Expert: Maria - 6/21/2006

Question
I am trying to translate a motto for my football team which I coach.
The motto is: refuse to lose.

Thanks
Kelvin

Answer
Hello,

here’s the translation of the motto “Refuse to lose”:

“Vinci recusa!”

Please note that RECUSA is ‘Refuse’ and VINCI is ‘to lose’. In Latin in fact we must use  VINCI (from VINCERE) which is the infinite, passive form, meaning literally ‘to be won’.
Finally word order in Latin is often different from English, as you can see.

Best,
Maria