur" frequently appears for: -
Unconfirmed intelligence: "dīcitur" = "it is reported" -
Enemy actions: "hostium dux...dīcitur" -
Diplomatic reports: "barbarī...dīcuntur"
This passive allows reporters to distance themselves from unverified information.
Present Infinitive: simultaneous action -
"trānsīre incipere" - are beginning to cross
Perfect Infinitive: completed action -
"mīsisse sē" - he has sent -
"oppressōs esse" - they have been overcome
Future Infinitive: future action -
"fore" (= futūrum esse) - will be -
"adventāre" - is about to arrive
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Enemy movement: "hostēs + action + dīcitur/dīxērunt" -
Supply status: "supply item + dēficere/abundāre + dīcit" -
Troop readiness: "mīlitēs + parātōs esse + dīcunt" -
Naval reports: "nāvēs + condition/location + dīcit" -
Allied communications: "sociī + promise/action + dīcunt"
These formulas provided standardized communication across the Roman military system, ensuring critical information was clearly conveyed regardless of the reporter's literary skills.
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The Latinum Institute's Latin Reading Course has been specifically designed for autodidactic learners seeking to master Latin through systematic, self-paced study. Created by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), who has been developing innovative online language learning materials since 2006, this course represents a evolution in Latin pedagogy for independent learners.
Drawing from the methodology detailed at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, these lessons implement a construed text approach that bridges the gap between modern language learning expectations and classical Latin pedagogy. Each lesson provides: -
Granular Interlinear Support: Part A breaks down every word with glosses, allowing beginners to see the direct correspondence between Latin and English -
Progressive Difficulty: Moving from supported reading in Part A to independent Latin text in Part C 33.16 Lēgātus lieutenant Caesarī to Caesar nūntiōs messengers mīsisse to have sent sē himself dīcit says
33.17 Hostēs enemies pontem bridge trānsīre to cross incipere to begin explōrātor scout dīxit said
33.18 Praefectus prefect castrōrum of camp frūmentum grain dēficere to fail imperātōrī to commander dīcit reports
33.19 Centuriōnēs centurions mīlitēs soldiers ad to arma arms parātōs ready esse to be dīcunt report
33.20 Barbarī barbarians pācem peace petere to seek sē themselves velle to wish dīcuntur are said
33.21 Tribūnus tribune vigilēs sentries somnō by sleep oppressōs overcome esse to be dīxit reported
33.22 Nāvēs ships longās war- quīnque five in in portū harbor vīsās seen esse to be speculātor spy dīcit reports
33.23 Dux leader hostium of enemies castra camp movēre to move suōs his men iussisse to have ordered dīcitur is said
33.24 Equitēs cavalry flūmen river trānsīre to cross nōn not posse to be able dīcunt report
33.25 Captīvī prisoners legiōnem legion novam new adventāre to approach dīxērunt said
33.26 Praefectus prefect classīs of fleet tempestātem storm nāvēs ships impedīre to hinder dīcit reports
33.27 Sociī allies auxilia reinforcements prōmissa promised mittere to send sē themselves dīcunt say
33.28 Custōs guard portae of gate omnēs all trānseuntēs passing through īnspēxisse to have inspected sē himself dīcit says
33.29 Imperātor general victōriam victory certam certain fore will be mīlitibus to soldiers dīxit declared
33.30 Nūntiī messengers obsidēs hostages datōs given esse to be rēgī to king dīcunt report
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