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Ancient Languages/translate a family motto
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Question
I recently ordered my family crest/coat of arms. It has a motto that reads:
"Fidem servabo genusque"
Its origin is Ireland. Could you translate this for me please?
Thank you
Hello,
Your family motto means:
“I will preserve faith and family”.
Note that:
-FIDEM (accusative case of FIDES, 5th.declension) =‘faith’ in the sense of ‘loyalty’ as well as of ‘religion’.
-SERVABO (future, 1st.person singular, of SERVO, ‘I preserve’, ‘I save’, ‘I protect’) = I will preserve
GENUSQUE (accusative neuter of GENUS, 3rd.declension, plus the enclitic –QUE meaning ‘and’) = and family.
An enclitic term is attached to the end of another word.
Latin word order differs from English, as you can see.
Best regards,
Maria
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Maria
Expertise
I am an expert in Latin & Ancient Greek Language and I'll be glad to answer any questions concerning this matter.
Experience
Over 25 years teaching experience.
Education/Credentials
I received my Ph.D. in Classics from Genova University (Italy).
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