What does "Cogito ergo sum" translate to in English?

The phrase "Cogito ergo sum," famously articulated by the philosopher René Descartes, translates to "I think, therefore I am." This statement is foundational in modern Western philosophy and serves as a cornerstone of Cartesian thought. Descartes used this declaration to establish a certain foundation for knowledge, emphasizing that the very act of thinking is proof of one's existence.

In his method of radical doubt, Descartes sought to strip away all beliefs that could be doubted, revealing that while external perceptions and material existence could be questioned, the act of thinking itself stands as an undeniable proof of existence. Thus, the correct translation directly ties to the idea of self-awareness and consciousness as essential components of being. This is why "I think, therefore I am" is the most fitting and foundational interpretation of Descartes' assertion.