You will probably be surprised when you notice how many Latin words you already know. Hundreds of words, such as memo, alibi, agenda, census, veto, alias, via, alumni, affidavit And versus, are used in English as abbreviations, for example: i.e. (id est, that is) and etc. (et cetera, and the rest). Some Latin phrases are so firmly rooted in English and Russian that we use them without even thinking that they are borrowed: bona fide(in good faith - conscientious) , alter ego(other self - another me), persona nongrata(unwelcome person - an unwanted person), vice versa(position turned - vice versa), carpe diem(seize the day - seize the moment, enjoy the day) cum laude(with praise - with honor), alma mater(nourishing mother - nursing mother) and quid pro quo(this for that - something for this). Many languages have adopted other, less banal, phrases from Latin. Memorize them and use them whenever possible.
1. AURIBUS TENEO LUPUM
The literal translation is "I hold the wolf by the ears." The proverb is taken from the work "Formion" by the Roman playwright Terentius. It means "to be in a hopeless situation", "between two fires". The English equivalent is "Holding a tiger by the tail" (hold the tiger by the tail).
2. BARBA NON FACIT PHILOSOPHUM
"A beard does not make you a philosopher", "having a beard does not mean that you are a philosopher." The Romans were very fond of associating a beard with intellect. Eg, " Barba crescit, caput nescit"(the beard has grown, but there is no mind).
3. BRUTUM FULMEN
Apparently, this aphorism was invented by Pliny the Elder. Expression " Brutum fullmen" literally translated means "senseless lightning", that is, empty threats.
4. CAESAR NON SUPRA GRAMMATICOS
The phrase was born when one of the Roman emperors made a language mistake in his public speech. When this oversight was pointed out to him, the emperor angrily declared that since he was the emperor, from that moment on, this mistake would not be considered a mistake, but the norm. To which one of the council members replied: Caesar non supra grammaticos", or "The Emperor is not above the grammarians" (and Caesar is not above the grammarians). This phrase has become a popular saying that has come to be used in defense of grammar.
5. CARPE NOCTEM
It is a "night" analogue of the expression " Carpe diem" and translates as "enjoy the night". This phrase can be used to motivate someone (including yourself) to finish all the tasks during the day, and leave the evening for rest.
6. CARTHAGO DELENDA EST
At the height of the Punic Wars (the war between Rome and Carthage, 264–146 BC), the Roman statesman Cato the Elder ended all his speeches in the Senate (regardless of their subject matter) with the phrase “ Carthago delenda est" or "Carthage must be destroyed" (Carthage must be destroyed). His words quickly became a popular motto in ancient Rome. The phrase means an urgent call to fight an enemy or obstacle.
7. CASTIGAT RIDENDO MORES
Literally translated, it means "morals are scourged with laughter." This motto was coined by a French poet who believed that in order to change the rules, you need to show how absurd they are.
8. CORVUS OCULUM CORVI NON ERUIT
"A raven will not peck out a crow's eye." Aphorism means the existence of common interests (often selfish) between people who do not betray each other and act together.
9. CUI BONO?
Literal translation: “who benefits from this?”, “in whose interests is this?”. A question that often helps to establish who is the perpetrator of a crime. In general, in English, this phrase is used to question the benefits of any action.
Cui prodest scelus Is fecit. Seneca "Medea" To whom villainy is useful, He committed it. Translation by S. Solovyov
10. ET IN ARCADIA EGO
Nicolas Poussin "The Arcadian Shepherds"Arcadia was a region in ancient Greece whose inhabitants were mostly shepherds and farmers. They led a calm and measured life away from the hustle and bustle. Latin saying " Et in Arcadia ego" literally translated as "and in Arcadia I am." The painting by the French artist Nicolas Poussin "The Arcadian Shepherds" depicts four shepherds examining an old tombstone engraved with this Latin saying. "I" in this expression is considered as death, which reminds mortals that even in the most quiet, happy and carefree place, people will face an inevitable end.
11. EX NIHILO NIHIL FIT
Presumably, this statement belongs to the Roman philosopher Lucretius and is translated into Russian as "nothing comes from nothing." This phrase is used as a reminder that any work a person performs in order to achieve something.
12. FELIX CULPA
It was originally a religious term referring to the biblical fall of Adam and Eve. " Felix culpa»(literally translated “happy guilt”) means a mistake that subsequently had a favorable outcome.
13. HANNIBAL AD PORTAS
Hannibal was a Carthaginian commander who waged a life-and-death war with the Roman Empire. In Russian, the expression " Hannibal ad Portas" literally translated as "Hannibal at the gates", i.e. "the enemy at the gates". Among the Romans, the image of Hannibal subsequently became something of a scarecrow, and parents often said to their naughty children the phrase " Hannibal ad Portas" to scare them a little and make them behave properly.
14. HIC MANEBIMUS OPTIME
When in 390 BC. e. the Gauls invaded Rome, the senate met to discuss whether to leave the city and flee in search of a safe haven. According to the Roman historian Livy, a centurion named Marcus Furius Camillus, addressing the senate, exclaimed: Hic manebimus optime!"(literally, “we will live wonderfully here”). His words soon began to be used figuratively to express an unshakable determination to stand his ground, despite all difficulties.
15. HOMO SUM HUMANI A ME NIHIL ALIENUM PUTO
“I am a man and I believe that nothing human is alien to me” - This is a phrase from the work of the Roman writer Terentius. In Terence, this phrase has a certain ironic connotation: in a conversation between two neighbors, one reproaches the other for interfering in other people's affairs and gossiping, to which the other objects: “I am a man, and nothing human is alien to me.” Since then, the phrase has become practically a motto and can be used, for example, to emphasize that the speaker, like everyone else, is no stranger to human weaknesses and delusions. And also this phrase can mean respect for people of other cultures.
16. IGNOTUM PER IGNOTIUS
An analogue of the phrase " Obscurum per obscurius"(the obscure by the more obscure - to explain the obscure even more obscure). Phrase " Ignotum per ignotius"(the unknown by the more unknown - to explain the unknown to even more unknown) refers to useless explanations that, instead of helping a person to understand the meaning, further confuse him.
17. IMPERIUM IN IMPERIO
Means « an empire within an empire » - "an empire within an empire", "a state within a state". In a literal sense, it can mean that a certain structure (state, city, etc.) is located on the territory of another, larger structure, but legally it is autonomous. Allegorically, this is an association of people living according to their own special laws, which differ from the generally accepted ones.
18. PANEM ET CIRCENSES
It translates into Russian as "bread and circuses." Means the basic need (food) and one of the main desires of a person (entertainment). The Roman satirist Juvenal contrasted these aspirations with a heroic past:
This people has long forgotten all worries, and Rome, which once distributed everything: legions, and power, and bunches of lictors, is now restrained and restlessly dreams of only two things: Bread and circuses! Juvenal "Satires". Book four. Tenth satire. Translation by F. A. Petrovsky
19. VELOCIUS QUAM ASPARAGI COQUANTUR
When something had to happen quickly, the Romans said: "Faster than a bunch of asparagus is cooked." Some sources attribute this phrase to the Roman emperor Augustus, but, unfortunately, there is no evidence that this is the case.
20. VOX NIHILI
While the phrase " Vox populi» means "voice of the people", the phrase " Vox Nihili" means "empty sound". This phrase can be used to refer to a nonsensical statement.
Based on
What interesting Latin expressions are familiar to you? Share them in the comments.
The students of our Academy study Latin. And all these phrases are handed over by heart .......
1. Dura lex, sed lex. - Severe, but the law.
2. Iustitia - fundamentum regni. - Justice is the basis of the state.
3. Summum ius - summa iniuria. - The highest right is the highest injustice.
4. Nemo iudex in propria causa. No one is a judge in his own case.
5. Testis unus - testis nullus. One witness is no witness.
6 Usus est tyrannus. - Custom is a tyrant.
7. Nomen est omen. - The name is a sign.
8. Semel heres semper heres. “Once an heir is always an heir.
9. Applicatio est vita regulae. “The application is the life of the law.
10. Magna neglegentia culpa est, magna culpa dolus est. Great negligence is negligence, great negligence is intent.
11. Ex aequo et bono. – With goodness and justice.\ With justice and kindness.
12. In dubio pro reo. - Doubt in favor of the defendant.
13. Qui timetur, timet. Whom they fear, he himself is afraid.
14. Sine precio nulla venditio est. “Without a price, there is no sale.
15. Naturam mutare pecunia nescit. “Money cannot change nature.
16. Invito beneficium non datur. - The blessing is not given against the will.
17. Divide et impera. - Divide and rule.
18. Superficies ad dominum soli cedit. – Superficies passes to the owner of the land.
19. Ius est ars boni et aequi. Law is the art of goodness and justice.
20. Non solet locatio dominium mutare. “Renting is not in the habit of changing ownership.
21. Ipso iure. – By virtue of the law itself. / By the law itself.
22. Tertium non datur. - There is no third.
23. Contra bonos mores. - Against good morals.
24. Pacta tertiis nec nocent, nec prosunt. – Contracts to third parties do not harm and do not help.
25. Socii mei socius meus socius non est. “My companion's companion is not my companion.
26. Pater is est quem nuptiae demonstrant. - The father is the one whom marriage indicates.
27. Nullus terminus falso est. There are no limits to lies. / There is no limit to lies.
28. Eius est velle, qui potest nolle. It is fitting for him to wish, who can not wish.
29. Cui bono est? - Who benefits?
30. Ibi potest valere populus, ubi leges valent. - There the people can have power, where laws have power.
31. Cogitationis poenam nemo patitur. “No one is punished for thinking.
32. Confessi pro iudicatis habentur. Those who confess are considered condemned.
33. Iudicis est ius dicere, non dare. It is fitting for a judge to create judgment, not to create law.
34. Ab omni iudicio provocari licet. Any court decision can be appealed.
35. Aeque in omnibus fraus punitur. - In relation to all, lying is equally punished.
36. Cui prodest? - Who benefits?
37. Heres, succedens in honore, succedit in onere. “The heir who inherits the good also inherits the heavy burden.
38. Ira furor brevis est. “Anger is short-term madness.
39. Furiosus absentis loco est. “The insane is like the absent.
40. Obligatio est iuris vinculum. “Obligation is the bond of law.
41. Male parta male dilabuntur.- Badly acquired dies badly.
42. Diligenter fines mandati custodiendi sunt.– The boundaries of the assignments must be observed.
43. Ad paenitendum properat, cito qui iudicat. - He who hastily judges hastens to repentance.
44. Abusus non tollit usum.- Abuse does not eliminate use.
45. Est res sanctissima civilis sapientia. The science of law is the most sacred work.
46. Imperitia culpae adnumeratur. “Inexperience counts as guilt.
47. Lex prospicit, non respicit.– Law (…?)
48. Minus solvit, qui tardius solvit.- The one who returns more slowly returns less.
49. In iudicando criminosa est celeritas.- In court cases, haste is a crime.
50. Optima est legum interpres consuetudo.- The best interpreter of laws is practice.
51. Pudor doceri non potest, nasci potest.– Shame cannot be learned, /he/ can be born.
52. Sapere aude! - Decide to be wise!
53. Seditio civium hostium est occasio. - Citizens' rebellion is the luck of enemies.
54. Reus iisdem privilegiis utitur, quibus et actor. - The defendant enjoys the same rights that /enjoy/ and the plaintiff.
55. Semper in dubiis benigniora praeferenda sunt. - Always in doubtful cases prefer softer /solutions/.
56. Tacito consensu omnium.- Thanks to the silent consent of all.
57. Tironibus parcendum est. - Recruits (newbies) should be spared.
58. Ubi iudicat, qui accusat, vis, non lex valet. - Where the one who accuses judges, violence does not rule.
59. Verba cum effectu sunt accipienda.- Words should be taken according to the result.
60. Tutor rem pupilli emere non potest. - The guardian cannot buy the thing of the ward.
Latin is the noblest language in existence. Maybe because he's dead? Knowing Latin is not a utilitarian skill, it is a luxury. You will not speak it, but you will shine in society ... There is no language that helps to impress so much!
1.
Scio me nihil scire
[scio me nikhil scire]
“I know that I don’t know anything,” according to Plato, Socrates spoke of himself this way. And he explained this idea: people usually believe that they know something, but it turns out that they do not know anything. Thus, it turns out that, knowing about my ignorance, I know more than everyone else. A phrase for those who like to fill in the fog and reflective persons.
2. Cogito ergo sum
[kogito, ergo sum]
“I think, therefore I am” is the philosophical statement of René Descartes, a fundamental element of modern Western rationalism.
"Cogito ergo sum" is not the only formulation of Descartes' idea. More precisely, the phrase sounds like “Dubito ergo cogito, cogito ergo sum” - “I doubt, then I think; I think, therefore I am." Doubt is, according to Descartes, one of the modes of thinking. Therefore, the phrase can also be translated as "I doubt, therefore I exist."
3. Omnia mea mecum porto
[omnia mea mecum porto]
“I carry everything with me.” Roman historians say that in the days of the conquest of the Greek city of Priene by the Persians, the sage Byant calmly walked lightly behind a crowd of fugitives, barely carrying heavy property. When asked where his things were, he grinned and said: “Everything I have, I always carry with me.” He spoke in Greek, but these words have come down to us in a Latin translation.
It turned out, historians add, that he was a real sage; along the way, all the refugees lost their property, and soon Biant fed them on the gifts that he received, leading instructive conversations with their inhabitants in cities and villages.
This means that the inner wealth of a person, his knowledge and mind are more important and more valuable than any property.
4. Dum spiro, spero
[dum spiro, spero]
By the way, this phrase is also the slogan of the underwater special forces - combat swimmers of the Russian Navy.
5. Errare humanum est
[errare humanum est]
"To err is human" - the aphorism of Seneca Sr. In fact, this is just part of the aphorism, in its entirety it sounds like this: “Errare humanum est, stultum est in errore perseverare” - “It is human nature to err, but it is foolish to persist in your mistakes.”
6. O tempora! About mores!
[about tempora, about mores]
"O times! Oh manners! - the most famous expression of Cicero from the "First speech against Catiline", which is considered the pinnacle of Roman oratory. Revealing the details of the conspiracy at a meeting of the Senate, Cicero with this phrase expresses indignation at the impudence of the conspirator, who dared to appear in the Senate as if nothing had happened, and the inaction of the authorities.
Usually the expression is used, stating the decline of morals, condemning an entire generation. However, this expression may well become a funny joke.
7. In vino veritas, in aqua sanitas
[in vino veritas, in aqua sanitas]
“Truth is in wine, health is in water” - almost everyone knows the first part of the saying, but the second part is not so widely known.
8. Homo homini lupus est
[homo hominy lupus est]
"Man is a wolf to man" is a proverbial expression from Plautus' comedy "Donkeys". They use it when they want to say that human relations are sheer selfishness and enmity.
In Soviet times, this phrase characterized the capitalist system, in contrast to which, in the society of the builders of communism, man is a friend, comrade and brother to man.
9. Per aspera ad astra
[per aspera ed astra]
"Through hardship to the stars". The variant "Ad astra per aspera" - "To the stars through thorns" is also used. Perhaps the most poetic Latin saying. Its authorship is attributed to Lucius Annaeus Seneca, an ancient Roman philosopher, poet and statesman.
10. Veni, vidi, vici
[veni, see, vichi]
“I came, I saw, I conquered,” Gaius Julius Caesar wrote in a letter to his friend Aminty about the victory over one of the Black Sea fortresses. According to Suetonius, it was these words that were written on the board that was carried during the triumph of Caesar in honor of this victory.
11. Gaudeamus igitur
[gaudeamus igitur]
"So, let's have fun" - the first line of the student anthem of all times and peoples. The hymn was created in the Middle Ages in Western Europe and, contrary to church-ascetic morality, praised life with its joys, youth and science. This song goes back to the genre of drinking songs of vagants - medieval wandering poets and singers, among whom were students.
12.
Dura lex, sed lex
[stupid lex, sad lex]
There are two translations of this phrase: "The law is harsh, but it is the law" and "The law is the law." Many people think that this phrase refers to the times of Roman law, but it is not. The maxim dates back to the Middle Ages. In Roman law, there was just a flexible, allowing to soften the letter of the law, the rule of law.
13. Si vis pacem, para bellum
[se vis packem para bellum]
14. Repetitio est mater studiorum
[repetition est mater studio]
One of the proverbs most beloved by the Latins, is also translated into Russian by the proverb "Repetition is the mother of learning."
15. Amor tussisque non celantur
[amor tusisque non tselantur]
“You can’t hide love and cough” - in fact, there are a lot of sayings about love in Latin, but this one seems to us the most touching. And relevant in anticipation of autumn.
Fall in love, but be healthy!
Gutta cavat lapidem non vi, sed saepe cadendo - a drop hammers a stone not by force, but by frequent falling
Fortiter ac firmiter - Strong and strong
Aucupia verborum sunt judice indigna - literalism is below the dignity of a judge
Benedicite! - Good afternoon!
Quisque est faber sua fortunae - every blacksmith of his own happiness
Read the continuation of the best aphorisms and quotes on the pages:
Natura incipit, ars dirigit usus perficit - nature begins, art directs, experience perfects.
Scio me nihil scire - I know that I know nothing
Potius sero quam nun quam - Better late than never.
Decipi quam fallere est tutius - Better to be deceived than to deceive another
Omnia vincit amor et nos cedamus amori "- Love conquers everything, and we submit to love
Dura lex, sed lex - the law is harsh, but it's the law
Repetitio est mater studiorum - repetition is the mother of learning.
O sancta simplicitas! - Oh, holy simplicity
Quod non habet principium, non habet finem - that which has no beginning has no end
Facta sunt potentiora verbis - actions are stronger than words
Accipere quid ut justitiam facias, non est tam accipere quam extorquere - Acceptance of remuneration for the administration of justice is not so much acceptance as extortion
Bene sit tibi! - Good luck!
Homo homini lupus est - man to man wolf
Aequitas enim lucet per se - justice shines on its own
citius, altius, fortius! - Faster, higher, stronger
AMOR OMNIA VINCIT - Love conquers everything.
Qui vult decipi, decipiatur - whoever wants to be deceived, let him be deceived
disce gaudere - Learn to rejoice
Quod licet jovi, non licet bovi - what is allowed to Jupiter is not allowed to the bull
Sogito ergo sum - I think, therefore I am
Latrante uno latrat stati met alter canis - when one dog barks, another immediately barks
Facile omnes, cum valemus, recta consilia aegrotis damus - All of us, when healthy, easily give advice to the sick.
Aut bene, aut nihil - Either good or nothing
Haurit aquam cribro, qui discere vult sine libro - He who wants to learn without a book draws water with a sieve
Bona mente - With good intentions
Aditum nocendi perfido praestat fides
Igni et ferro - With fire and iron
Bene qui latuit, bene vixit - the one who lived unnoticed lived well
Amor non est medicabilis herbis - there is no cure for love (love is not treated with herbs)
Senectus insanabilis morbus est - Old age is an incurable disease.
De mortuis autbene, aut nihil - about the dead or good or nothing
A communi observantia non est recedendum - what is accepted by all cannot be neglected
Intelligenti pauca - The wise will understand
In vino veritas, in aqua sanitas - truth in wine, health in water.
Vis recte vivere? Quis non? - Do you want to live well? And who doesn't want to?
Nihil habeo, nihil curo - I have nothing - I don't care about anything
Scire leges non hoc est verba earum tenere, sed vim ac potestatem - knowledge of the laws is not to remember their words, but to understand their meaning
Ad notam - For a note, note
Panem et circenses - Bread and Circuses
DIXI ET ANIMAM LEVAVI - I said and relieved my soul.
Sivis pacem para bellum - if you want peace, prepare for war
Corruptio optimi pessima - the worst fall is the fall of the purest
Veni, vidi vici - I came, I saw, I conquered
Lupus pilum mutat, non mentem - the wolf changes the coat, not the nature
Ex animo - From the heart
Divide et impera - divide and conquer
Alitur vitium vivitque tegendo - by covering up vice is nourished and maintained
AUDI, MULTA, LOQUERE PAUCA - listen a lot, talk a little.
Is fecit cui prodest - Made by the one who benefits
Lupus pilum mutat, non mentem - the wolf changes the coat, not the nature
Ars longa, vita brevis - art is long, life is short
Castigat ridento mores - Laughter castigates morals "
De duobus malis minimum eligendum - one must choose the lesser of two evils
Desipere in loco - Go crazy where it's appropriate
Bonum factum! - For good and happiness!
In maxima potentia minima licentia - the stronger the power, the less freedom
Usus est optimus magister - experience is the best teacher
Repetitio est mater studiorum - repetition is the mother of learning
Fac fideli sis fidelis - Be faithful to the one who is faithful (to you)
DOCENDO DISCIMUS - by teaching, we ourselves learn.
Memento mori - remember death.
Вis dat, qui cito dat - he who gives quickly gives twice
Mens sana in corpore sano - in a healthy body - a healthy mind.
Nulla regula sine exceptione - There is no rule without exceptions.
Erare humanum est, stultum est in errore perseverare - it is human nature to make mistakes, stupid - to persist in a mistake
Primus inter pares - First among equals
Festina lente - hurry slowly
omnia praeclara rara - Everything beautiful is rare
Repetitio est mater studiorum - repetition is the mother of learning.
Amicus plato, sed magis amica veritas - Plato is my friend, but the truth is dearer
Melius est nomen bonum quam magnae divitiae - a good name is better than great wealth.
Ipsa scientia potestas est - knowledge itself is power
FRONTI NULLA FIDES - don't trust looks!
Aditum nocendi perfido praestat fides - trust given to the treacherous allows him to harm
Qui nimium properat, serius ab solvit - whoever is in a hurry, he will later cope with business
Cornu copiae - Cornucopia
Dulce laudari a laudato viro - It is pleasant to receive praise from a person worthy of praise
dum spiro, spero - While I breathe, I hope
Feci auod potui, faciant meliora potentes - I did what I could, whoever can, let him do better
Dum spiro, spero - while I breathe, I hope
Abusus non tollit usum - abuse does not cancel use
Aliis inserviendo consumor - serving others, I burn myself
Fortunam citius reperifs, quam retineas / Happiness is easier to find than to keep.
Fiat lux - Let there be light
AUDIATUR ET ALTERA PARS - you should listen to the other side.
Melius sero quam nunquam - better late than never
Et tu quoque, Brute! - And you Brute!
Ad impossibilia lex non cogit - the law does not require the impossible
