My brothers wedding is on the horizon and as best man I am buying him a pocket watch for a wedding gift. I want to get something engraved on it, but am unsure of what. I was thinking a latin prase, but I barely passed spanish 101. I could use a little help. I was thinking of “for my brother and good friend”, or “my brother, my friend, forever”. Can anyone help me translate these, or help me come up with something good? Thank you all!
here’ another idea had, but need a translation. I sure hope someone out there still knows latin.
“A true friend stands beside you”
My Latin is extremely rusty,so I can’t vouch for it, but try this on until somebody who knows what they’re talking about comes along:
Mei Frater, Semper Mei Amicus
Thank you so much CalMeacham !!!
Can anyone else confirm, or help with the others? I knew I could rely on you guys when in need!
I hope you mean Latin as in classic latin and not latin america latin…
if classic latin: the grammer might be alittle off but…
ego fratus, ego amicus, æternus
My brother, my friend, forever…
OOPS Cal…I didn’t see your post…Hmmmm. Not sure…
My latin comes from Grecko-Roman latin classics classes eons ago, and from a smattering of nuns along the way…
ego fratus sic semper amicus! I think is even closer…
I don’t know about you grammar, but your spelling’s off, Phlosphr. 
For the record, I am looking for classic latin. Thanks again for all your help. I want to make sure I get the correct grammer and spelling, so any input is really appreciated.
And of course so is mine: “your”. :smack:
Phlosphr – I like your “æternus”, 'specially with the ligature. But I think you need that possessive “mei” instead of “ego”. That’s a bit too much like “Me Tarzan, You Jane.”
Don’t take my suggestion as final – I’m still really rusty. Think of it as a stopgap measure.
A Ruetay riendfay tandsay esidebay ouyay
“A true friend stands beside you”
I conjugate like a coy young maiden Cal. Plus I am working on grading finals right now… ILK!
Cal don’t take this the wrong way but you remind me of a man I once knew when I was in undergrad who used to say to me: Non est discipulus super magistrum nec servus super dominum.
have a look at this, just for fun:
Pig latin on the watch would be humerous!
Thanks ** Phlosphr ** and Cal you two have been very helpful.
Using a portion from both of you, can we assume that:
“Mei ego fratus sic semper amicus”
would be a correct translation of “My brother, my friend always”?
oops, I mean:
“Mei fratus sic semper amicus”
The word ‘always’ has several meanings and definitions. Eternal-ly, perpetual-ly, are rooted differently than simply ‘always’. eternus, would essentially mean forever, sic semper is a modifyer if I remember correctly for ‘thus ever or always’…
Well, I’m gonna suggest Maeglin in case he does a vanity search, but don’t hold your breath, I know he’s a busy bunny right now!
[sub]Hi Maegy![/sub]
“Mi Frater, Semper Mi Amice” with an acute accent over the “i” of “mi” if you’re addressing him as “amicus” and “meus” have vocative forms or “fratro meo, quo semper meo amicus est” if you want “for my brother, who is always my friend”.
No, that’s more like “I brother to me therefore always friend”.