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This article lists direct English translations of common Latin phrases. Some of the phrases are themselves translations of Greek phrases.
- a posteriori (from the latter): based on experience.
- a priori (from the earlier): independent of experience.
- ad hoc (for this): said of something created or formed for a special case.
- ad infinitum (to infinity): something that keeps going forever.
Latin Phrase: Meaning: mortuus/-a est (he/she) died: sepultus/-a est/erat (he/she) was buried: tumulatus/-a est/erat (he/she) was buried: sepelivi: I buried: nomen defuncti/-ae: the name of the dead: nomen sepulti/-ae: the name of the buried: Missa pro defunctis: a mass for the dead [usually in the context of a funeral] Missa defunctorum
- Common Latin Phrases
- Latin Phrases to Impress
- Latin Phrases About Love
- Latin Phrases About Death
- Cool Latin Phrases
1. Carpe diem
"Pluck the day," is the literal transition here, but we use this phrase to mean its more sensical translation, "seize the day." It was first used by the Roman poet Horacein 23 B.C. as a way to stress the importance of living each day to its fullest.
2. Id est
You probably don't say this exact Latin phrase, which means "it is," but we bet you've written its abbreviated form "i.e.," which is used to clarify a preceding statement.
3. Exempli gratia
If you get "i.e" and "e.g." confused, just remember these Latin phrases. The latter stands for exempli gratia, which translates to "for the sake of example."
11. Sapere aude
A popular Latin school motto, this one means, "Dare to know." It's commonly associated with the Age of Enlightenment and may be the reminder you need to never stop learning, no matter your age.
12. Ad astra per aspera
One of the most popular Latin phrases, meaning, "Through adversity to the stars," this utterance is generally used to describe the overcoming of adversity resulting in a favorable outcome. For instance, this common state motto—which also happens to adorn the memorial plaque for the astronauts who died on Apollo 1—can be used in conversation when you're having a terrible go of things, but you're confident a greater outcome awaits you.
13. Carpe vinum
We've all heard the phrase "carpe diem" a million times, but we'll do you one better: "Carpe vinum." Of all the Latin phrases to master, this one, which translates to "seize the wine," will certainly come in handy when you're eager to impress your waiter.
22. Amor vincit omnia
You may already know and repeat this maxim in English, but the original Latin version is even more mellifluous. Credited to Virgil, it means "Love conquers all things."
23. Ubi amor, ibi dolor
"Where there's love, there's pain." If you've ever been in love, you already know that this is true.
24. Inis vitae sed non amoris
This phrase, which means, "The end of life, but not of love," basically describes what it means to grieve someone you've lost.
27. Respice finem
A reminder of one's mortality, this phrase means, "Consider the end," and is the motto of several universities. Since we tend to feel pretty invincible in our teens and 20s, it's a useful reality check and an encouragement to make the most of one's time.
28. Malo mori quam foedari
Does your reputation mean everything to you? Then you may want to remember this motto, which translates to, "Death rather than dishonor."
29. Omnes una manet nox
From Horace's Odes, this Latin phrase translates into, "One night is awaiting us all," and serves as a reminder that we're all mere mortals. "One night," in this context, means the night of our deaths.
33. Aere perennius
Horace is also responsible for this phase, which translates to, "More lasting than bronze." If your feelings or words will stand the test of time, you can describe them as such.
34. Libertas perfundet omnia luce
The motto of the University of Barcelona, in English, this Latin phrase reads, "Freedom will flood all things with light." You know how your world gets a little brighter on your day off? That. And also the political kind of freedom.
35. Aquila non capit muscas
Tired of dealing with things below your pay grade? You can tell your boss, "Aquila non capit muscas," or, "An eagle does not catch flies." (We can't guarantee it'll go over well, though.)
Want to familiarize yourself with common Latin phrases used in English? This list is for you! We cover 21 Latin expressions by providing their definitions and examples of how to use them, so you can learn a few words of this 2,700-year-old language.
See these phrases in any combination of two languages in the Phrase Finder. If you can provide recordings, corrections or additional translations, please contact me . Key to abbreviations: frm = formal, inf = informal, sg = singular (said to one person), pl = plural (said to more than one person), >m = said to males, >f = said to females
Here's a list of Latin phrases and sayings that are used in English often enough to have become part of the language. A priori. From what comes before. Ad absurdum. To the point of absurdity. Ad hoc. For this purpose. Ad infinitum. Without limit - endlessly.
