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fluctuat nec mergitur

English translation: it may fluctuate, but it does not sink

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Latin term or phrase:fluctuat nec mergitur
English translation:it may fluctuate, but it does not sink
Entered by: Joseph Brazauskas

17:54 Oct 13, 2006
Latin to English translations [PRO]
Idioms / Maxims / Sayings
Latin term or phrase: fluctuat nec mergitur
My problem is that this is a motto for a study paper on exchange rates and I am not sure whether a translation like
"tossed by (the) waves it does not sink"
would do in this case. (Normally, speaking about Paris, it is translated as "she does not founder", I think). Also, I am not sure whether "the waves" or just "waves" would be a good translation.

TIA, Eva
Eva Blanar
Hungary
Local time: 11:08
it may fluctuate, but it does not sink
Explanation:
'Fluctuat' may be a (rare) potential subjunctive. If so, I would render as above. Or it could be a jussive subjunctive, in which case translate: 'Let it fluctuate, but it doesn't sink (go down').' 'Mergere' means literally 'to plunge into, to immerse, sink'
Selected response from:

Joseph Brazauskas
United States
Local time: 05:08
Grading comment
thanks a lot - but how come your mother tongue is Latin?! :)
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4it may fluctuate, but it does not sink
Joseph Brazauskas


Discussion entries: 1





  

Answers


12 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
it may fluctuate, but it does not sink


Explanation:
'Fluctuat' may be a (rare) potential subjunctive. If so, I would render as above. Or it could be a jussive subjunctive, in which case translate: 'Let it fluctuate, but it doesn't sink (go down').' 'Mergere' means literally 'to plunge into, to immerse, sink'

Joseph Brazauskas
United States
Local time: 05:08
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in SpanishSpanish
PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
thanks a lot - but how come your mother tongue is Latin?! :)

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  Jim Tucker (X): "fluctuat" isn't any kind of subjunctive; it's a simple indicative.
155 days
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