Latin language of expression. Tattoos in Latin
Cm … Synonym dictionary
At least there's a stake on your head- to whom. Simple Express No matter what you say, no matter how hard you try to do or undertake anything, it’s all useless. About someone’s stubbornness, misunderstanding, laziness, etc. How much I kept repeating not to do anything without my permission! Well, what is it? At least a stake on... ... Phrasebook Russian literary language
at least a stake on your head- simple. , unapproved about a stubborn, unpersuasible or indifferent person. To cut a stake means to sharpen a stick (stake) with an axe. The hardness and strength of the head of a stubborn person is emphasized... Phraseology Guide
To whom. Disapproved 1. Simple. About a stubborn person who cannot be persuaded. FSRY, 201; BTS, 1320; BMS 1998, 277; DP, 209 210; 350; AOC 9, 236; Jig. 1969, 152; SRGK 3, 410; POS, 7, 51. 2. Volg., Psk. About a poorly thinking, dull person. Glukhov... ...
at least a stake on your head- to whom About a very stubborn or slow-witted person... Dictionary of many expressions
See. At least he’s on his bald spot to amuse himself...
Baba can at least have a stake on his head. See BABA WOMAN... IN AND. Dahl. Proverbs of the Russian people
- (so stubborn) A stubborn person has at least a stake on his head, he carries everything of his own (amuses) Wed. Sleeping? Even if there’s a stake on it, he won’t hear it. Grigorovich. Anton Goremyka. 5. Wed. This is called a tyrant, if a person doesn’t listen to anyone, you at least amuse him with a stake on his head... ... Michelson's Large Explanatory and Phraseological Dictionary
Arch., Mord. The same as a stake on your mother’s head (KOL). AOC 9, 236; SRGM 1986, 51 ... Large dictionary of Russian sayings
Kar. The same as a stake on your mother’s head (KOL). SRGK 1, 454 ... Large dictionary of Russian sayings
Books
- Everyday life at the front without embellishment. Series “Immortal Regiment”, Alexander Shcherbakov-Izhevsky. On the approaches to Leningrad, the Novgorod swamps are disastrous places in themselves, where God forgot to separate heaven and earth. Although the stake on the head amuses these alcoholics in the rear, they have always had...
Latin is a language in which you can talk about anything, and always sound especially smart and sublime. If you've ever studied it, it probably wasn't the brightest or most fun time in your life, but it was useful anyway.
But if you haven’t had the chance to study such a subject, then catch the 25 most famous Latin sayings. Remember at least a few of them, and then, having successfully inserted one or two phrases into a conversation, you will be known as a very intelligent and well-read person. And don’t forget to close your eyes languidly when quoting great philosophers.
25. "Ex nihilo nihil fit."
Nothing comes from nothing.
24. “Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur.”
The world wants to be deceived, so let it be deceived.
Photo: pixabay
23. "Memento mori".
Remember that you are mortal.
Photo: pixabay
22. “Etiam si omnes, ego non.”
Even if that’s all, then I’m not.
Photo: shutterstock
21. “Audiatur et altera pars.”
Let the other side be heard too.
Photo: B Rosen / flickr
20. “Si tacuisses, philosophus mansisses.”
If you were silent, you would remain a philosopher.
Photo: Maik Meid/wikimedia commons
19. "Invictus maneo".
I remain undefeated.
Photo: naveenmendi / wikimedia commons
18. “Fortes fortuna adiuvat.”
Fate helps the brave.
Photo: pixabay
17. “Dolor hic tibi proderit olim.”
Bear with it and be strong, this pain will benefit you someday.
Photo: Steven Depolo / flickr
16. "Cogito Ergo Sum".
I think, therefore I exist.
Photo: pixabay
15. “Oderint dum metuant.”
Let them hate, as long as they are afraid.
Photo: K-Screen shots / flickr
14. “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?”
Who will guard the watchmen themselves?
Photo: John Kees/flickr
13. “Sic transit gloria.”
This is how worldly glory passes.
Photo: pixabay
12. "Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus."
Never tickle a sleeping dragon.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
11. "Utinam barbari spacium proprium tuum invadant."
Let the barbarians invade your personal space.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
10. “In vino veritas.”
The truth is in the wine.
Photo: Quinn Dombrowski / flickr
9. “Si vis pacem, para bellum.”
If you want peace, prepare for war.
Photo: Σταύρος / flickr
8. "Pacta sunt servanda."
Treaties must be respected.
Photo: pixabay
7. “Non ducor, duco.”
I am not a follower, I lead.
Photo: nist6dh / flickr
6. “Quando omni flunkus moritati.”
If everyone has fallen, pretend to be dead too.
Photo: Pete Markham / flickr
5. “Quid quid latine dictum sit, altum viditur.”
He who speaks Latin sees the highest peaks.
Photo: Tfioreze / wikimedia commons
4. "Dum Spiro, Spero."
While I breathe I hope.
Photo: pixabay
3. “Tua mater latior quam Rubicon est.”
Your mother is wider than the Rubicon (Italian river).
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
2. “Carpe diem.”
Seize the moment.
Photo: pixabay
1. “Aut viam inveniam, aut faciam.”
Either I will find the road, or I will make it myself.
Photo: www.publicdomainpictures.net
Do you want a Latin tattoo? For your attention - Aphorisms with translation and commentary.
Tattoo in Latin
A contrario
On the contrary
In logic, a method of proof that involves proving the impossibility of a proposition that contradicts what is being proven.
Ab ovo usque ad mala
“From eggs to apples”, i.e. from beginning to end
Lunch among the ancient Romans usually began with an egg and ended with fruit.
Abyssus abyssum invocat
The abyss calls to the abyss
Like leads to like, or one disaster leads to another disaster.
Ad notice
“For a note”, for your information
Aditum nocendi perfido praestat fides ("In Latin")
Trust placed in a treacherous person gives him the opportunity to do harm
Seneca, “Oedipus”
Advocatus diaboli ("In Latin")
Devil's Advocate
In an extended sense, the devil's advocate is the defender of a hopeless cause in which the person defending it does not believe.
Alea jacta est (“About Latin”)
"The die is cast", there is no turning back, all bridges are burned
In 44 BC. e. Julius Caesar decided to seize sole power and crossed the Rubicon River with his troops, thereby breaking the law and starting a war with the Roman Senate.
Aliis inserviendo consumor
I waste myself in serving others
The inscription under the candle as a symbol of self-sacrifice, cited in numerous editions of collections of symbols and emblems.
Amicus Socrates, sed magis amica veritas
Socrates is my friend, but truth is dearer
The expression goes back to Plato and Aristotle.
Amor non est medicabilis herbis
Love cannot be treated with herbs, i.e. there is no cure for love
Ovid, “Heroids”
Anni currentis
Current year
Anno Domini
From the birth of Christ, into the year of the Lord
Form of date designation in Christian chronology.
Ante annum
Last year
Aquila non captat muscas
An eagle does not catch flies, Latin proverb
Asinus Buridani inter duo prata
Buridanov's donkey
A person hesitating between two equal possibilities. It is believed that the philosopher Buridan, proving the inconsistency of determinism, gave the following example: a hungry donkey, on both sides of which lie two identical and equidistant armfuls of hay, will not be able to prefer either of them and will ultimately die of hunger. This image is not found in the writings of Buridan.
Aurea mediocritas
Golden mean
The formula of practical morality, one of the main provisions of Horace’s everyday philosophy, which found expression in his lyrics; also used to describe mediocre people. Horace
Auribus tento lupum
I hold the wolf by the ears
I'm in a hopeless situation. , Latin proverb
Out Caesar, out nihil
Either Caesar or nothing
Wed. Russian It's either hit or miss. The source of the motto was the words of the Roman Emperor Caligula, who explained his immoderate extravagance by the fact that “you must live either by denying yourself everything, or like a Caesar.”
Ave Caesar, imperator, morituri te salutant
Hello Caesar, Emperor, those going to death salute you
Greeting from Roman gladiators addressed to the emperor.
Beati pauperes spiritu, quoniam ipsorum est regnum caelorum
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, Matthew 5:3
Benefacta male locata malefacta arbitror
I consider blessings done to an unworthy person to be evil deeds.
Cicero
Cadmea victoria
"Cadmus' victory", a victory won at an excessively high cost and tantamount to defeat, or a victory disastrous for both sides
The expression arose on the basis of a legend about a duel in the fight for Thebes, founded by Cadmus, the sons of Oedipus - Eteocles and Polyneices. This duel ended with the death of both warring brothers.
Caesarem decet stantem mori
It is fitting for Caesar to die standing, Suetonius' report on last words Emperor Vespasian
Calamitas virtutis occasio
Adversity is the Touchstone of Valor
Seneca
Cantus cycneus
a swan song
“He says that just as the swans, having sensed the gift of prophecy from Apollo, to whom they are dedicated, foresee what a gift death will be for them, and die singing and with joy, so should all the good and wise do the same.”
Cicero, Tusculan Conversations, I, 30, 73
Castigat ridento mores
“Laughter castigates morals”
Motto of the Comedy Theater (Opera Comique) in Paris. Originally, the motto of the Italian troupe of comic actor Dominic (Dominico Brancolelli) in Paris, composed for it by the New Latin poet Santel (XVII century).
Ceterum censeo Carthaginem delendam esse
And besides, I maintain that Carthage must be destroyed
A persistent reminder, a tireless call for something. The Roman senator Marcus Porcius Cato, no matter what he had to express his opinion on in the Senate, added: “And besides, I believe that Carthage should not exist.”
Charta (epistula) non erubescit
Paper (letter) does not turn red
Citius, altius, fortius!
Faster, higher, stronger!
The motto of the Olympic Games, adopted in 1913 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Clipeum post vulnera sumere
Take up a shield after being wounded
Wed. Russian After a fight they don’t wave their fists.
Cloaca maxima
Great cesspool, great cesspool
In ancient Rome there was a large canal for draining city waste.
Cogitations poenam nemo patitur
No one is punished for thoughts, One of the provisions of Roman law (Digests)
Cogito, ergo sum
I think therefore I am
The position on the basis of which the French philosopher and mathematician Descartes tried to build a system of philosophy free from elements of faith and based entirely on the activity of reason.
René Descartes, Elements of Philosophy, I, 7, 9
Concordia parvae res crescunt, discordia maximae dilabuntur
With agreement (and) small states (or affairs) grow, with discord (and) great ones are destroyed
Sallust, "Jugurthine War"
Conscientia mille testes
Conscience is a thousand witnesses, Latin proverb
Consuetudo est altera natura
Habit is second nature
Habit creates, as it were, a kind of second nature.
Cicero, “On the Supreme Good and the Supreme Evil,” V, 25, 74 (in a statement of the views of the philosophers of the Epicurean school)
Cornu copiae
Cornucopia
The origin of the expression is associated with the Greek myth of the goddess Amalthea, who nursed the baby Zeus with goat's milk. The goat broke off its horn on a tree, and Amalthea, filling it with fruits, offered it to Zeus. Subsequently, Zeus, having overthrown his father, Kronos, turned the goat that fed him into a constellation and its horn into a wonderful “horn of plenty.”
Ovid, "Fasti"
Corruptio optimi pessima
The fall of the good is the most evil fall
Credat Judaeus Apella
“Let the Jew Apella believe this,” that is, let anyone believe it, just not me
Horace, "Satires"
Credo, quia verum
I believe it because it's ridiculous
A formula that clearly reflects the fundamental opposition between religious faith and scientific knowledge of the world and is used to characterize blind, non-reasoning faith.
De gustibus non disputandum est
Tastes could not be discussed
Wed. Russian There is no comrade for the taste and color.
De mortuis aut bene, aut nihil
About the dead it's either good or nothing
A probable source is Chilo’s saying “do not speak ill of the dead.”
Decies repetita placebit
And if you repeat it ten times you will like it
Horace, “The Science of Poetry”
Decipimur specie recti
We are deceived by the appearance of what is right
Horace, “The Science of Poetry”
Deest remedii locus, ubi, quae vitia fuerunt, mores fiunt
There is no place for medicine where what was considered a vice becomes a custom
Seneca, “Letters”
Delirium tremens
"Trembling delirium", delirium tremens
An acute mental illness resulting from prolonged alcohol abuse.
Desire in loco
Go crazy where it's appropriate
Horace, “Odes”
Deus ex machina
God ex machina
A technique of ancient tragedy, when a tangled intrigue received an unexpected outcome through the intervention of a god who appeared through a mechanical device.
In modern literature, the expression is used to indicate an unexpected resolution of a difficult situation.
Dies diem docet
Day teaches day
A brief formulation of the thought expressed in the verse of Publication Sir: “The next day is the student of the previous day.”
Dies irae, dies illa
That day, the day of wrath
The beginning of a medieval church hymn is the second part of a funeral mass, a requiem. The hymn is based on the biblical prophecy of the day of judgment, "The Prophecy of Zephaniah", 1, 15.
Diluvii testes
Witnesses of the flood (i.e., ancient times)
About people with outdated, archaic views.
Divide et impera
Divide and rule
The Latin formulation of the principle of imperialist policy, which arose in modern times.
Dolus an virtus quis in hoste requirat?
Who will decide between cunning and valor when dealing with the enemy?
Virgil, Aeneid, II, 390
Ducunt volentem fata, nolentem trahunt
Fate leads those who want to go, but drags those who don’t want to go
The saying of Cleanthes, translated into Latin by Seneca.
Dura lex, sed lex
The law is harsh, but it's the law
No matter how harsh the law is, it must be respected.
Ecce spectaculum dignum, ad quod respiciat intentus operai suo deus
Here is a sight worthy of God looking back at his creation
Seneca, “On Providence”
Edite, bibite, post mortem nulla voluptas!
Eat, drink, there is no pleasure after death!
From an old student song. A common motif of ancient inscriptions on tombstones and table utensils.
Ego sum rex Romanus et supra grammaticos
I am the Roman Emperor and I am above the grammarians
Words said, according to legend, at the Council of Constance by the Emperor Sigismund in response to an instruction given to him that by using the word schisma in the feminine gender, he violated Latin grammar.
Ergo bibamus
So let's have a drink
Title and greeting of Goethe's drinking song.
Esse oportet ut vivas, non vivere ut edas
You have to eat to live, not live to eat
A medieval maxim paraphrasing the ancient sayings of Quintilian: “I eat to live, but I do not live to eat” and Socrates: “Some people live to eat, but I eat to live.”
Et tu quoque, Brute!
And you Brute!
Words allegedly spoken by Caesar before his death, stabbed to death by twenty-three swords of the conspirators.
Etiam innocentes cogit mentiri dolor
Pain makes even the innocent lie
Publilius, “Sentences”
Ex ipso fonte bibere
Drink from the source itself, i.e. go to the original source
Cicero, "On Duties"
Ex malis eligere minima
Choose the least of two evils
Ex nihilo nihil fit
Nothing comes from nothing; nothing comes of nothing
Paraphrase of the main position of Epicurean philosophy in Lucretius
Fac-simile(from fac+simile “do like this”)
Exact copy
Peren. display of one phenomenon in another.
Facilis descensus Averni
The path through Avernus is easy, that is, the path to the underworld
Lake Avernus near the city of Cuma in Campania was considered the threshold of the underworld.
Feci quod potui, faciant meliora potentes
I did everything I could, whoever can do it better
A paraphrase of the formula with which the Roman consuls concluded their reporting speech, transferring powers to their successor.
Fiat lux
Let there be light
And God said: Let there be light. And there was light. , Bible, Genesis, I, 3
Hoc est vivere bis, vita posse priore frui
To be able to enjoy the life you have lived means to live twice
Martial, "Epigrams"
Homo homini lupus est
Man is a wolf to man
Plautus, "Donkeys"
Homo proponit, sed deus disponit
Man proposes, but God disposes
Goes back to Thomas a à Kempis, whose source was the Bible, Proverbs of Solomon “A man’s heart determines his way, but it is up to the Lord to direct his steps.”
Igni et ferro
Fire and iron
The original source of the expression goes back to the first aphorism of Hippocrates: “What medicine cannot cure, iron cures; what iron cannot cure, fire cures.” Cicero and Livy used the expression “to destroy with fire and sword.” Bismarck proclaimed the policy of unifying Germany with iron and blood. The expression became widely known after the publication of the novel “With Fire and Sword” by Henryk Sienkiewicz.
Ignoscito saepe alteri, nunquam tibi
Forgive others often, never forgive yourself.
Publilius, Sentences
Imperitia pro culpa habetur
Ignorance is imputable, Roman Law Formula
In pace leones, in proelio cervi
In time of peace - lions, in battle - deer
Tertullian, “On the Crown”
In sensu strictiori
In more in the narrow sense
In silvam non ligna feras insanius
Less madness would be to carry firewood into the forest
Horace, "Satires"
In vino veritas
The truth is in the wine
Wed. Pliny the Elder: “It is generally accepted to attribute truthfulness to wine.”
In vitium ducit culpae fuga
The desire to avoid a mistake draws you into another
Horace, "The Science of Poetry"
Infelicissimum genus infortunii est fuisse felicem
The greatest misfortune is to be happy in the past
Boethius
intelligent pauca
For those who understand, a little is enough
Ira furor brevis est
Anger is a momentary insanity
Horace, "Epistle"
Is fecit cui prodest
Made by someone who benefits
Jus primae noctis
First night right
A custom according to which a feudal lord or landowner could spend the first wedding night with the bride of his beloved vassal or serf.
Leave fit, quote bene fertus onus
The load becomes light when you carry it with humility
Ovid, “Love Elegies”
Lucri bonus est odor ex re qualibet
The smell of profit is pleasant, no matter where it comes from
Juvenal, "Satires"
Manus manum lavat
Hand washes hand
A proverbial expression dating back to the Greek comedian Epicharmus.
Margaritas ante porcos
Cast pearls before swine
“Do not give holy things to dogs; and do not throw pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces.” , Gospel of Matthew, 7, 6
Memento mori
memento Mori
A form of greeting exchanged upon meeting between monks of the Trappist order, founded in 1664. It is used both as a reminder of the inevitability of death, and in figuratively- about imminent danger.
Nigra in candida vertere
Turn black into white
Juvenal, "Satires"
Nihil est ab omni parte beatum
“There is nothing prosperous in all respects,” i.e. there is no complete well-being
Horace, "Odes"
Nihil habeo, nihil curo
I have nothing - I don’t care about anything
Nitinur in vetitum semper, cupimusque negata
We always strive for the forbidden and desire the forbidden
Ovid, "Love Elegies"
Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum
“Not every person manages to get to Corinth,” dear, not accessible to everyone. Corinthian hetaera* Laida, famous for her beauty, was accessible only to the rich who came to her from all over Greece, which is why a common saying among the Greeks arose: “not everyone can sail to Corinth is being communicated." One day Demosthenes secretly came to Laida, but when she asked him to give ten thousand drachmas**, he turned away with the words: “I do not pay ten thousand drachmas for repentance.”
* - in Dr. Greece educated unmarried woman leading a free, independent lifestyle.
** - approximately the price of four kilograms of gold.
Nunc est bibendum
Now I need to drink
Horace, "Odes"
O imitatores, servum pecus!
O imitators, slave herd!
Horace, "Epistle"
O sancta simplicitas!
Oh holy simplicity
A phrase attributed to the Czech reformer, hero of the national liberation movement Jan Hus. According to legend, Hus, being burned at the stake, uttered these words when some old woman, out of pious motives, threw an armful of brushwood into the fire.
O tempora! Oh more!
O times! O morals!
“Speech against Catiline”, “O times! O morals! The Senate understands this, the consul sees it, and he [Catiline] lives.”
Cicero
Oderint dum metuant
Let them hate, as long as they are afraid
Words of Atreus from the tragedy Actium named after him. According to Suetonius, this was the favorite saying of Emperor Caligula.
Omne ignotum pro magnifico est
Everything unknown seems majestic
Tacitus, “Agricola”
Omnia mea mecum porto
I carry everything that’s mine with me
When the city of Priene was taken by the enemy and the inhabitants in flight tried to grab more of their things, someone advised the sage Biant to do the same. “That’s what I do, because I carry everything I have with me,” he answered, referring to his spiritual wealth.
Optimum medicamentum quies est
The best medicine is peace
Medical aphorism, authored by the Roman physician Aulus Cornelius Celsus.
Panem et circenses
Meal'n'Real
An exclamation that expressed the basic demands of the Roman crowd in the era of the Empire.
Per aspera ad astra
"Through hardship to the stars"; through difficulties to high goal
Per risum multum debes cognoscere stultum
You should recognize a fool by his frequent laughter, Medieval proverb
Periculum in mora
“The danger is in delay”, i.e. delay is dangerous
Titus Livius, “History”, “When there was already more danger in delay than in violating military order, everyone fled in disorder.”
Persona grata
Desirable or trusted person
Post scriptum (postscriptum) (abbreviated P.S.)
After what was written
Postscript at the end of the letter.
Primus inter pares
First among equals
A formula characterizing the position of the monarch in a feudal state.
Pro et contra
Pros and cons
Quae sunt Caesaris Caesari
Caesar's to Caesar
“Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's”—Jesus's answer to the Pharisees who asked whether Caesar (i.e., the Roman emperor) should be paid the wages he demanded. , Gospel of Luke, 20, 25
Qui habet aures audiendi, audiat
He who has ears to hear, let him hear, Matthew 11, 15
Qui tacet – consentire videtur
He who remains silent is considered to have agreed
Wed. Russian Silent means consent.
Quid brevi fortes jaculamur aevo multa?
Why should we strive for so much in a fast-paced life?
Horace, "Odes"
Quot capita, tot sensus
So many heads, so many minds
Wed. Terence, “Formion”: So many people, so many opinions.
Rideamus!
Let's laugh!
Risus sardonicus
Sardonic laughter
According to the explanation of the ancients, laughter resembles a convulsive grimace caused by poisoning with a poisonous herb growing on the island of Sardinia.
Salus reipublicae – suprema lex
The good of the state is the highest law
Paraphrase from “Let the good of the people be the supreme law.”
Salve, maris stella
Hello, Star of the Sea
A variant of the opening words of the Catholic church hymn “Ave, maris stella” (9th century) - Mary was considered a guide to sailors due to the erroneous convergence of her name (ancient Hebrew Mirjam) with the Latin word mare “sea”.
Scio me nihil scire
I know that I know nothing
Latin translation freely interpreted the words of Socrates.
Wed. Russian Learn forever, you'll die a fool.
Si vis pacem, para bellum
If you want peace, prepare for war
Source – Vegetius. Also Wed. Cicero: “If we want to enjoy the world, we have to fight” and Cornelius Nepos: “Peace is created by war.”
Solitudinem faciunt, pacem appelant
They create a desert and call it peace
From the speech of the British leader Kalgak, calling on his fellow tribesmen to decisively oppose the Romans who invaded their country.
Tacitus, Agricola
Summa summarum
“Sum of sums”, i.e. the final total or overall total
In ancient times, the phrase was used to mean “a set of things” or “the universe.”
Suum cuique
To each his own, that is, to each what belongs to him by right, to each according to his deserts, Provision of Roman law
Tarde venientibus ossa
He who comes late gets bones, Latin proverb
Tempus edax rerum
All-consuming time
Ovid, “Metamorphoses”
Terra incognita
Unknown land; trans. something completely unknown or inaccessible area
On ancient geographical maps, unexplored parts of the earth's surface were designated this way.
Tertium non datur
There is no third; there is no third
In formal logic, this is how one of the four laws of thinking is formulated - the law of the excluded middle. According to this law, if two diametrically opposed positions are given, one of which affirms something, and the other, on the contrary, denies it, then there cannot be a third, middle judgment between them.
Tibi et igni
“For you and fire”, i.e. read and burn
Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes
Fear the Danaans, even those who bring gifts
Words of the priest Laocoon, referring to a huge wooden horse, built by the Greeks (Danaans) supposedly as a gift to Minerva.
Tranquillas etiam naufragus horret aquas
The shipwrecked man fears still waters
Wed. Russian Burnt child dreads the fire.
Ovid, "Epistle from Pontus"
Urbi et orbi
"To the city and the world"; to the whole world, to everyone
Usus tyrannus
Custom is a tyrant
Varietas delectat
Variety is fun
Phaedrus, "Fables"
Veni, vidi vici
I came, I saw, I conquered
According to Plutarch, with this phrase Julius Caesar reported in a letter to his friend Amyntius about his victory in the battle of Zela in August 47 BC. e. over the Pontic king Pharnaces.
Victoria nulla est, Quam quae confessos animo quoque subjugat hostes
True victory is only when the enemies themselves admit defeat.
Claudian, "On the sixth consulate of Honorius"
Viva vox alit plenius
“Living speech nourishes more abundantly,” that is, what is presented orally is more successfully absorbed than what is written
You'll probably be surprised when you notice how much Latin words you already know. Hundreds of words, for example 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 about the fact that they are borrowed: bona fide(in good faith - conscientious) alter ego(other self - another me), persona non grata(unwelcome person - 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 - then for this). Many languages have adopted other, less banal phrases from Latin. Remember them and use them whenever possible.
1. AURIBUS TENEO LUPUM
Literal translation: “I hold the wolf by the ears.” The proverb is taken from the work “Phormion” by the Roman playwright Terence. It means “to be in a hopeless situation,” “between two fires.” The English equivalent is “Holding a 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 intelligence. Eg, " Barba crescit, caput nescit"(the beard has grown, but there is no intelligence).
3. BRUTUM FULMEN
Apparently, this aphorism was invented by Pliny the Elder. Expression " Brutum fulmen" literally translated means “meaningless lightning,” that is, empty threats.
4. CAESAR NON SUPRA GRAMMATICOS
The phrase was born when one of the Roman emperors made a linguistic error in his public speech. When this oversight was pointed out to him, the emperor angrily declared that since he was the emperor, from now on this mistake would be considered not an error, 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 became popular saying, which came to be used in defense of grammar.
5. CARPE NOCTEM
Is the “night” analogue of the expression “ Carpe diem" and translates to “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 time for rest.
6. CARTHAGO DELENDA EST
At the height of the Punic Wars (wars between Rome and Carthage, 264–146 BC), the Roman statesman Cato the Elder ended all his speeches in the Senate (regardless of their topic) 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 a persistent call to fight an enemy or obstacle.
7. CASTIGAT RIDENDO MORES
Literally translated it means “morals are castigated with laughter.” This motto was coined by a French poet who believed that in order to change the rules, it is necessary to show how absurd they are.
8. CORVUS OCULUM CORVI NON ERUIT
“A raven will not peck out a crow’s eye.” The aphorism means the presence 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 determine who is the culprit of a crime. In general, in English this phrase is used to question the benefit of an action.
Cui prodest scelus Is fecit. Seneca "Medea" Whoever benefits from crime, 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 noise and bustle. Latin saying " Et in Arcadia ego» literally translated as “and in Arcadia I.” In the picture French artist Nicolas Poussin's "The Arcadian Shepherds" depicts four shepherds examining an old tombstone on which this Latin saying is engraved. The “I” in this expression is seen as death, which reminds mortals that even in the quietest, happiest and most carefree place, people will inevitably end.
11.EX NIHILO NIHIL FIT
Presumably, this statement belongs to the Roman philosopher Lucretius and is translated into Russian as “from nothing nothing comes.” This phrase is used as a reminder that a person does any work 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 “lucky 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 against the Roman Empire. In Russian the expression “ Hannibal ad portas" literally translated as "Hannibal at the gates", that is, "enemy at the gates". Among the Romans, the image of Hannibal subsequently became something of a scarecrow, and parents often told their naughty children the phrase “ Hannibal ad portas" to slightly scare them into behaving properly.
14. HIC MANEBIMUS OPTIME
When in 390 BC. e. The Gauls invaded Rome, and the Senate met to discuss whether to abandon the city and flee for safety. According to the Roman historian Livy, a centurion named Marcus Furius Camillus, addressing the Senate, exclaimed: “ Hic manebimus optime!”(literally translated “we’ll 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 Terence. 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 practically become a motto and can be used, for example, to emphasize that the speaker, like everyone else, is not alien to human weaknesses and delusions. This phrase can also 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 - explain the unclear to the even more unclear). Phrase " Ignotum per ignotius"(the unknown by the more unknown - explain the unknown to even more unknown) refers to useless explanations that, instead of helping a person understand the meaning, confuse him even more.
17. IMPERIUM IN IMPERIO
Means « an empire within an empire » - “an empire within an empire”, “a state within a state”. In the 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
Translated into Russian as “bread and circuses.” It means a basic need (food) and one of the main desires of a person (entertainment). The Roman satirist Juvenal contrasted these aspirations with the heroic past:
This people has long forgotten all their worries, and Rome, which once gave out everything: legions, and power, and a bunch of lictors, is now restrained and restlessly dreams of only two things: Bread and circuses! Juvenal "Satires". Book four. Satire tenth. 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 can be boiled.” Some sources attribute this phrase to the Roman Emperor Augustus, but unfortunately there is no evidence that this is exactly 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 indicate a meaningless statement.
Based on
What interesting Latin expressions are you familiar with? Share them in the comments.
Winged Latin expressions
Latin proverbs - aphorisms in Latin; their authorship is usually attributed to famous ancient Roman citizens. Latin proverbs are pronounced in Latin; it is believed that a sufficiently educated person should understand them. Many Latin proverbs were actually translated from ancient Greek.
Abecendarium- Alphabet, dictionary.
Abiens, abi- Leaving go.
Abususnontollitusum- Abuse does not cancel use.
Ab initio- from the beginning, from the beginning
Ab origine– from the very beginning, from the beginning
Abovousqueadmala- From the beginning to the end.
Advocatus Dei- God's Advocate.
Advocatus diaboli- Devil's Advocate.
Adexemplum- according to the sample; for example
Adusum- For use, for consumption.
Adusumexternum- For external use.
Adusuminternum- For internal use.
Alea jacta est- The die is cast; An irrevocable decision has been made (Caesar).
Aliena vitia in oculis habemus, and tergo nostra sunt- Other people's vices are before our eyes, ours are behind our backs; You see a straw in someone else’s eye, but you don’t even notice a log in yours.
A linea- A new line.
Alibi- in the other place
Alma mater- Mother-nurse.
Altera pars- Other side.
Alter ego- My double, another me - said about a friend (Pythagoras).
Agnus Dei- Lamb of God.
Amat victoria curam. - Victory loves effort.
Amicus Plato, sed magis amica veritas. - Plato is dear to me, but the truth is even dearer.
Amicus cognoscitur amore, more, ore, re- A friend is known by love, character, word, deed.
Amor caecus- Love is blind
Amor vincit omnia- love conquers all
Anni currentis (A. With.). - This year.
Anni futuri (a. f.). - Next year.
A posteriori. - Based on experience, based on experience.
A priori. - In advance.
Arbor vitae- the tree of Life
Arslongavitabrevisest- the field of science is limitless, and life is short; art lasts, life is short (Hippocrates)
Audaces fortuna juvat– fate helps the brave (Virgil)
Aurea mediocritas. - Golden mean.
Audacia pro muro habetur. - Cheek brings success.
Aut Caesar, aut nihil. - All, or nothing, or Caesar, or nothing.
Avis rara. - Rare bird, rare.
Aquila non captat muscas. - The eagle doesn't catch flies.
Audi, vide, strong. - Listen, look, be silent.
Aqua et papis, vita canis...- Bread and water - a dog's life...
Ad futuram memoriam. - For the long memory.
Barbacrescit, caputnescit. - The beard has grown, but there is no intelligence.
Bis dat, qui cito dat– whoever gives quickly will give twice; He who gives quickly gives doubly (Publius Syrus)
Bellum frigidum. - Cold war.
Bis. - Twice.
Brevi manu– without delay, without formalities (lit.: short hand)
Caesar ad Rubiconem- Caesar before the Rubicon is about a man who has to make an important decision.
Caesarum citra Rubiconem- Caesar on the other side of the Rubicon is about a man who successfully accomplished a most important task.
Caecus non judicat de colore- Let a blind man not judge flowers.
Caput mundi- head of the world, center of the universe; we're talking about about Ancient Rome as the capital of a world empire.
Carissimo amico- to my dearest friend.
Care diem- Seize the day; take advantage of every day; do not put off until tomorrow what you must do today (Horace)
Casus- case.
Casus belli- a reason for war, for conflict.
Cave!- be careful!
Citius, altius, fortius!- faster, higher, stronger! (motto of the Olympic Games).
Cogito, ergo sum- I think, therefore I exist (Descartes)
Cognosce te ipsum - Know yourself.
Concordia victoriam gignit- agreement generates victory.
Consuetudo est altera natura - habit is second nature.
Credo– I believe; confession; symbol of faith; belief.
Chirurgus curat manu armata- the surgeon treats with his armed hand.
Curriculum vitae– biography, brief information about life, biography (literally: the run of life)
Cum tacent, clamant– Their silence is a loud cry (Cicero).
Dum spiro, spero- While I breathe I hope.
Exnihilo nihil- Nothing comes from nothing.
De die in diem- from day to day
De (ex) nihilo nihil- out of nothing - nothing; nothing comes from nothing (Lucretius)
De facto- In fact, in fact.
De jure- Legally, by right.
De lingua slulta incommoda multa- Empty words can lead to big troubles.
De mortuis aut bene aut nihil- Do not slander the dead.
Deus ex machina– unexpected intervention (add.; god ex machina) (Socrates)
Dictum - factum- No sooner said than done.
Dies diem docet- Every day teaches.
Divide et impera- Divide and rule.
Dixi- He said it, everything has been said, there is nothing to add.
Do manus- I give you my hands, I guarantee.
Dum docent, discunt- By teaching, they learn.
Dum spiro, spero. - While I breathe I hope.
Duralex, sedlex- The law is strong, but it's law; law is law.
Elephantum ex musca facis- making a mountain out of a molehill
Epistula non erubescit– paper does not blush, paper endures everything (Cicero)
Errare humanum est- humans tend to make mistakes
Est modus in rebus- everything has a limit; everything has its measure (Horace)
Ettu, Brutě! – And you Brute! (Caesar)
Exegi monumentum- I erected a monument to myself (Horace)
Exempli gratia (e.g.)- For example
Extra muros– publicly
Fabulafactaest-It is done.
Fama clamosa- Loud glory.
Fata volume!- Word is flying.
Festina lente!- Hurry up slowly!
Fiat lux!- Let there be light!
Folio verso (f.v.)- On the next page
Gutta cavat lapidem- a drop wears away a stone (Ovid)
Haurit aquam cribro, qui discere vult sine libro- Anyone who wants to study without a book draws water with a sieve.
Haud semper errat fama. - Rumor is not always wrong.
Historia magistra vitae- history is the teacher of life
Nose est (h.e.)- that is, it means
Hoc erat in fatis- It was destined to be so.
Homo homini lupus est- man is a wolf to man
Homo ornat locum, non locus hominem- It’s not the place that makes a person, but the person that makes the place
Homo sapiens- a reasonable person
Homo sum et nihil humani a me alienum puto-I am a man, and nothing human is alien to me
In vino veritas- The truth is in wine.
Ibi victoria, ubi concordia- where there is victory, where there is agreement
Ignorantia non est argumentum- ignorance is not an argument.
Ignis, mare, milier – triamala- Fire, sea, woman - these are 3 misfortunes.
Incognito - secretly, hiding your real name
Index- index, list
Index library - list of books
In folio - in a whole sheet(meaning the largest book format)
Inter caecos, lustus rex - Among the blind is the one-eyed king.
Inter arma tacent musae- The muses are silent among the weapons.
Invia est in medicina via sine lingua latina- the path in medicine is impassable without the Latin language
In vitro- in a vessel, in a test tube
In vivo- on a living organism
Ipse dixit- “he said it himself” (about immutable authority)
Juris consultus- legal consultant.
Jus civile- Civil law.
Jus commune- Common law.
Jus criminale- Criminal law.
Labor corpus firmat- Work strengthens the body.
Lapsus- Error, mistake.
Littera scripta manet- What is written remains.
Lupus in fabula- Easy to find (additionally: like a wolf in a fable).
Lupusnonmordetlupum- A wolf does not bite a wolf.
Magistra vitae- Life mentor.
Magister dixit- The teacher said it.
Magistra vitae- Life mentor.
Mala herba cito crescit- Bad grass grows quickly.
Manu propri- With my own hand.
Manuscriptum– Handwritten, manuscript.
Manus manum lavat- The hand washes the hand.
Margaritas ante porcas- Throwing pearls before swine.
Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. - My fault, my greatest fault.
Media et remedia. - Ways and means.
Medice, cura te ipsum. - Doctor, heal yourself.
Memento mori. - Memento Mori.
Mensis currentis. - current month.
Mente et malleo. - With your mind and your hammer (the motto of geologists).
Meo voto. - In my opinion.
Minimum. - The least
modus agendi. - Course of action.
modus vivendi. - Lifestyle.
Multum vinum bibere, non diu vivere. - Drink a lot of wine, don't live long.
Mutato nomine. - Under a different name.
Natura sanat, medicus curat- nature heals, the doctor heals
Nemojudexincausasua- no one is the judge in his own case
Nemoomniapotestscire– No one can know everything.
Non scholae, sed vitae discimus. - We study not for school, but for life.
Noli me tangere- Don't touch me.
Nonrexestlex, sedlexestrex. - The ruler is not the law, but the law is the ruler.
Nomen nescio (N. N.)- a certain person
Nota bene (NB)- pay attention
Nullacalamitassola- Misfortune never comes alone.
Omniameamecumporto- I carry everything I have with me
Opus citātum- cited essay
O tempora, o mores!- oh times, oh morals!
Otium post negotium– Rest after work.
Paupertas non est vitium- Poverty is not a vice
Pecunianonolet- money has no smell (Emperor Vespasian)
Per aspera ad astra- Through hardship to the stars!
Perfasetnefas- by hook or by crook
Personagrata– diplomatic representative; desirable personality.
Perpetuum mobile- perpetual motion
Post factum- after the event
Proetcontra- pros and cons
Pro dosi- for one dose (single dose of medication)
Proformat- for form, for decency, for appearance
Promemory- for memory, in memory of something
Periculumestin mora!- The danger is in delay!
Quasi– quasi, supposedly, imaginary.
Qui aures habet, audiat“He who has ears, let him hear.”
Quid prodest- who benefits from this? Who is this useful for?
Qui pro quo- one instead of the other, a misunderstanding.
Qui scribit, bis legis- He who writes reads twice.
Quod licet Jovi, non licet bovi- what is allowed to Jupiter is not allowed to the bull.
Qui quaerit reperit- He who seeks will find.
Repetitio est mater studiorum- repetition is the mother of learning.
Sapientisat- enough for a reasonable person; the smart one will understand.
Scientia potentia est- knowledge is power
Sol lucet omnibus- the sun shines for everyone
Scio me nihil scire- I know that I know nothing.
Si vis pacem, para bellum- If you want peace, prepare for war.
Serva me, servabo te. - You give me, I give you.
Satis verborum!- Enough words!
Sic transit gloria mundi- this is how earthly glory passes
Si vales, bene est, ego valeo- If you’re healthy, good, I’m healthy.
Status quo- the existing order of things
Tabula rasa.- Clean slate.
Taedium vitae.- Disgust for life.
Tarde venientibus ossa. - Those who are late get bones.
Tempora mutantur et nos mutantur in illis- Times change and we change with them (Ovid).
Tempori parce- Take care of time.
Tempus nemini- Time waits for no one.
Terra incognita- Unknown land.
Tertium non datur- There is no third.
Timeo danaos et dona ferentes- I’m afraid of the Danaans, even those who bring gifts
Tres faciunt collegium- Three make up a board.
Tuto, cito, jucunde- Safe, fast, pleasant.
Ubi bene, ibi patria- “Where it is good, there is the homeland” - a saying attributed to the Roman tragedian Pacuvius.
Ubi mel, ibi fel- Where there is honey, there is bile, i.e. every cloud has a silver lining.
Veni, vidi, vici- I came, I saw, I conquered.
Vivere est cogitare- Living means thinking.
Vae victis- Woe to the vanquished.
Veto- I forbid
Volens nolens– Willy-nilly; whether you want it or not.
Vox populi, vox Dei- the voice of the people - the voice of God.
