8

I have been trying to translate this English phrase into Latin properly, and I started to check it in some resources.

In this text it goes: "..., cum de tuis cogitas,...". And I have no idea why there is "cum" there but by the looks of it cogitāre dē + ablative seems to be valid.

Also here it only uses with de + abl, without cum.

So my questions are:

a. Is the correct translation of I am thinking of you in Latin dē tē cōgitō? If not, please indicate me into right direction. Am I using the wrong verb? What am I doing wrong?

b. Why is it used with a cum in Cicero's text? Does that change its meaning?

1
  • 2
    Welcome to the site! de + ablative + cogitare is indeed a pretty common construction.
    – Adam
    Feb 14, 2022 at 19:46

1 Answer 1

7

A: Indeed, de te cogito is a valid construction and supported by the Cicero quote you have.

B: Here cum is not a preposition but a conjunction. It has no effect on how de works.

2
  • 1
    Ahh so something like: "cum dē tē cōgitō" would mean "when I think of you"? - Also thanks. :) Feb 15, 2022 at 19:12
  • 1
    @Jacqueline Exactly! And you are most welcome.
    – Joonas Ilmavirta
    Feb 15, 2022 at 20:45

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.