Usages of si
Si via est longa, equus utilis est.
If the road is long, a horse is useful.
Si tempestas in mari est, nautae magnum periculum timent.
If there is a storm at sea, the sailors fear great danger.
Si pater in horto laborat, frater cenat in villa.
If the father works in the garden, the brother dines in the villa.
Si timidus es, studere potes in urbe, sed si fortis es, potes dormire in horto.
If you are timid, you can study in the city, but if you are brave, you can sleep in the garden.
Puer fessus matrem rogat: "Quid hodie in horto facere possumus, si avia non cantat?"
The tired boy asks mother: "What can we do in the garden today, if grandmother does not sing?"
Magister consilium dat, et discipuli id sequi volunt: “Si verba nova discere vis, epistulas breves scribe.”
The teacher gives advice, and the students want to follow it: “If you want to learn new words, write short letters.”
Magister dicit: “Si veritatem dicitis, gaudium vincet; si mendacium dicitis, timor latet in mente.”
The teacher says: “If you tell the truth, joy will win; if you tell a lie, fear lies hidden in the mind.”
Avus puero dicit: “Si chartam et stilum habes, epistulam hodie scribe et cras ad me redi.”
Grandfather says to the boy: “If you have paper and a stylus, write a letter today and return to me tomorrow.”
Si culpa parva est, magistra poenam gravem non dat.
If the fault is small, the teacher does not give a severe punishment.
Si discipula officium non facit, culpa eius clara est; si bene laborat, praemium accipit.
If a female student does not do her duty, her fault is clear; if she works well, she receives a reward.
Si culpa gravis est, poena quoque gravis est.
If the fault is serious, the punishment is also serious.
Si nasus tuus frigidus est et bracchia quoque frigida sunt, domi manere melius est.
If your nose is cold and your arms are cold too, it is better to stay at home.
Si morbo gravi laboras, medicum vocare debes.
If you suffer from a serious illness, you must call the doctor.
Si ad angulum venis, noli statim vertere, sed per viam rectam ambula.
If you come to the corner, do not turn at once, but walk along the straight road.
Si satis argenti habemus, pretium statim solvimus.
If we have enough money, we pay the price at once.
Si nihil in crumena est, a mercatore nihil emere possumus.
If there is nothing in the purse, we can buy nothing from the merchant.
Si non es certus, magistram ipsam interroga; ipsa enim optimum consilium saepe dat.
If you are not sure, ask the teacher herself; for she often gives the best advice.
Discipuli dicunt nihil facilius esse quam menda corrigere, si exemplum optimum ante oculos habent.
The students say that nothing is easier than correcting mistakes, if they have the best example before their eyes.
Ianitor dicit nemini intra portam manere necesse esse, si domum redire vult.
The doorkeeper says that no one needs to stay inside the gate if he wants to return home.
Non est tibi ullus timor, si mater tecum est.
You have no fear if mother is with you.
Si collum et dorsum sana sunt, puero iterum equitare licet.
If the neck and back are healthy, the boy is allowed to ride again.
Si ullus amicus apud nos manet, ei semper lectus paratus est, et intra domum tutus erit.
If any friend stays with us, a bed is always ready for him, and he will be safe inside the house.
Medica dicit dolorem mox minui posse, si puer quiete sedet et non flet.
The doctor says that the pain can soon lessen if the boy sits quietly and does not cry.
Frater dicit se multos convivas invitaturum esse, si domus satis magna erit.
The brother says that he will invite many guests if the house is large enough.
Si regina ipsa convivas invitaverit, omnes venire volent.
If the queen herself has invited the guests, everyone will want to come.
Mater promittit se post paucos menses aliud convivium celebraturam esse, si pax manserit.
Mother promises that after a few months she will celebrate another feast, if peace has remained.
Si faber hodie tectum reficit, familia hac nocte sine timore dormiet.
If the craftsman repairs the roof today, the family will sleep without fear tonight.
Faber promittit se rimam cras clausurum esse, si satis clavorum habebit.
The craftsman promises that he will close the crack tomorrow, if he has enough nails.
Si quis ramum vivum frangit, hortulana iram non ostendit, sed causam rogat.
If someone breaks a living branch, the female gardener does not show anger, but asks the reason.
Avia ridens dicit se ad idem pistrinum cras redituram esse, si pistor aliam placentam servaverit.
Grandmother, laughing, says that she will return to the same bakery tomorrow, if the baker has kept another cake.
Si qua pars obscura est, magistra eam clare explicat.
If any part is unclear, the teacher explains it clearly.
Si nota mala in charta est, discipulus tristis non fit, sed melius laborare conatur.
If there is a bad mark on the paper, the student does not become sad, but tries to work better.
Si discipuli inter se aperte disputant, saepe rem difficiliorem facilius intellegunt.
If the students discuss openly among themselves, they often understand a more difficult matter more easily.
Si merces bonae sunt, multi homines pretium libenter solvunt.
If the goods are good, many people gladly pay the price.
Nautae e portu cras proficiscentur, si tempestas bona erit.
The sailors will set out from the harbor tomorrow, if the weather is good.
Soror dicit agnum statim balaturum esse, si grex discesserit.
The sister says that the lamb will bleat at once if the flock goes away.
Si stabulum bene clausum erit, nullus bos nocte exibit.
If the stable has been well closed, no ox will go out at night.
Si tempestas bona manet, messis cras incipiet et omnes in agro laborabunt.
If the weather remains good, the harvest will begin tomorrow and everyone will work in the field.
Iudex putat octo dies furi in carcere satis esse, si veritatem tandem dicat.
The judge thinks that eight days in prison are enough for the thief, if he finally tells the truth.
Mater rogat num servus innocens sit; iudex respondet eum mox liberandum esse, si verum dixerit.
Mother asks whether the servant is innocent; the judge answers that he must soon be freed, if he has told the truth.
Si pluvia non caderet, mulier iuxta rivum maneret.
If it were not raining, the woman would stay next to the stream.
Si fur innocens esset, iudex eum in carcerem non mitteret.
If the thief were innocent, the judge would not send him to prison.
Si lex nimis gravis esset, multi cives iura sua intellegere non possent.
If the law were too harsh, many citizens would not be able to understand their rights.
Si custos portam non clausisset, fur ex urbe fugisset.
If the guard had not closed the gate, the thief would have fled from the city.
Si vicina clamorem non audivisset, fortuna mulierem non iuvisset.
If the neighbor had not heard the shout, good fortune would not have helped the woman.
Pater dicit se quinque libros et sex epistulas cras ad forum portaturum esse, si via tuta erit.
Father says that he will bring five books and six letters to the forum tomorrow, if the road is safe.
Si servus verum dicit, iudex eum e carcere liberat.
If the servant tells the truth, the judge frees him from prison.
Si quis falsum iurat, iudex iratus est.
If anyone swears falsely, the judge is angry.
Si omnes honesti et fideles sunt, fama bona manet et salus omnium facilius servatur.
If everyone is honest and loyal, a good reputation remains and the safety of all is preserved more easily.
Si quis in foro clamat, iudex eum tacere iubet.
If anyone shouts in the forum, the judge orders him to be silent.
Si sapiens es, veritatem dicere debes.
If you are wise, you must tell the truth.
Si quid triste accidit, avia tamen patientiam servat.
If something sad happens, grandmother nevertheless keeps her patience.
Si quid in cista latet, mater eam aperit.
If something is hidden in the chest, mother opens it.
Mater filio ignoscit, si crimen suum aperte fatetur.
Mother forgives her son if he openly admits his offense.
Si femina innocens est, crimen falsum maxima iniuria est.
If the woman is innocent, a false accusation is a very great injustice.
Si cives rumoribus falsis non resistunt, fama mala celeriter crescit.
If the citizens do not resist false rumors, a bad report grows quickly.
Iudex dicit poenam non inimicis tantum, sed etiam sociis nocere posse, si nimis gravis sit.
The judge says that punishment can harm not only enemies but also allies, if it is too severe.
Si tempestas in mari est, nautae periculum maximum timent.
If there is a storm at sea, the sailors fear very great danger.
Argentarius mercatori pecuniam non facile commodabit, si debitum vetus nondum solutum est.
The banker will not easily lend money to the merchant if the old debt has not yet been paid.
Si debitum diu manet, amicitia saepe laborat.
If a debt lasts a long time, friendship often suffers.
Magistra dicit discipulam nihil celare debere, si auxilium petere vult.
The teacher says that the student ought to hide nothing if she wants to ask for help.
Ego tamen fratri quoque confido, si verum responsum dat et nihil celat.
I nevertheless trust my brother too, if he gives a true answer and hides nothing.
Non omnes eandem viam sequuntur: alii celeriter currunt, alii tardius ambulant; sed finis bonus est, si quisque bene laborat.
Not everyone follows the same path: some run quickly, others walk more slowly; but the end is good if each person works well.
Si audes, etiam cum multis loqui potes; nam vox tua clara est.
If you dare, you can speak even with many people; for your voice is clear.
Ex parvis seminibus magni flores nascuntur, si terra et aqua bonae sunt.
From small seeds large flowers grow, if the soil and water are good.
Si cives concordiae favent, civitas firma manet.
If the citizens favor harmony, the community remains strong.
Si creta parva est, magistra alteram cretam e cista tollit et discipulae dat.
If the chalk is small, the teacher takes another piece of chalk from the chest and gives it to the student.
Si quis mendacium in iudicio dicat, iudex eum damnare potest; si innocens sit, eum absolvere debet.
If anyone should tell a lie in court, the judge can condemn him; if he is innocent, she must acquit him.
Si mappa humida est, serva aliam mappam e culina fert.
If the napkin is wet, the maid brings another napkin from the kitchen.
Si iudex servum absolvit, multi gaudent; si eum damnat, soror flens domum redit.
If the judge acquits the slave, many rejoice; if she condemns him, his sister returns home weeping.
Clementia bona est, si aequa manet et iustitiae non nocet.
Clemency is good if it remains fair and does not harm justice.
Si tibi venia opus est, veritatem statim dicere debes.
If you need pardon, you must tell the truth at once.
Si mater margaritas et gemmas non emerit, artifex tamen fibulam nitidam ei servabit.
If mother does not buy the pearls and gems, the craftswoman will nevertheless keep the shining brooch for her.
Si iustitia in iudicio servatur, etiam reus aequum iudicium sperat.
If justice is preserved in the trial, even the accused hopes for a fair judgment.
Si tibi consilio opus est, magistram ipsam interroga.
If you need advice, ask the teacher herself.
Si innocentia reae clara erit, iudex eam statim absolvet.
If the innocence of the accused woman is clear, the judge will acquit her at once.
Honestas mercatori deest, si pretium iniustum petit.
A merchant lacks honesty if he asks an unfair price.
Si quid mali accidit, nos taedet morae longae, sed rem ipsam corrigere malumus.
If something bad happens, we grow tired of a long delay, but we prefer to correct the matter itself.
Si culcita satis mollis non est, quid faciamus?
If the mattress is not soft enough, what should we do?
Si vas fragile est, puerum illud tangere non sinimus.
If the vessel is fragile, we do not allow the boy to touch it.
Postea figulus dicit se aliud vas cras fingere posse, si lutum bonum habeat.
Afterward the potter says that he can shape another vessel tomorrow if he has good clay.
Quid agam, si mater me domi manere cogit?
What am I to do if mother forces me to stay at home?
Magistra monet usum saepe plus valere quam timorem, si quis artem aliquam discere velit.
The teacher warns that practice is often worth more than fear, if someone wants to learn some skill.
Si praesidium paratum est, nullum telum hostium facile portas franget.
If the garrison is prepared, no weapon of the enemies will easily break the gates.
Si hostes iterum oppugnabunt, cives et milites una urbem defendent.
If the enemies attack again, citizens and soldiers will defend the city together.
Si imperium iustum est, cives ei favent.
If the rule is just, the citizens support it.
Si quis tabellam suam perdit, magistra alteram ei dat, ne scribere desinat.
If anyone loses his or her tablet, the teacher gives another to that person, so that writing may not stop.
Si praeco nomen candidatae iterum recitabit, plures cives ad tribunal propius accedent.
If the herald recites the female candidate’s name again, more citizens will come nearer to the tribunal.
Humiles quoque cives bonam de re publica opinionem habere possunt, si eos alii audiunt.
Humble citizens too can have a good opinion about the state, if others listen to them.
Magistra dicit se arbitrari senatorem meliorem esse, si opinionem civium et mandata legis simul audiat.
The teacher says that she thinks a senator is better if he listens both to the opinion of the citizens and to the commands of the law.
Si ad forum pervenire vis, hic pons tibi transeundus est.
If you want to reach the forum, you must cross this bridge.
Si quis commodum privatum quaerit, bonum commune saepe neglegit.
If anyone seeks private advantage, he often neglects the common good.
Si duo heredes inter se dissentiunt, hereditas saepe moram patitur.
If two heirs disagree with one another, the inheritance often suffers delay.
Una discipula in commentario scribit hereditatem non semper laetam esse, si heres officium tutelae neglegat.
One female student writes in her notebook that an inheritance is not always a happy thing if the heir neglects the duty of guardianship.
Industria quoque discipulae honori est, si verba nova cotidie discit.
Diligence is also an honor to the student, if she learns new words every day.
Si luxuriae semper cedis, divitiae cito discedunt.
If you always yield to luxury, riches quickly go away.
Pater putat augurium bonum esse, si augur laetis verbis auspicium interpretatur.
Father thinks that the omen is good if the augur interprets the auspice with happy words.
Iudex dicit nefas esse innocentem damnare, fas autem esse etiam impio veniam dare, si veritatem tandem dicat.
The judge says that it is wrong to condemn an innocent person, but right to give pardon even to an impious person if he finally tells the truth.
Nihil nos impediet quominus postero die ad fanum redeamus, si via tuta erit.
Nothing will prevent us from returning to the shrine on the next day, if the road is safe.
Si augurium malum est, nautae in portu manent.
If the omen is bad, the sailors stay in the harbor.
Iudex reae veniam dare potest, si veritatem tandem fatetur.
The judge can grant pardon to the female defendant if she finally confesses the truth.
Magistra docet gravitatem meliorem esse quam levitatem, si de rebus publicis disputamus.
The teacher teaches that seriousness is better than frivolity, if we are discussing public matters.
Ne rustica quidem femina humanitatem aut comitatem spernit, si vicinae pauperes auxilium petunt.
Not even a rustic woman despises kindness or courtesy, if poor neighbors ask for help.
Si quis callidus est, potestne etiam modestiam servare? Magistra respondet posse, si gloriam non quaerat.
If someone is clever, can that person also keep modesty? The teacher answers that it is possible, if he does not seek glory.
Si tepidarium plenum est, balneatrix monet ut in apodyterio paulum exspectemus.
If the warm room is full, the bath-attendant warns us to wait a little in the changing room.
Si balneatrix non adest, nemo strigilem aut unguentum e mensa sumat.
If the bath-attendant is not present, no one should take a scraper or ointment from the table.
Sic et balneum et cena parva, si recte parantur, corpori mentique auxilio esse possunt.
Thus both a bath and a small dinner, if they are prepared properly, can be a help to body and mind.
Magistra in schola dicit accidere ut homines infelices celerius mutentur, si amici benigni adsint.
The teacher says in school that it happens that unhappy people change more quickly if kind friends are present.
Si amica tua lacrimat et suspirat, noli statim discedere, sed apud eam mane.
If your friend is crying and sighing, do not leave at once, but stay with her.
“Hoc viaticum satis erit,” inquit puella, “si ante noctem ad hospitium pervenimus.”
“This provision will be enough,” says the girl, “if we reach the lodging before night.”
Si apis puerum pungit, mater statim aquam frigidam affert.
If a bee stings the boy, mother immediately brings cold water.
Si quaestio difficilis est, discipula paulum cogitat et deinde respondet.
If the question is difficult, the female student thinks for a little while and then answers.
Si soror iterum tussit, mater medicam statim vocabit.
If the sister coughs again, mother will call the doctor at once.
Aestate etiam canis in horto anhelat, si calor nimis magnus est.
In summer even the dog pants in the garden, if the heat is too great.
Si aer in cubiculo tepidus est, nocte melius dormitur.
If the air in the bedroom is warm, one sleeps better at night.
Si guttur tuum dolet, aquam tepidam bibere debes.
If your throat hurts, you should drink warm water.
Si bene valere vis, aquam puram potius quam vinum bibere debes.
If you want to be healthy, you should drink pure water rather than wine.
Multi iuvenes volunt a rhetore Romano laudari, si bene responderint.
Many young people want to be praised by the Roman rhetorician if they answer well.
Medica dicit tumorem mox minui posse, si puella domi maneat.
The doctor says that the swelling can soon lessen, if the girl stays at home.
Si mercator pretium nimium poscit, pater nihil emit.
If the merchant asks too high a price, father buys nothing.
Cave aquam in pavimento relinquas, si ventus per compluvium nimis fortis intrat.
Do not leave water on the floor, if too strong a wind comes in through the roof-opening.
Si quis in tablino aut in peristylio clamet, avia blande dicit: “Cave hanc quietem turbes.”
If anyone shouts in the study or in the peristyle, grandmother gently says: “Do not disturb this quiet.”
Si hoc non vis, alius id accipere potest.
If you do not want this, someone else can receive it.
Si discipulus superbus est, minus discit; si docilis et modestus est, celerius discit.
If a student is proud, he learns less; if he is teachable and modest, he learns more quickly.
Etiam puer taciturnus bonus esse potest, si officiosus est et alios non offendit.
Even a silent boy can be good, if he is dutiful and does not offend others.
Si discordia inter amicos oritur, sapiens eam vitare conatur et verba blanda quaerit.
If discord arises among friends, a wise person tries to avoid it and looks for gentle words.
In domo bene vivitur, si omnes inter se consentiunt.
In a house one lives well if everyone agrees with one another.
Si quis avarus et invidus est, amicos facile amittit; si liberalis et sincerus est, amicitiam diutius servat.
If someone is greedy and envious, he easily loses friends; if he is generous and sincere, he keeps friendship longer.
Si vespa puellam pungit, aqua frigida statim adhibetur.
If a wasp stings the girl, cold water is applied at once.
Si ventus saevior erit, scintillae e foco exire poterunt.
If the wind is fiercer, sparks will be able to come out of the hearth.
Mercator lucrum quaerit, sed pater damnum timet, si pretium nimium est.
The merchant seeks profit, but father fears a loss if the price is too high.
Si fraus in taberna latet, mercator parvum lucrum facit, emptor autem magnum damnum patitur.
If deceit is hidden in the shop, the merchant makes a small profit, but the buyer suffers a great loss.
Lucia particeps huius disputationis esse vult, quia plus discit, si ipsa respondet.
Lucia wants to be a participant in this discussion, because she learns more if she herself answers.
Mercatrix pollicetur se cras pira recentiora allaturam esse, si imber desierit.
The merchant woman promises that she will bring fresher pears tomorrow, if the rain has stopped.
Mater quoque pollicetur se filiae librum novum daturam esse, si hodie diligenter studuerit.
Mother also promises that she will give her daughter a new book, if she has studied diligently today.
Si facultas adest, discipuli ad forum veniunt ut oratorem audiant.
If there is an opportunity, the students come to the forum to hear the orator.
Si occasio bona adest, ea non neglegenda est.
If a good opportunity is present, it must not be neglected.
Si odor lilii et rosae tam suavis est, cur hospes in peristylio non maneat?
If the scent of the lily and the rose is so sweet, why does the guest not stay in the peristyle?
Si puella iterum sitiet, ancilla ei aquam e puteo afferet.
If the girl is thirsty again, the maid will bring her water from the well.
Si ventus fortis est, ancilla candelam statim extinguit.
If the wind is strong, the maid extinguishes the candle at once.
Si lignum siccum est, securis id facilius findit.
If the wood is dry, the axe splits it more easily.
Mater respondet: “Forsitan, si imber non cadet.”
Mother answers: “Perhaps, if the rain does not fall.”
Si venter inanis est, etiam puls simplex dulcis videtur.
If the stomach is empty, even simple porridge seems sweet.
Si frenum nimis durum est, equa quoque calcitrare incipit.
If the bridle is too hard, the mare also begins to kick.
Si discipula mendum videt, illud delere et iterum scribere debet.
If the student sees a mistake, she ought to erase it and write it again.
Si hoc remedium puellae non prodest, medica alterum ei dabit.
If this remedy does not help the girl, the doctor will give her another one.
Si veritatem dicis, nihil metuere debes.
If you tell the truth, you ought to fear nothing.
Infans, si mater abest, lacrimat; cum mater adest, demum tacet.
If mother is away, the baby cries; when mother is present, only then is he silent.
Si axis currus fractus erit, vehiculum per viam procedere non poterit.
If the axle of the cart is broken, the vehicle will not be able to go on along the road.
Si grando in pomarium ceciderit, colona multum damni patietur.
If hail falls on the orchard, the woman farmer will suffer much damage.
Sic puella discit et quomodo in pago vivant coloni et cur parvum praedium, si bene curetur, omnibus utile esse possit.
Thus the girl learns both how farmers live in a village and why a small estate, if it is well cared for, can be useful to everyone.
Si gubernator bene gubernat, carina a scopulis facile servatur.
If the helmsman steers well, the hull is easily kept safe from the rocks.
Pater dicit nautas, si venti mitiores fuerint, ante noctem servatum iri.
Father says that the sailors, if the winds are gentler, will be saved before night.
Si milites ordinem servant, hostes vincere possunt.
If the soldiers keep their order, they can defeat the enemy.
Si ventus deest, remigium nautis magno auxilio est.
If the wind is lacking, rowing is a great help to the sailors.
Si praesidium paratum est, urbs servari potest.
If the garrison is ready, the city can be saved.
Si signifer signum non recte feret, cohors ordinem facile amittet.
If the standard-bearer does not carry the standard properly, the cohort will easily lose order.
Praefectus portus nautas monet ne nocte exeant, si ventus iterum crescat.
The harbor prefect warns the sailors not to go out at night if the wind grows strong again.
Si cives prudentes erunt, facile decernent quem magistratum creare velint.
If the citizens are wise, they will easily decide which magistrate they want to elect.
Si Romae in cenaculo parvo habitas, solarium tibi magno usui esse potest.
If you live at Rome in a small upper room, a terrace can be of great use to you.
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