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Ancient Languages/Translate from latin

Expert: Maria - 4/2/2007

Question
I need this phrase translated from Latin to English please.
"Vita est nostrum iter itineris, nostrum semita est nostrum carcer" Thank you

Answer
Hello,

Actually I can translate only the first four words, i.e. “Vita est nostrum iter” which means “Life is our journey”.
Note that:

-VITA(nominative feminine) = life

-EST= is

-NOSTRUM (adjective in the nominative neuter agreed with ITER) = our

-ITER (nominative neuter)= journey, way.

As for the other words, i.e. “itineris, nostrum semita est nostrum carcer”, they are wrong in Latin and moreover make no sense.
In fact ITINERIS is the genitive of ITER (journey) and could mean “of yourney”; NOSTRUM (our) is in the nominative neuter, but it cannot agree with SEMITA (path, lane) which is feminine nor with CARCER ( prison) which is masculine.
So, I’m wondering where you have read such a phrase.

Best regards,
Maria

Questioner's Rating

Rating(1-10)	Knowledgeability = 10	Clarity of Response = 10	Politeness = 10
Comment	Thank you very much for your quick reply. I found this phrase written on the back of an old painting my family has had for many years. Still not sure what it is supposed to mean.