Tu es timidus, tamen mens tua fortis est.

to be

Breakdown of Tu es timidus, tamen mens tua fortis est.

• tu: you
• timidus: timid
• tamen: however
• mens: the mind
• fortis: strong
• tuus: your

Questions & Answers about Tu es timidus, tamen mens tua fortis est.

Why is timidus placed after es in Tu es timidus? I thought Latin often puts the adjective right after the noun.

In Latin, word order can be quite flexible. Subject (tu), verb (es), and complement (timidus) can be rearranged without changing the meaning. You could also say Tu timidus es, which is equally correct. The emphasis here may shift slightly, but both forms are acceptable.

What does tamen mean, and why is it used here?

Tamen means however, nonetheless, or nevertheless. It introduces a contrast with the previous statement. Here, it underscores the idea that even though you are timid, you still have a strong mind.

How should I interpret mens tua fortis est?

It literally translates to your mind is strong. Mens is a feminine noun meaning mind, tua is the singular possessive adjective meaning your, and fortis is the adjective meaning strong. The construction is a simple noun + adjective + verb pattern.

Why is tua placed before fortis and not directly before mens?

Latin adjectives, especially possessive ones like tua, can appear in various positions for stylistic or emphasis reasons. In mens tua fortis est, the phrase emphasizes the contrast between tu (you) as timid and your mens (mind) as strong, with tua nestled strategically to highlight that it is your mind in particular that is strong.

Is it necessary to include tu at the beginning of the sentence?

Not strictly. Latin verbs typically contain person information within their endings. You could say es timidus without losing meaning. However, using tu gives a more explicit emphasis on the person addressed, making it more direct.