55 Proverbs and Expressions in Latin

Latin proverbs have always been known and studied by many people, scholars of the old language of the Roman Empire.

In fact, in many education systems in the world this type of teachings are accepted and an attempt is made to make today's youth know the wisdom of those days, whose origin is certainly interesting and in many cases is lost due to, among others, new technologies and the greater influence of other languages contemporaries.

The most famous Latin proverbs

Today we have here a list of the most famous Latin proverbs (not all) and we can see its translation and meaning. We have also included some sayings and expressions in Latin that may have a meaning that has endured to this day.

1. Alea iacta is

• Translation: The die is cast.

That is said when someone does something and is not one hundred percent sure of the result that he will obtain. The die is cast, we can only hope.

2. Alma mater

• Translation: Nurturing mother.

It is used to designate a person who is the architect or promoter of a project.

3. Omnia vincit love

• Translation: ANDlove conquers everything.

This is said when adversities are experienced in love, however love is expected to be able to overcome any obstacle.

4. Beatus ille

• Translation: Happy that time.

It is used to reminisce about the past, showing nostalgia for past times.

5. Carpe Diem

• Translation: TOseize the moment.

It is used to emphasize the need to live life on the edge.

6. Esse est deus

• Translation: SAre you God.

7. Gaudeamus igitur iuvenes dum sumus

• Translation:So let's enjoy while we are still young.

The phrase says it all, to enjoy and not doubt for a second how beautiful life is

8. Habemus papam

• Translation: Twe have dad.

When a new Pope from Rome is elected and has already been elected by the Vatican curia (black smoke and white smoke).

9. Hic et nunc

• Translation: Here and now.

It indicates the present moment, the moment that we have in front of us.

10. In albis

• Translation: In white.

When an actor goes blank in the middle of the stage, for example.

11. In extremis

• Translation: In the last moments.

When you do something at the last second, such as turning in a college assignment.

12. In situ

Translation: In the place.

It is usually used in the following way: "The thief was discovered in situ; at the scene of the robbery. "

13. Ipso facto

Translation: For the same fact; automatically.

To the second, without delay.

14. Hate and love

• Translation: ORgave and love.

The love-hate relationship, so common in many romantic couples.

15. Plus ultra

• Translation: Beyond.

Phrase used by a right-wing sector in Spain.

16. Quid pro quo

• Translation: One thing for the other.

It is used to designate a consensual exchange of favors between two people.

17. Semper fidelis

• Translation: Always faithful.

Be faithful. A very important phrase to refer to honor and loyalty between individuals.

18. Tempus fugit

Translation: Time is slipping away.

We get old and have no way of capturing time.

19. Come, vidi, vici

• Translation: I came I saw I conquered.

Said by the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. It is used to express joy when we achieve a feat without too much effort and with solvency.

20. Ad infinitum

• Translation: To infinity.

A phrase that is used to designate that something tends towards infinity, that it has no known end.

21. Of parvis grandis acervus erit

• Translation: Big things are nourished from small things.

An expression to show that constant effort pays off.

22. Nune aut nunquam

• Translation: Now or never.

This phrase is used when we want to say that now is the time.

23. Res non verba

• Translation: Facts, not words.

When we want to warn that actions are more important than words.

24. Sine die

• Translation: Indefinitely. No agreed date.

It is used to indicate that something (a project, an event) does not have a definite date, or that it can go on indefinitely in time.

25. Mens healthy in healthy body

• Translation: A healthy mind in a healthy body.

A knowledge that comes to us from the ancient Romans: if we are in full physical health, we will be in full mental health.

26. Gloria in excelsis Deo

• Translation: Glory to God in the highest.

A phrase to praise God.

27. De gustibus et colon bus non est disputandum

• Translation: There is no dispute about tastes and colors.

In our days, this Latin expression has mutated into the following expression: “there is nothing written about tastes”.

28. Errare humanum est

• Translation: To err is human.

29. Casus belli

• Translation: Cause of war.

It is used to indicate the event that gives rise to a war.

30. Ars longa, vita brevis

• Translation:Art is long, life is short.

A phrase that he uttered Hippocrates (460-357 a. C), considered the father of medicine.

31. Delirium tremens

• Translation: Delirium and trembling.

The delirium tremens it is a mental illness suffered by some people addicted to alcohol.

32. Ad hoc

• Translation: For a specific purpose; expressly.

33. Ad hominem

• Translation: Against man.

Argumentative fallacy It points to the person, not his opinion on an issue that is being debated.

We hope you liked this list of Latin expressions and phrasesAlthough it is large, it is not complete, if you Google it you can find other proverbs that are not so famous but also very interesting.

34. Hic Rhodus, hic jump

• Translation: Here is Rhodes, jump here!

It is used to impel someone to demonstrate something that in theory is easily verifiable.

35. Abusus non tollit usum

• Translation: Abuse does not nullify use.

It serves to express that although something has been misused, that does not mean that it cannot be useful or good in another sense or when it is used appropriately.

36. Ut desint vires, tamen est laudanda voluntas

• Translation: Although power is absent, his will is worthy of praise.

A phrase in which the power and willpower behind a project are contrasted.

37. Forest fortuna adiuvat

• Translation: Fortune smiles on the brave.

Creating situations of opportunity requires courage but brings luck.

38. Faber est suae quisque fortunae

• Translation: Every man is the craftsman of his future.

A proverb that talks about the idea of ​​the future built by oneself.

39. Malum quidem nullum esse sine aliquo bono

• Translation: There is no evil without a good thing.

This proverb in Latin is reminiscent of the old idea of Yin and yang.

40. Si vis amari, love

• Translation: If you want to love, love.

It could be interpreted as a small sample of humanist philosophy.

41. Sweet bellum inexpertis

Translation: War is sweet for those who have not lived it.

The perception of these situations of violence changes radically when experienced first-hand.

42. Etiam capillus unus habet umbram

• Translation: Even a single hair has its shadow.

The smallest aspects of life have their negative side.

43. Ubi concordia, ibi victoria

• Translation: Where there is unity there is victory.

A defense of teamwork.

44. Dum viviumus, vivamus

• Translation: When we live, let us live.

This proverb in Latin has a marked vitalistic character.

45. Extinctus ambitur idem

Translation: The man who is hated will be loved after his death.

An apparent paradox about how we perceive people.

46. Dum excusare credis, accuses

• Translation: When you think you are excusing yourself, you are accusing yourself.

A clever proverb about guilt.

47. Fluctuat nec mergitur

• Translation: It is tossed by the waves but it does not sink.

A proverb about resilience.

48. Forsan miseros meliora sequentur

• Translation: For those in misery, perhaps better things will happen.

A phrase in which hope is spoken.

49. Manus manum lavat

• Translation: One hand washes the other hand.

A phrase that talks about the agreements reached in the shadows.

50. Vires acquirit eundo

• Translation: Gain strength as you go.

Filming increases the power you have over the environment.

51. Amicitiae nostrae memoriam spero sempiternam fore

• Translation: I hope the memories of our friendship last forever.

A phrase about emotional ties.

52. Amare et sapere vix deo conceitur

• Translation: Even the gods have a hard time loving and knowing at the same time.

A reflection on the irrational nature of love.

53. Ad praesens ova cras pullis sunt meliora

• Translation: Today's eggs are better than tomorrow's chickens.

It is necessary to attend to the most urgent needs first.

54. Vitam regit fortuna, non sapientia

• Translation: Fortune, not wisdom, rules lives.

One of the Latin proverbs that emphasize the importance of luck.

55. Vitanda is improba siren laziness

• Translation: You have to avoid that temptation, laziness.

This phrase invites you to live in a proactive way.