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Questions & Answers about Vir pacem sperat.
Why does pacem end in -em?
Because pax, pacis (peace) is a 3rd-declension noun, and pacem is its accusative singular form. The accusative case is commonly used for the direct object of the verb—here, the thing the man is hoping for.
How do I know which word is the subject and which is the object?
Mostly from the endings (cases), not from word order.
- vir is nominative singular (subject)
- pacem is accusative singular (direct object)
So vir does the hoping, and pacem is what he hopes for.
What dictionary forms should I learn for these words?
Typically:
- vir, viri (m.) = man
- pax, pacis (f.) = peace
- spero, sperare, speravi, speratum = hope
These entries tell you the noun’s declension pattern and the verb’s conjugation and principal parts.
What tense is sperat, and how can I tell?
sperat is present tense, 3rd person singular, active indicative of .The ending is a key clue: in the present tense it usually marks (3rd singular).