Expert: Maria - 12/18/2007

Question
Hi Maria,

I stumbled across your Answer in regarding the translation of "Audentes fortuna iuvat" Which i found fascinating as i have been discussing this quote with my friends of recent times... Wether it is Bold or Brave!

Quick question.... What is the phonetic pronunciation for "Audentes fortuna iuvat"?

Do you know where i might find an audio clip of it actually being spoken in Latin?

I have an Australian ancient so i am sure i wont get it right but i was wondering if you might be able to help me on this one?

Regards, Xander

Answer
Hello,

actually the Latin adjective/present participle in the accusative plural  AUDENTES (from AUDEO, I dare/ I venture/ I attempt) corresponds exactly to” the bold”, i.e. those who attempt the impossible and are  bold enough to do or try something.

If however someone ventures  into a dangerous enterprise, it means that he is brave/ courageous too.

In short “Audentes fortuna iuvat” means either  “Fortune favours the bold” or  “Fortune favours the brave”.

As for the phonetic pronunciation of this Vergil’s quotation, I found an audio clip of it  at the site I’m writing below.
I must however point out that at this site the verb IUVAT (favours) is written JUVAT which is wrong as there was  no J in classical Latin.
Moreover the pronunciation of the V can be either like the V in VASE or the W in WINE, as the Latin pronunciation of the V is a really “vexata quaestio” (a disputed question) among the scholars.

So, listen to the Audio pronunciation at:
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/audentes+juvat

Best regards,
Maria