Latin: quotes, aphorisms, catch phrases

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Latin language (lingua latina) in its classical form is already considered dead today. Despite this, the popularity of various phrases on it remains the same. Today, they can be found everywhere: in books, films, social networks, advertising, and even in the form of jewelry. Often used for tattoo quotes in Latin. They create serious competition for butterflies and elegant Chinese characters. What is the secret of such unfading popularity? Let's find out about it, and also look at the most famous and beautiful quotes in Latin on various topics.

HH lingua latina

From the time of the Roman Empire, Latin began to be considered the language of culture, and then religion, and remained so for almost a millennium. Before the beginning of the Reformation, all Christian books (except Orthodox literature), like the Bible itself, were written only on it. That is why all the catchphrases of ancient philosophers or medieval theologians were predominantly written down in Latin. In this form theyhave come to us. Therefore, this language is considered today the language of the sages. Although the Eastern peoples have the same opinion about Arabic.

In addition to culture and religion, lingua latina has also been the international language of science for many centuries and remains partly so to this day. Most of the medical and legal terms, names in chemistry and biology are written on it. And this tradition is still preserved, which is why, getting an education in one of these areas, it is imperative to study at least the basic principles of Latin and memorize hundreds of terms in it. By the way, philologists, linguists and musicians with higher specialized education also have to suffer.

That's why, although lingua latina is dead as the language of an individual people, it is alive as a language of wisdom. This contributes to the fact that quotes with meaning in Latin are still the most popular in the world, and their use is evidence of high intellectual development or the ability to use a translator in Google.

Themes of Latin aphorisms and quotes

For hundreds of years of its existence, lingua latina has accumulated a lot of interesting and sparkling catchphrases that relate to almost all areas of life. However, most of all people like to use expressions related to such topics:

• Faith.
• Love.
• War.
• Sports.
• Gaining knowledge.
• Reflections on life.
• The sayings of the great, which became winged
• Philosophizing about human nature and character.

Apart from the above topics of common quotes in Latin are symbols that are still used in everyday life. Consider Roman numerals. These, of course, are not phrases, and in terms of convenience they are inferior to Arabic, nevertheless, they are still written on watch dials and on the “crusts” of multi-volume books.

Phrases about ancient gods

Since Latin originated in pagan Rome, there are many popular expressions about faith that are by no means connected with Christianity. When the Romans wanted to talk about the moment of the creation of the world, that is, about the beginning of all beginnings, they used the expression ab Jove principium, which literally translated as "from Jupiter the creator." By the way, other Latin quotes were used in a similar meaning, for example, ab ovo - from an egg (meaning the belief in the appearance of the world from it).

In addition to the above-mentioned phrase about the supreme deity, several others dedicated to him have survived:

• Per Iovem - In the name of Jupiter.
• Quod licet Jovi, non licet bovi - What is allowed to Jupiter is not allowed to the bull.
• Caelo tonantem credidimus Jovem Regnare - Thunder from heaven convinces us of the existence of Jupiter.

Although in the Middle Ages no one believed in the muses, but the active use of their images in literature and fine arts contributed to the preservation of such an expression as amant alterna Camenae - alternating songs are pleasant to the muses. This phrase, by the way, belonged to the famous Roman poet and author of the "Aeneid" Virgil.

Another famousan expression like this: Aurora musis amica est, which translates as "Aurora is a friend of the muses" and hints that it is better to do in the morning.

As you can see, there are few such quotations in Latin. Perhaps, initially there were more of them, but gradually Christian priests began to adapt pagan phrases that were convenient for them in their own way. Thus, the expression vox populi vox Dei (the voice of the people is the voice of God) clearly smacks of the republican traditions of the Greeks and Romans. It was probably borrowed from them.

Bible quotes in Latin with translation

Christians who are at least a little interested in the foundations of their faith know that the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. And only then both parts of the Bible were translated into Latin. That is why the most famous quotes from this wise book are known in lingua latina.

Although tattoos have never been particularly welcomed by Christianity, in many cultures there has recently been a fashion for drawing quotes from the Bible as amulets from evil. More often, of course, it is customary to depict crosses and other symbols. But among believing intellectuals, tattoos with quotes in Latin are in use. There are usually no problems with translating them into Russian (so that others can understand the meaning of the inscription), even if the person is not very familiar with the language of the Romans. The fact is that the most famous expressions can be found on the Internet. True, you should not use online translators, since the lingua latina of the time of the disciples of Christ differs from its later versions, which we use today.

Here is a list of famous quotations in Latin from the Old and New Testaments:

• Fiat lux! The words of the Creator, spoken in the process of creating the world: "Let there be light"! This quote is especially popular with electricians.
• In principio erat verbum - "In the beginning was the Word". This is the first line from the Gospel of John.
• Quid est veritas? - "What is the truth"? Question asked by Pontius Pilate to the arrested Christ.
• Consummatum est! - "Happened"! Translation from Greek of the last words of Jesus Christ before his death. Of course, in reality this was not said in Latin or Greek, but in Hebrew. Although scientists are not yet sure about this either.
• Ad vitam aeternam - "Forever and ever". Often the phrase is used both in prayers and in spells from the time of the witch hunt. They say that this Latin expression even today scares away especially persistent gypsies who threaten to curse, if not "gild" the pen. Eyewitnesses say that the main thing is to choose the right intonation and facial expression.

There are also quite a few popular phrases related to Christianity, but not related to the Bible. Here are some of them:

• Memento quia pulvis es - "Remember that you are dust." A reference to the mortal human nature indicated in Genesis.
• Quo vadis? - Literally means "Where are you going?". It is also the title of a novel about the first Christians written by Henryk Sienkiewicz.
• Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus quisunt eius - "Kill everyone. The Lord will recognize his own." "Peaceful", and most importantly, very "Christian" appeal, reflecting the whole essence of the so-called wars for faith. By the way, at that time another Latin phrase sounded very often: deus vult ("God wants it").
• Sola Scriptura - "Only Scripture" (Bible). One of the slogans of the Reformation. Its essence was to reject the numerous laws and amendments to the Word of God and use only what is written in the Bible as a guide to life.

Latin quotes about love and friendship

Strange as it may seem, there were few beautiful expressions about feelings in this language. Perhaps because the books that have come down to us in lingua latina are predominantly scientific, historical, religious or philosophical literature, and sentiment is not held in high esteem in it. And yet, a few phrases about love and friendship can be found there.

• Levis est labor omnia amanti - "For a lover, any difficulties are easy."
• Amor non quaerit verba - "Love does not require words".
• Si vis amari, ama! - "If you want to be loved, love!".
• Amor caecus - "Love is blind".
• In angustiis amici apparent - "Friends are known in trouble". Although some today believe that this phrase is not entirely fair, since truly close people endure trials with both trouble and joy.
• Vitae sal - amicitia - "Friendship is the s alt of life".

Latin phrases about war

A lot of vivid expressions were devoted to the struggle, as well as wars. Below are the most famous quotes in Latin with translation:

• Aut vincere, aut mori - "Either win or die." Its analogue can be considered Aut cum scuto, aut in scuto - "Either with a shield or on a shield."
• Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori - "It is pleasant and honorable to die for the motherland." A well-known slogan that, along with the aforementioned Deus vult, has been heard more than once on the battlefield.
• In hostem omnia licita - "With regard to the enemy, everything is allowed." A cruel phrase, but it is one of the few that show the full horror of war and how it destroys the human psyche, annuls the presence of any moral values, and also allows you to create everything in relation to another only on the basis that he is an enemy.
• Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum - "If you want peace, prepare for war." By the way, part of this phrase became the name of the parabellum pistol. In fact, it meant "prepare to fight." Although what else to expect a man who took up arms.
• Fortes fortuna adiuvat - "Fortune helps the brave".

It is also worth mentioning the expression pax optima rerum est, which means "the world is the most valuable thing." Therefore, no matter how beautiful phrases glorify war, even the worst peace is better than it. Moreover, victoria cruenta, that is, any victory is bought at the price of blood.

Aphorisms related to sports

But not many expressions have come down to us about sports. But it is notprevented the phrase Citius, altius, fortius! ("Faster, higher, stronger!") become the famous Olympic slogan.

As for lesser-known aphorisms, two more are worth mentioning:

• Motus vita est - "Movement is life".
• Mens sana in corpore sano - "A he althy mind in a he althy body". Although in practice this is very rare.

Quotes about study, knowledge and work

If there are few phrases in Latin about sports, then about study and work - many times more. Moreover, many of them are written on the walls of educational institutions in all countries of the world.

• Aut disce, aut discede - "Either learn or leave."
• Vita sine libertate, nihil - "There is no meaning in life without science (study)."
• Dictum sapienti sat est - "The smart one will understand".
• Docendo discimus (discitur) - "By teaching others, we learn ourselves."
• Fas est et ab hoste doceri - "It is worth learning even from the enemy".
• Labor omnia vincit - "Hard work overcomes everything".
• And this quote in Latin about labor is familiar to all fans of the film "Formula of Love": Labor est etiam ipse voluptas - "Work is pleasure".

If all these phrases could not inspire the fight against the granite of science, or despite all the efforts it is not possible to master some subject, it is always worth remembering that nemo omnia potest scire ("no one can do everythingknow").

Aphorisms about life

Besides learning, the ancient sages loved to philosophize about the vicissitudes of life.

• Contra spem spero - "Despite hope, I continue to hope." This optimistic oxymoron was chosen by the famous poetess Lesya Ukrainka as the title of her poem. Its close analogue is also popular: dum spiro spero ("as long as I can breathe, I hope").
• Edimus ut vivamus, non vivimus ut edamus - "We eat to live, not live to eat." This is one of their Latin quotes about life that criticizes the hedonistic way of thinking.
• Fallaces suntrerum species - "Not everything is what it seems."
• Ducunt volentem fata, nolentem trahunt - "Those who strive to go, destiny leads, those who oppose are dragged."

Catch phrases about human nature

Also, quite a few aphorisms about the peculiarities of human nature have come down to us.

• Barba crescit caput nescit - "The growth of a beard does not add wisdom or intelligence." A great slogan for those who like to wear beards as a tribute to fashion. They will also be close to such expressions as barba non facit philosophum ("having acquired a beard, you will not turn into a sage").
• Faber est suae quisque fortunae - "Each of us is the creator of our own luck."
• Imago animi vultus est - "The face is a reflection (mirror) of the soul". Who would have thought that the original was not about the eyes at all!
• Humanum errare est - "It is human nature to make mistakes."

Phrasescelebrities who became famous

The authors of most Latin aphorisms are unknown. However, there are happy exceptions:

• Gaudeamus igitur, juvenes dum sumus! - "Let's indulge in fun while we are young." This is the first line from an old Latin hymn that has set the teeth on edge for all students, which is forced to memorize in almost every university.
• Carthago delenda est - "Carthage must be destroyed!". The expression belongs to the ardent opponent of Carthage - Mark Cato, who ended all his speeches in the Senate with it.
• Contra Gracchos Tiberim habemus - "In contrast to the Gracchi, we have the Tiber". This phrase is associated with the story of noble young reformers who strive to achieve better living conditions for the poor citizens of Rome. After the murder, their bodies, like other unwanted ones, were thrown into the Tiber. Hence the expression hinting that any dissident can and will be killed.
• Divide et impera - "Divide and conquer!". A slogan used by many politicians. Its author is unknown.
• Ego cogito ergo sum - "I think, therefore I am." René Descartes' famous logical expression. In contrast to him, the philosopher Men de Biran put forward another thesis: volo ergo sum - "I want, therefore I exist."

Speaking of celebrity phrases, it is worth mentioning Julius Caesar separately, who owns a number of aphorisms:

• Veni vidi vici - "I came, I saw, I conquered".
• Libenter homines id quod volunt credunt - "People tend to believe in whatwhat they want to believe."
• And the last words in his life: Et tu, Brute? - "And you, Brutus?"

Common Latin expressions used today

Most of the above phrases are not so common, however, there are expressions or words in Latin that are still actively used in all areas today:

• De facto and De jure - these terms, although considered legal, are often used in other areas. Literally, they mean "in fact" and "legally", less often they are translated as "in practice" and "in theory".
• Perpetuum mobile - "eternal engine".
• Persona grata/non grata - "desirable and unwanted person".
• Post factum - "after the perfect/completed".
• Speaking of hard rock, people often call it fate. This word comes from Latin (fatum).
• Primum non nocere, which means "do no harm". The main rule that, according to Hippocrates, every physician must adhere to.

In conclusion, it is worth quoting the phrase: ergo bibamus. Although it is little known to anyone, its counterpart very often sounds like this: "So, let's drink!". The phrase can be remembered and pronounced as an elegant toast, being known as an intellectual. At the same time, one should not forget that vinum is memoriae mors ("wine is the death of memory"), even if in vino veritas ("the truth is in wine").