← Latin for Soldiers, Sailors and Military Strategists
The demonstrative pronoun "hic haec hoc" is one of the most essential words in Latin military communications. It means "this" or "these" and points to something near the speaker in space, time, or thought. For Roman soldiers and commanders, this pronoun was crucial for indicating immediate threats, current positions, or present circumstances on the battlefield.
hic haec hoc - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this, these" (referring to something near the speaker)
Question: What does "hic haec hoc" mean in Latin? Answer: "Hic haec hoc" is a demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "these." It refers to people, places, or things that are near the speaker in space, time, or thought. In military contexts, it's used to indicate immediate situations, current positions, or present circumstances.
In this lesson, you'll see "hic haec hoc" used in various military contexts - from identifying enemy positions to describing current battle conditions. The pronoun changes its form based on gender (masculine hic, feminine haec, neuter hoc), number, and case, agreeing with the noun it modifies.
Educational Material Type: Language Learning Resource Subject: Latin for Military Personnel Level: Beginner to Intermediate Focus: Demonstrative Pronouns in Military Contexts Learning Method: Interlinear Translation and Grammar Analysis
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"Hic haec hoc" means "this/these" and refers to things near the speaker -
It changes form based on gender, number, and case -
In military Latin, it's essential for immediate battlefield communications -
Unlike English "this," Latin "hic" must agree with its noun in gender, number, and case -
Common in commands, reports, and tactical descriptions
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7.1 Hic this mīles soldier fortis brave est is
7.2 Haec this legiō legion vincere to conquer potest is able
7.3 Hoc this oppidum town hostēs enemies tenent hold
7.4 Dux leader hunc this locum place dēfendit defends
7.5 Hanc this urbem city oppugnāmus we attack
7.6 In in hōc this proeliō battle multī many cecidērunt fell
7.7 Hī these mīlitēs soldiers strēnuē vigorously pugnant fight
7.8 Hae these nāvēs ships ad to portum harbor veniunt come
7.9 Haec these castra camps mūnīta fortified sunt are
7.10 Huius of this ducis leader cōnsilium plan bonum good est is
7.11 Huic to this centuriōnī centurion gladium sword dat he gives
7.12 Hōrum of these equitum cavalry virtūs courage māgna great est is
7.13 Hīs to these nāvibus ships frūmentum grain portāmus we carry
7.14 Cum with hīs these sociīs allies bellum war gerimus we wage
7.15 Hōc by this cōnsiliō plan hostēs enemies superāvimus we conquered
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7.1 Hic mīles fortis est. This soldier is brave.
7.2 Haec legiō vincere potest. This legion can conquer.
7.3 Hoc oppidum hostēs tenent. The enemies hold this town.
7.4 Dux hunc locum dēfendit. The leader defends this place.
7.5 Hanc urbem oppugnāmus. We are attacking this city.
7.6 In hōc proeliō multī cecidērunt. Many fell in this battle.
7.7 Hī mīlitēs strēnuē pugnant. These soldiers fight vigorously.
7.8 Hae nāvēs ad portum veniunt. These ships are coming to the harbor.
7.9 Haec castra mūnīta sunt. These camps are fortified.
7.10 Huius ducis cōnsilium bonum est. This leader's plan is good.
7.11 Huic centuriōnī gladium dat. He gives a sword to this centurion.
7.12 Hōrum equitum virtūs māgna est. The courage of these cavalrymen is great.
7.13 Hīs nāvibus frūmentum portāmus. We carry grain in these ships.
7.14 Cum hīs sociīs bellum gerimus. We wage war with these allies.
7.15 Hōc cōnsiliō hostēs superāvimus. By this plan we conquered the enemies.
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7.1 Hic mīles fortis est.
7.2 Haec legiō vincere potest.
7.3 Hoc oppidum hostēs tenent.
7.4 Dux hunc locum dēfendit.
7.5 Hanc urbem oppugnāmus.
7.6 In hōc proeliō multī cecidērunt.
7.7 Hī mīlitēs strēnuē pugnant.
7.8 Hae nāvēs ad portum veniunt.
7.9 Haec castra mūnīta sunt.
7.10 Huius ducis cōnsilium bonum est.
7.11 Huic centuriōnī gladium dat.
7.12 Hōrum equitum virtūs māgna est.
7.13 Hīs nāvibus frūmentum portāmus.
7.14 Cum hīs sociīs bellum gerimus.
7.15 Hōc cōnsiliō hostēs superāvimus.
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The demonstrative pronoun "hic haec hoc" is one of the most frequently used pronouns in Latin. It declines through all cases and has distinct forms for masculine, feminine, and neuter genders.
Singular: -
Nominative: hic (m.), haec (f.), hoc (n.) -
Genitive: huius (all genders) -
Dative: huic (all genders) -
Accusative: hunc (m.), hanc (f.), hoc (n.) -
Ablative: hōc (m./n.), hāc (f.)
Plural: -
Nominative: hī (m.), hae (f.), haec (n.) -
Genitive: hōrum (m./n.), hārum (f.) -
Dative: hīs (all genders) -
Accusative: hōs (m.), hās (f.), haec (n.) -
Ablative: hīs (all genders)
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Gender Agreement: English speakers often forget that "hic" must agree with the gender of the Latin noun, not the biological gender. Example: "haec manus" (this hand) - "manus" is feminine in Latin. -
Case Confusion: The genitive singular "huius" is the same for all genders, which can be confusing. Remember: "huius ducis" = "of this leader." -
Neuter Plural: The neuter plural nominative/accusative "haec" looks identical to the feminine singular nominative. Context determines which it is. -
Position: Unlike English, "hic" can appear after its noun for emphasis: "mīles hic" = "THIS soldier" (not that one).
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Identify the noun that "hic" modifies -
Determine the gender of that noun (check dictionary if unsure) -
Identify the case needed based on the noun's function -
Select the correct form from the declension chart -
Check agreement - the pronoun must match the noun in gender, number, and case
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English has only one form: "this/these" -
Latin has 30+ forms depending on gender, number, and case -
English word order is fixed (this + noun); Latin is flexible -
Latin "hic" can stand alone as a pronoun; English "this" usually needs a noun
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Often contracted with forms of "esse": "hic est" = "this is" -
Can be strengthened with "-ce": "huiusce" = "of this very" -
In military contexts, frequently used for immediate tactical situations -
Combined with other demonstratives for contrast: "hic... ille" = "this one... that one"
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For Roman military personnel, the demonstrative "hic haec hoc" served crucial tactical functions. In the heat of battle, clear communication about immediate threats and positions could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Roman military dispatches frequently employed "hic" to report current situations to commanders. A scout might report "hic collis ab hostibus tenētur" (this hill is held by the enemy), providing immediate tactical intelligence. The pronoun's precision helped eliminate ambiguity in military communications.
In naval contexts, "haec classis" (this fleet) distinguished the immediate naval force from others mentioned in strategic discussions. Roman admirals used such precise language to coordinate complex naval maneuvers across the Mediterranean.
The pronoun also appeared in military oaths and dedications. Soldiers swearing loyalty would declare "huic imperātōrī fidēlis erō" (I will be faithful to this commander), creating a personal bond through the immediacy of "this" rather than the distance of "that."
Understanding "hic haec hoc" helps modern readers appreciate how Romans conceptualized space and immediacy. Unlike modern military communications with GPS coordinates, Romans relied on demonstrative pronouns to create mental maps of battlefields and strategic situations.
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From Caesar's De Bello Gallico 1.43:
Hīc this diēs day quīntus fifth erat was postquam after Caesar Caesar in into Galliam Gaul vēnerat had come. Hae these cōpiae forces quās which sēcum with himself habēbat he had nōn not satis enough erant were ad for tantum so great bellum a war gerendum waging. Hōc this tempore time lēgātī ambassadors ab from Helvētiīs the Helvetii ad to eum him vēnērunt came.
Hīc diēs quīntus erat postquam Caesar in Galliam vēnerat. Hae cōpiae quās sēcum habēbat nōn satis erant ad tantum bellum gerendum. Hōc tempore lēgātī ab Helvētiīs ad eum vēnērunt.
This was the fifth day after Caesar had come into Gaul. These forces which he had with him were not sufficient for waging so great a war. At this time ambassadors from the Helvetii came to him.
Caesar employs all three genders of "hic haec hoc" in this passage to create a vivid sense of immediacy. "Hīc diēs" (this day) establishes the temporal setting, "hae cōpiae" (these forces) identifies his immediate military resources, and "hōc tempore" (at this time) marks the precise moment of diplomatic contact. This triple use of the demonstrative creates a snapshot of a critical moment in the Gallic campaign.
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"hīc diēs" - masculine nominative singular, subject of "erat" -
"hae cōpiae" - feminine nominative plural, subject of "erant" -
"hōc tempore" - neuter ablative singular, ablative of time when -
Note how each demonstrative agrees perfectly with its noun in gender, number, and case -
The variation in gender showcases the full range of the pronoun's forms
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7.16 Hic this nūntius messenger ā from castrīs the camp hostium of the enemies venit comes
7.17 Haec this epistula letter dē about victōriā victory nostrā our nārrat tells
7.18 Hoc this proelium battle ante before sōlis of the sun ortum rising commissum begun est was
7.19 Hī these explōrātōrēs scouts hostium of the enemies castra camps invēnērunt found
7.20 Cum with hīs these duābus two legiōnibus legions pontem bridge trānsīvimus we crossed
7.21 Haec these impedīmenta baggage trains in in summō the top colle of the hill relicta left sunt were
7.22 Huius of this pāgī district omnēs all virī men arma arms cēpērunt took up
7.23 Huic to this tribūnō tribune mīlitum of soldiers signum the standard datum given est was
7.24 Hōrum of these equitum of cavalry audācia boldness hostēs the enemies perterruit terrified
7.25 In in hāc this pugnā fight centuriō centurion prīmī of the first pīlī rank cecidit fell
7.26 Hās these nāvēs ships longās long ad to īnsulam the island mīsimus we sent
7.27 Hōc with this ferrō iron et and ignī fire oppidum town vāstāvimus we devastated
7.28 Hī these captīvī captives dē about hostium of the enemies cōnsiliīs plans multa many things rettulērunt reported
7.29 Haec this classis fleet nostra our in in altō the deep marī sea tempestāte by a storm iactāta tossed est was
7.30 Huius of this victōriae victory nūntius news Rōmam to Rome celeriter quickly perlātus carried est was
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7.16 Hic nūntius ā castrīs hostium venit. This messenger comes from the enemy camp.
7.17 Haec epistula dē victōriā nostrā nārrat. This letter tells of our victory.
7.18 Hoc proelium ante sōlis ortum commissum est. This battle was begun before sunrise.
7.19 Hī explōrātōrēs hostium castra invēnērunt. These scouts found the enemy camps.
7.20 Cum hīs duābus legiōnibus pontem trānsīvimus. With these two legions we crossed the bridge.
7.21 Haec impedīmenta in summō colle relicta sunt. These baggage trains were left on the hilltop.
7.22 Huius pāgī omnēs virī arma cēpērunt. All the men of this district took up arms.
7.23 Huic tribūnō mīlitum signum datum est. The standard was given to this military tribune.
7.24 Hōrum equitum audācia hostēs perterruit. The boldness of these cavalrymen terrified the enemies.
7.25 In hāc pugnā centuriō prīmī pīlī cecidit. In this fight the first-rank centurion fell.
7.26 Hās nāvēs longās ad īnsulam mīsimus. We sent these warships to the island.
7.27 Hōc ferrō et ignī oppidum vāstāvimus. With fire and sword we devastated the town.
7.28 Hī captīvī dē hostium cōnsiliīs multa rettulērunt. These captives reported many things about the enemies' plans.
7.29 Haec classis nostra in altō marī tempestāte iactāta est. This fleet of ours was tossed by a storm on the high sea.
7.30 Huius victōriae nūntius Rōmam celeriter perlātus est. News of this victory was quickly carried to Rome.
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7.16 Hic nūntius ā castrīs hostium venit.
7.17 Haec epistula dē victōriā nostrā nārrat.
7.18 Hoc proelium ante sōlis ortum commissum est.
7.19 Hī explōrātōrēs hostium castra invēnērunt.
7.20 Cum hīs duābus legiōnibus pontem trānsīvimus.
7.21 Haec impedīmenta in summō colle relicta sunt.
7.22 Huius pāgī omnēs virī arma cēpērunt.
7.23 Huic tribūnō mīlitum signum datum est.
7.24 Hōrum equitum audācia hostēs perterruit.
7.25 In hāc pugnā centuriō prīmī pīlī cecidit.
7.26 Hās nāvēs longās ad īnsulam mīsimus.
7.27 Hōc ferrō et ignī oppidum vāstāvimus.
7.28 Hī captīvī dē hostium cōnsiliīs multa rettulērunt.
7.29 Haec classis nostra in altō marī tempestāte iactāta est.
7.30 Huius victōriae nūntius Rōmam celeriter perlātus est.
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In military dispatches, "hic haec hoc" serves specific tactical and strategic functions:
1. Immediate Tactical Reference -
"hic nūntius" (7.16) - identifies a specific messenger just arrived -
"haec epistula" (7.17) - refers to the dispatch in hand -
"hoc proelium" (7.18) - indicates the most recent engagement
2. Demonstrative with Perfect Passive Participles Military Latin frequently combines "hic" with perfect passive participles: -
"haec impedīmenta... relicta sunt" (7.21) - these baggage trains (which were) left -
"haec classis... iactāta est" (7.29) - this fleet (which was) tossed
3. Instrumental Ablative Note the specialized military usage: -
"hōc ferrō et ignī" (7.27) - literally "with this iron and fire" This represents the Roman military phrase meaning "by sword and flame" - total destruction
4. Temporal Precision Military reports require exact temporal references: -
"ante sōlis ortum" (7.18) - before sunrise (military operations often began at dawn) -
The demonstrative "hoc proelium" pins down which specific battle
5. Chain of Command References -
"huic tribūnō mīlitum" (7.23) - to this military tribune (specific officer) -
"centuriō prīmī pīlī" (7.25) - the senior centurion (specific rank)
Common Military Phrases with hic -
"hōc signō" - by this sign/standard -
"hīs condiciōnibus" - under these terms -
"hāc nocte" - during this night (for night operations) -
"huius legiōnis" - of this legion (unit identification)
Word Order in Dispatches Military Latin often places the demonstrative first for emphasis: -
"Hī explōrātōrēs... invēnērunt" - THESE scouts found... -
"Huius victōriae nūntius" - news of THIS victory
This emphatic positioning helps commanders quickly identify the most important information in urgent dispatches.
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This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute Latin Reading Course, a comprehensive program designed for autodidacts learning Latin with a focus on military, naval, and strategic vocabulary. The course has been carefully structured to help independent learners master Latin through authentic texts and practical examples.
The Latinum Institute's method, developed by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), emphasizes: -
Interlinear translation for immediate comprehension -
Gradual progression from glossed texts to authentic Latin -
Focus on high-frequency vocabulary in military contexts -
Cultural and historical context to enhance understanding -
Multiple presentation formats to reinforce learning
Evan der Millner has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering methods that make classical languages accessible to modern autodidacts. The Latinum Institute (latinum.org.uk) offers a complete ecosystem of Latin learning resources, including audio materials, extensive reading courses, and specialized vocabularies for different fields of study.
The construed text approach used in these lessons allows beginners to tackle authentic Latin texts that would otherwise be beyond their level. By breaking down complex sentences into manageable units, students build confidence and reading fluency while acquiring vocabulary in context.
For more information about the method and additional resources, visit: -
latinum.substack.com (for course updates and methodology discussions) -
latinum.org.uk (for the complete course catalog and audio materials)
These military-focused lessons are particularly valuable for: -
Students interested in Roman military history -
Readers of Caesar, Livy, and other military historians -
Those seeking to understand Roman strategic thinking -
Anyone wanting to read military inscriptions and monuments
The course continues with systematic coverage of essential Latin vocabulary, each lesson building upon previous knowledge while introducing new grammatical concepts in digestible portions.
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