Lesson 28: Conversational Latin

dō, dare, dedī, datum - give Verb: 1st Conjugation

Introduction

The verb "dō, dare, dedī, datum" means "to give" in Latin. It is one of the most fundamental and frequently used verbs in the Latin language, belonging to the first conjugation despite its irregular short vowel in the stem.

FAQ Schema

Q: What does "dō, dare" mean in Latin? A: The verb "dō, dare" means "to give" in English. It can be used for physical giving (like giving a gift), abstract giving (like giving advice), or in various idiomatic expressions.

How This Word Will Be Used

In this lesson, we'll explore "dare" in conversational contexts, including:

• Simple acts of giving and receiving

• Requests and commands

• Expressions of generosity and exchange

• Idiomatic uses in daily conversation

• Various tenses and moods for practical communication

Educational Schema

Subject: Latin Language Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate Focus: Conversational Latin patterns Topic: The verb dō, dare (to give) Learning Type: Self-study/Autodidactic

Key Takeaways

• "Dō" is an irregular first conjugation verb with a short stem vowel

• It appears frequently in conversational exchanges

• The verb can express both literal and figurative giving

• Its compounds (like trādō, reddō) are equally important

• Understanding "dare" opens up many Latin expressions and idioms

Part A (Interleaved English and Latin Text)

28.1 Quid what mihi to me dās do you give hodiē today?

28.2 Dō I give tibī to you librum book novum new.

28.3 Potesne can you mihi to me dare to give paululum a little aquae of water?

28.4 Certē certainly, statim immediately tibī to you dābō I will give.

28.5 Magister teacher nōbīs to us multa many exempla examples dat gives.

28.6 Cūr why nōn not dedistī did you give eī to him pecūniam money?

28.7 Crās tomorrow dābō I will give illī to him omnia all things necessāria necessary.

28.8 Amīcus friend meus my mihi to me dedit gave optimum best cōnsilium advice.

28.9 Date give mihi to me, quaesō please, aliquid something edendī to eat!

28.10 Nōlī don't dare to give puerīs to boys nimis too much dulcium of sweets!

28.11 Sī if dederis you will have given mihi to me auxilium help, grātiās thanks tibī to you agam I will give.

28.12 Parēntēs parents līberīs to children suīs their dant give amōrem love.

28.13 Dabisne will you give nōbīs to us licentiām permission discēdendī of departing?

28.14 Iam already dedī I gave vōbīs to you all quod what petīstis you asked for.

28.15 Nātūra nature dat gives omnibus to all animālibus animals vītam life.

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Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)

28.1 Quid mihi dās hodiē? What are you giving me today?

28.2 Dō tibī librum novum. I'm giving you a new book.

28.3 Potesne mihi dare paululum aquae? Can you give me a little water?

28.4 Certē, statim tibī dābō. Certainly, I'll give it to you right away.

28.5 Magister nōbīs multa exempla dat. The teacher gives us many examples.

28.6 Cūr nōn dedistī eī pecūniam? Why didn't you give him the money?

28.7 Crās dābō illī omnia necessāria. Tomorrow I'll give him everything necessary.

28.8 Amīcus meus mihi dedit optimum cōnsilium. My friend gave me excellent advice.

28.9 Date mihi, quaesō, aliquid edendī! Please give me something to eat!

28.10 Nōlī dare puerīs nimis dulcium! Don't give the boys too many sweets!

28.11 Sī dederis mihi auxilium, grātiās tibī agam. If you help me, I'll thank you.

28.12 Parēntēs līberīs suīs dant amōrem. Parents give love to their children.

28.13 Dabisne nōbīs licentiām discēdendī? Will you give us permission to leave?

28.14 Iam dedī vōbīs quod petīstis. I've already given you what you asked for.

28.15 Nātūra dat omnibus animālibus vītam. Nature gives life to all animals.

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Part C (Latin Text Only)

28.1 Quid mihi dās hodiē?

28.2 Dō tibī librum novum.

28.3 Potesne mihi dare paululum aquae?

28.4 Certē, statim tibī dābō.

28.5 Magister nōbīs multa exempla dat.

28.6 Cūr nōn dedistī eī pecūniam?

28.7 Crās dābō illī omnia necessāria.

28.8 Amīcus meus mihi dedit optimum cōnsilium.

28.9 Date mihi, quaesō, aliquid edendī!

28.10 Nōlī dare puerīs nimis dulcium!

28.11 Sī dederis mihi auxilium, grātiās tibī agam.

28.12 Parēntēs līberīs suīs dant amōrem.

28.13 Dabisne nōbīs licentiām discēdendī?

28.14 Iam dedī vōbīs quod petīstis.

28.15 Nātūra dat omnibus animālibus vītam.

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Part D (Grammar Explanation)

Grammar Rules for dō, dare

The verb "dō, dare, dedī, datum" is an irregular first conjugation verb. Despite belonging to the first conjugation (-āre verbs), it has a short 'a' in most forms rather than the long 'ā' typical of first conjugation verbs.

Conjugation Summary

Present Indicative:

• dō (I give)

• dās (you give)

• dat (he/she/it gives)

• damus (we give)

• datis (you all give)

• dant (they give)

Imperfect Indicative:

• dabam (I was giving)

• dabās (you were giving)

• dabat (he/she/it was giving)

• dabāmus (we were giving)

• dabātis (you all were giving)

• dabant (they were giving)

Future Indicative:

• dabō (I will give)

• dabis (you will give)

• dabit (he/she/it will give)

• dabimus (we will give)

• dabitis (you all will give)

• dabunt (they will give)

Perfect Indicative:

• dedī (I gave/have given)

• dedistī (you gave/have given)

• dedit (he/she/it gave/has given)

• dedimus (we gave/have given)

• dedistis (you all gave/have given)

• dedērunt (they gave/have given)

Present Subjunctive:

• dem (that I may give)

• dēs (that you may give)

• det (that he/she/it may give)

• dēmus (that we may give)

• dētis (that you all may give)

• dent (that they may give)

Imperative:

• dā (give! - singular)

• date (give! - plural)

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing dō with regular first conjugation verbs: Remember that "dō" has a short 'a' in most forms, not the long 'ā' of regular first conjugation verbs.

2. Forgetting the reduplication in the perfect: The perfect stem is "ded-" not "d-". Students often write "dī" instead of "dedī".

3. Mixing up dative case: "Dare" requires the dative case for the recipient. English speakers often forget this and try to use accusative.

4. Subjunctive forms: The present subjunctive uses a long 'ē' (dem, dēs, det), which students often miss.

Comparison with English

Unlike English, which uses word order to show who gives what to whom ("I give you the book"), Latin uses case endings:

• The giver is in the nominative (ego)

• The thing given is in the accusative (librum)

• The recipient is in the dative (tibī)

Step-by-Step Guide for Using dare

1. Identify who is giving (nominative case)

2. Identify what is being given (accusative case)

3. Identify to whom it is given (dative case)

4. Choose the correct form of dare based on tense and person

5. Remember: Latin word order is flexible, but dative often comes before accusative

Example: "I give you a book"

• Step 1: I = ego (often omitted)

• Step 2: book = librum (accusative)

• Step 3: to you = tibī (dative)

• Step 4: I give = dō

• Result: Dō tibī librum or Tibī librum dō

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Part E (Cultural Context)

The Concept of Giving in Roman Culture

For English speakers learning conversational Latin, understanding the cultural significance of "giving" in Roman society is essential. The Romans had a complex system of gift-giving and reciprocal obligations called "beneficium" (benefit/favor).

In Roman society, giving wasn't just about physical objects. Romans gave:

• Clientēla: Patrons gave protection and support to clients

• Sportula: Daily handouts from patrons to clients

• Dōna: Formal gifts, especially during festivals

• Mūnera: Public gifts or shows given to the people

The verb "dare" appears in many Roman proverbs and expressions:

• "Dō ut dēs" (I give so that you may give) - expressing reciprocity

• "Bis dat quī citō dat" (He gives twice who gives quickly)

• "Date et dabitur vōbīs" (Give and it shall be given to you) - later adopted by Christians

In conversation, Romans used "dare" in many polite formulas:

• "Dā veniam" (Give pardon = excuse me)

• "Dā mihi" (Give me = please pass)

• "Deōs deāsque precor ut dent..." (I pray the gods give...)

Understanding these cultural uses helps modern Latin speakers use "dare" more naturally in conversation, moving beyond simple translation to authentic communication.

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Part F (Literary Citation)

From the Colloquia Scholica (Medieval School Dialogues), a conversation between students:

Part F-A (Interleaved Text)

Discipulus Student prīmus first: Dā give mihi to me, sodālis comrade, stilum pen tuum your, sī if placet it pleases. Meus mine enim for frāctus broken est is.

Discipulus Student secundus second: Libenter gladly tibī to you dō I give. Sed but redde return mihi to me cum when scrīpseris you will have written.

Prīmus First: Grātiās thanks tibī to you agō I give. Certē certainly reddam I will return statim immediately post after lēctiōnem lesson.

Secundus Second: Quid what dabis will you give mihi to me prō for hōc this beneficiō kindness?

Prīmus First: Dābō I will give tibī to you pānem bread meum my merīdiānum noon.

Part F-B (Complete Text and Translation)

Discipulus prīmus: Dā mihi, sodālis, stilum tuum, sī placet. Meus enim frāctus est. Discipulus secundus: Libenter tibī dō. Sed redde mihi cum scrīpseris. Prīmus: Grātiās tibī agō. Certē reddam statim post lēctiōnem. Secundus: Quid dabis mihi prō hōc beneficiō? Prīmus: Dābō tibī pānem meum merīdiānum.

First student: Give me your pen, friend, please. Mine is broken. Second student: I'll gladly give it to you. But return it to me when you've finished writing. First: Thank you. I'll certainly return it right after the lesson. Second: What will you give me for this favor? First: I'll give you my lunch bread.

Part F-C (Latin Text Only)

Discipulus prīmus: Dā mihi, sodālis, stilum tuum, sī placet. Meus enim frāctus est. Discipulus secundus: Libenter tibī dō. Sed redde mihi cum scrīpseris. Prīmus: Grātiās tibī agō. Certē reddam statim post lēctiōnem. Secundus: Quid dabis mihi prō hōc beneficiō? Prīmus: Dābō tibī pānem meum merīdiānum.

Part F-D (Grammatical Notes)

This dialogue beautifully illustrates conversational uses of "dare":

1. Imperative: "Dā mihi" - direct command softened by "sī placet"

2. Present indicative: "dō" - immediate action

3. Future indicative: "dabis", "dābō" - negotiating future exchange

4. Compound verb: "redde" (from reddere = re + dare) showing the reciprocal nature of giving

5. Perfect subjunctive: "scrīpseris" in temporal clause

6. Idiomatic expression: "grātiās agō" (literally "I do thanks" = I thank)

The dialogue shows the Roman concept of reciprocity - nothing is given without expectation of return, even among friends.

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Genre Section: Marketplace Bargaining Dialogue

Part A (Interleaved Text)

28.16 Vēnditor seller: Quid what tibī to you dare to give possum am I able hodiē today, domine sir?

28.17 Emptor buyer: Dā give mihi to me, quaesō please, trēs three librās pounds pōmōrum of apples.

28.18 Vēnditor seller: Libenter gladly dābō I will give. Dabisne will you give mihi to me decem ten assēs pennies?

28.19 Emptor buyer: Nimis too much petis you seek! Dābō I will give tibī to you septem seven tantum only.

28.20 Vēnditor seller: Nōn not possum I am able dare to give tibī to you tantō for so much pretiō price.

28.21 Emptor buyer: Bene well. Octō eight assēs pennies tibī to you dare to give volō I wish.

28.22 Vēnditor seller: Dā give mihi to me novem nine et and dābō I will give tibī to you optima best pōma apples.

28.23 Emptor buyer: Placet it pleases. Ecce behold, dō I give tibī to you pecūniam money.

28.24 Vēnditor seller: Grātiās thanks tibī to you agō I do. Nunc now dō I give tibī to you pōma apples tua your.

28.25 Emptor buyer: Potesne are you able etiam also dare to give mihi to me sacculum small bag?

28.26 Vēnditor seller: Certē certainly, grātīs for free tibī to you sacculum bag dābō I will give.

28.27 Emptor buyer: Multa many bona good things dī gods tibī to you dent may they give!

28.28 Vēnditor seller: Et and tibī to you fortūna fortune det may give omnia all things fēlīcia happy!

28.29 Emptor buyer: Crās tomorrow iterum again veniam I will come et and plūs more tibī to you dābō I will give negōtiī of business.

28.30 Vēnditor seller: Semper always tibī to you dare to give optimās best mercēs goods parātus prepared sum I am!

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Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)

28.16 Vēnditor: Quid tibī dare possum hodiē, domine? Seller: What can I offer you today, sir?

28.17 Emptor: Dā mihi, quaesō, trēs librās pōmōrum. Buyer: Please give me three pounds of apples.

28.18 Vēnditor: Libenter dābō. Dabisne mihi decem assēs? Seller: I'll gladly give them. Will you give me ten pennies?

28.19 Emptor: Nimis petis! Dābō tibī septem tantum. Buyer: You're asking too much! I'll only give you seven.

28.20 Vēnditor: Nōn possum dare tibī tantō pretiō. Seller: I can't give them to you for that price.

28.21 Emptor: Bene. Octō assēs tibī dare volō. Buyer: Fine. I'm willing to give you eight pennies.

28.22 Vēnditor: Dā mihi novem et dābō tibī optima pōma. Seller: Give me nine and I'll give you the best apples.

28.23 Emptor: Placet. Ecce, dō tibī pecūniam. Buyer: Agreed. Here, I'm giving you the money.

28.24 Vēnditor: Grātiās tibī agō. Nunc dō tibī pōma tua. Seller: Thank you. Now I'm giving you your apples.

28.25 Emptor: Potesne etiam dare mihi sacculum? Buyer: Can you also give me a bag?

28.26 Vēnditor: Certē, grātīs tibī sacculum dābō. Seller: Of course, I'll give you a bag for free.

28.27 Emptor: Multa bona dī tibī dent! Buyer: May the gods give you many good things!

28.28 Vēnditor: Et tibī fortūna det omnia fēlīcia! Seller: And may fortune give you all happiness!

28.29 Emptor: Crās iterum veniam et plūs tibī dābō negōtiī. Buyer: I'll come again tomorrow and give you more business.

28.30 Vēnditor: Semper tibī dare optimās mercēs parātus sum! Seller: I'm always ready to give you the best goods!

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Part C (Latin Text Only)

28.16 Vēnditor: Quid tibī dare possum hodiē, domine?

28.17 Emptor: Dā mihi, quaesō, trēs librās pōmōrum.

28.18 Vēnditor: Libenter dābō. Dabisne mihi decem assēs?

28.19 Emptor: Nimis petis! Dābō tibī septem tantum.

28.20 Vēnditor: Nōn possum dare tibī tantō pretiō.

28.21 Emptor: Bene. Octō assēs tibī dare volō.

28.22 Vēnditor: Dā mihi novem et dābō tibī optima pōma.

28.23 Emptor: Placet. Ecce, dō tibī pecūniam.

28.24 Vēnditor: Grātiās tibī agō. Nunc dō tibī pōma tua.

28.25 Emptor: Potesne etiam dare mihi sacculum?

28.26 Vēnditor: Certē, grātīs tibī sacculum dābō.

28.27 Emptor: Multa bona dī tibī dent!

28.28 Vēnditor: Et tibī fortūna det omnia fēlīcia!

28.29 Emptor: Crās iterum veniam et plūs tibī dābō negōtiī.

28.30 Vēnditor: Semper tibī dare optimās mercēs parātus sum!

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Part D (Grammar and Usage Notes)

Key Grammatical Features in Marketplace Dialogue

1. Question Forms with dare:

   • "Quid tibī dare possum?" - Potential subjunctive showing ability

   • "Dabisne mihi...?" - Future tense with interrogative particle -ne

2. Imperative in Requests:

   • "Dā mihi" - Direct but softened with "quaesō" (please)

   • Shows typical marketplace directness

3. Future Tense in Negotiations:

   • "Dābō tibī" - Making offers

   • "Dābō" vs "dare volō" - Different levels of commitment

4. Subjunctive in Wishes:

   • "Dī tibī dent" - Optative subjunctive (may the gods give)

   • "Fortūna det" - Traditional blessing formula

5. Infinitive with Modal Verbs:

   • "Possum dare" - Ability to give

   • "Dare volō" - Willingness to give

6. Price Expressions:

   • "Tantō pretiō" - Ablative of price

   • Numbers with currency (decem assēs)

7. Conversational Particles:

   • "Ecce" - Here! (when handing over)

   • "Bene" - Fine/Well (agreement)

   • "Certē" - Certainly

8. Reciprocal Giving:

   • Notice the constant exchange of "dare" between buyer and seller

   • Each "dō/dābō" is matched with expectation of return

This dialogue demonstrates how "dare" functions as the central verb in commercial transactions, with its various forms facilitating the negotiation process typical of Roman marketplace interactions.

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About This Course

The Latinum Institute Latin Reading Course represents a revolutionary approach to Latin language learning, specifically designed for autodidactic learners. Created by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), who has been developing online language learning materials since 2006, this course embodies decades of pedagogical innovation.

Course Philosophy

Drawing from the methods detailed at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, these lessons implement the "construed text" approach - a time-tested method that breaks down Latin texts into their smallest meaningful units, allowing learners to see direct correspondences between Latin and English.

What Makes These Lessons Unique

1. Graduated Complexity: Each lesson moves from highly scaffolded interlinear text (Part A) through complete sentences (Parts B-C) to detailed grammatical analysis (Part D).

2. Conversational Focus: Unlike traditional Latin courses that emphasize literary texts, this course prioritizes practical, conversational Latin - the kind Romans actually used in daily life.

3. Cultural Integration: Parts E and F provide essential cultural context and authentic historical texts, bridging the gap between language learning and cultural understanding.

4. Self-Study Optimized: Every element is designed for independent learners - no teacher required. Clear explanations, multiple presentation formats, and comprehensive coverage ensure successful autodidactic learning.

The Latinum Institute Approach

The Latinum Institute has earned recognition for its innovative methods, as evidenced by reviews on Trustpilot. The institute's approach combines:

• Traditional philological rigor

• Modern pedagogical insights

• Technological innovation

• Respect for the autodidactic learner

How to Use These Lessons

1. Start with Part A: Read through the interlinear text slowly, absorbing vocabulary and structure

2. Progress to Part B: See how the pieces fit together in natural sentences

3. Test yourself with Part C: Try reading the Latin without English support

4. Study Part D: Understand the underlying grammar

5. Explore Parts E-F: Deepen your cultural and literary knowledge

6. Practice the Genre Section: Apply your knowledge in extended contexts

Each lesson builds on previous ones, creating a comprehensive path to Latin fluency that respects both the language's classical heritage and the modern learner's needs.

For more information about Evan der Millner and the Latinum Institute's innovative approaches to classical language learning, visit the websites mentioned above or explore the extensive collection of materials developed over nearly two decades of online Latin education.

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