Nunc magister pacem amat et discipuli eum laudent.

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Breakdown of Nunc magister pacem amat et discipuli eum laudent.

• discipulus: the student
• magister: the teacher
• amare: to love
• pax: the peace
• eum: him
• nunc: now
• laudare: to praise

Questions & Answers about Nunc magister pacem amat et discipuli eum laudent.

Why is "pacem" in the accusative case?

In Latin, the direct object of a verb is typically in the accusative case, and here "pacem" (peace) is the direct object of "amat" (he loves). Because the teacher "loves" something (peace), that something goes into the accusative case.

What is the grammatical function of "eum"?

"Eum" is the accusative singular masculine pronoun referring back to "magister" (the teacher). Since "discipuli" (the students) are doing the action of praising, they are the subject, and the teacher is the direct object in this second part of the sentence. Hence, "eum" is used to show that the students praise him.

Why is "laudent" in the subjunctive mood rather than the indicative?

"Laudent" is most naturally read as a jussive or hortatory subjunctive, expressing an exhortation or command (for example, "Let the students praise him"). In other words, it suggests that this is something that should happen, rather than a simple statement of fact that is happening.

How do I figure out the subject for each verb in this sentence?

Look at the endings and the context: • "Magister" (nominative singular) is the subject of "amat" (third-person singular).
• "Discipuli" (nominative plural) is the subject of "laudent" (third-person plural).
Pronouns like "eum" then refer back to the teacher as the direct object of the second verb.

What does "nunc" contribute to the sentence?

"Nunc" simply means "now," indicating that the teacher’s action of loving peace is happening in the present time, and the exhortation that follows (the students praising him) is also set in a current or immediate context.