Common Foreign Words And Phrases 5. Quiz

Answer: Note well

The Latin phrase 'nota bene' means 'note well', or 'take note'. The phrase is usually abbreviated and used to bring attention to something important. We use the abbreviations NB, N.B., nb or n.b. to signify these words.

Answer: I came, I saw, I conquered

The Latin phrase 'veni, vidi, vici' means 'I came, I saw, I conquered'. It was a phrase used by Julius Caesar in 47BC, when he defeated Pharnaces 11 of Pontus, in the battle of Zela. It is a phrase that is used in the present day, by someone who is successful in the takeover of a business.

Answer: In a quiet voice

The Italian phrase 'sotto voce' means 'in a quiet voice'. The word sotto means 'under' and the word voce means 'voice'. E.g., When at a party, if someone doesn't want to be overheard by the whole room, they will use a soft voice or whisper.

Answer: Hand to hand

The Spanish phrase 'mano a mano' means 'hand to hand'. 'Mano' literally means 'hand' and 'a' means 'to'. It is used when a face-to-face confrontation or competitive struggle occurs. It was a phrase originally used for the one on one battle between a bullfighter and the bull. Now it is used in a situation where people are competing against each other.

In English the phrase means 'head to head' or 'face to face'.

Answer: By that very fact

The Latin phrase 'ipso facto' means 'by that very fact, or act'. It is used in the context of law, religion or philosophy. A lawyer will use this term when something is so obvious, it doesn't need an explanation. E.g., A blind person, ipso facto, cannot possibly obtain a drivers license.

Answer: Between us

The French phrase 'entre nous' means 'between ourselves' or 'confidentially'. It is a term used when someone tells a secret, which they don't want repeated. E.g., Entre nous, he is being paid under the table.

Answer: Attention

The German word 'Achtung' means 'attention', 'look out', and 'beware'. It is a term used to stop someone, so that they will listen to a warning. During the war, German radio always introduced a warning introduction by saying 'achtung'.

Answer: At will

The Latin phrase 'ad libitum' means 'to what is desired', 'at pleasure' and 'at will'. 'Ad' means 'according to' and 'libitum' means 'to please'. 'Ad libitum' can be shortened to 'ad lib', which is a term often used in the entertainment field. It means that there is no advanced preparation made before a task is performed.

It also means that you can freely go about your business, without worry and at your pleasure.

Answer: A love affair

The French phrase 'affaire d'amour' means 'a love affair'. 'Affaire' means 'affair', 'de' means 'of' and 'amour' means 'love'. It is often used in reference to a relationship between two people, where one or both are already married.

Answer: A live-in baby sitter

The French phrase 'au pair' literally means 'equal' and 'even'. It is a phrase used for a person who is employed as a child minder/house keeper, in exchange for room and board.