Latin is a beautiful language with a rich history and culture. It is also the source of many proverbs, sayings and idioms that are still used today. In this blog post, we will explore 25 of the most popular Latin proverbs and their meanings. You may be surprised at some of the wisdom hidden in these old sayings!
Table of Contents
1. Abbati, medico, patrono que intima pande
Translation: “Conceal not the truth from thy physician and lawyer.”
Meaning: Be honest with your doctor and lawyer.
This proverb is a reminder to always be truthful with the people who can help you the most. It’s important to have an open and honest relationship with your doctor, so they can provide you with the best possible care, and it’s also important to be truthful with your lawyer if you’re involved in a legal dispute. Honesty is always the best policy!
2. Audi alteram partem
Translation: “Hear the other side.”
Meaning: Give someone a chance to explain their side of the story.
When you’re in the middle of a disagreement or argument, it can be easy to only hear your own point of view. However, it’s important to remember to listen to the other person’s perspective as well. This proverb is a reminder to be fair and open-minded, and to consider all sides of the story before making a judgement.
3. Caveat emptor
Translation: “Let the buyer beware.”
Meaning: Be careful when buying something – do your research first.
This proverb is a warning to buyers to be careful when making a purchase. It’s important to do your research before buying anything, because you don’t want to end up with a product or service that isn’t right for you. Caveat emptor is still relevant today, especially when it comes to online shopping. Be sure to read the reviews before making a purchase!
4. Mens sana in corpore sano
Translation: “A healthy mind in a healthy body.”
Meaning: A sound mind and body are essential for happiness and success.
This proverb is one of the most well-known Latin sayings, and it still holds true today. To be successful in life, it’s important to have both a sound mind and a healthy body. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining both your mental and physical health. So, keep this proverb in mind the next time you feel like skipping your workout or eating an unhealthy meal!
Suggest more Latin proverbs along with their literal translation and their meaning.
5. Carpe diem
Translation: “Seize the day.”
Meaning: Make the most of every moment.
This proverb is a reminder to live in the present and to enjoy life to the fullest. Don’t worry about the past or future – focus on the present moment and make the most of it. This is especially important advice for busy people who often feel like they don’t have enough time. So, next time you’re feeling stressed out, remember to carpe diem!
6. Cogito, ergo sum
Translation: “I think, therefore I am.”
Meaning: I exist because I think.
This famous Latin quotation is attributed to René Descartes, and it sums up his philosophical views on the nature of existence. Descartes believed that the only thing we can be sure of is our own thoughts – everything else, including our bodies, can be doubted. This proverb is a reminder that we exist because we think, and it’s important to always question and examine our beliefs.
7. Dum spiro, spero
Translation: “While I breathe, I hope.”
Meaning: I am hopeful for the future.
This proverb is a reminder that even in difficult times, we should never lose hope. No matter how bad things seem, we can always hope for a better future. So, next time you’re feeling down, remember to dum spiro, spero!
8. Errare humanum est
Translation: “To err is human.”
Meaning: We all make mistakes.
This proverb is a reminder that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. We all have flaws and we all make mistakes sometimes. This is perfectly normal and everyone goes through it. So, the next time you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up – just learn from it and move on.
9. Magister dixit
Translation: “The teacher said it.”
Meaning: This is an authoritative statement.
This proverb is often used to refer to statements made by experts or authority figures. It’s a reminder that these statements should be taken seriously, because the person making them has expertise in the subject matter. So, if your teacher tells you something about a topic, it’s best to believe them!
10. Mens sana in corpore sano
Translation: “A healthy mind in a healthy body.”
Meaning: A sound mind and body are essential for happiness and success.
This proverb is one of the most well-known Latin sayings, and it still holds true today. To be successful in life, it’s important to have both a sound mind and a healthy body. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining both your mental and physical health. So, keep this proverb in mind the next time you feel like skipping your workout or eating an unhealthy meal!
11. Nil sine labore
Translation: “Nothing without labor.”
Meaning: Hard work is necessary for success.
This proverb is a reminder that nothing comes easy – you have to work hard for everything you want in life. If you want to be successful, you have to put in the effort. So, next time you’re feeling lazy, remember nil sine labore!
12. Omnes vulnerant, ultima necat
Translation: “Everyone wounds, the last one kills.”
Meaning: The final blow is often the most devastating.
This proverb warns that it’s dangerous to attack someone who’s already been injured – they may be desperate and willing to do anything to survive. In the same way, it’s important not to underestimate your opponents – even if they seem weak, they may still be able to hurt you badly. This proverb is a reminder to always be careful, because the final blow can often be the most devastating.
13. Optimus maximus
Translation: “The best of the best.”
Meaning: The highest quality or rank.
This proverb is used to describe someone or something that is the best possible example of its kind. It’s a reminder that you should always aim for excellence and strive to be the best you can be. So, next time you’re working on a project, try to make it your best work yet – optimus Maximus!
14. Pauca sed mature
Translation: “Few but ripe.”
Meaning: Quality over quantity. This proverb reminds us that it’s better to have a few high-quality items than lots of low-quality items. It’s a reminder that you should always aim for quality over quantity, and that sometimes less is more. So, next time you’re shopping for something, remember to pauca sed mature happen!
15. Post hoc ergo propter hoc
Translation: “After this, therefore because of this.”
Meaning: This happened after that, so it must be caused by that. This proverb is used to argue that one event must have been caused by another event. It’s often used in arguments as proof that one thing caused another thing. However, this argument isn’t always valid – just because two things consecutively doesn’t mean they’re linked causally. So, the next time someone tries to use post hoc ergo propter hoc to prove their point, be sure to question their logic!
16. Prima facie
Translation: “At first sight.”
Meaning: Something that appears to be true or correct at first glance. This proverb is used to describe something that seems true or correct at first glance, but needs further examination before it can be confirmed. It’s a reminder that you should always take things with a grain of salt and not believe everything you see. So, the next time you see something that looks too good to be true, remember prima facie!
17. Proverbium est vultus bonus hominis induere
Translation: “A proverb is putting on a good face.”
Meaning: Proverbs are often used to deceive people. This proverb is a warning that you should be careful when using proverbs – many of them are actually designed to deceive people. So, the next time someone quotes you a proverb, be sure to question their intentions!
18. Ratio et ordo
Translation: “Reason and order.”
Meaning: Logic and reason are essential for understanding the world. This proverb is a reminder that logic and reason are two of the most important tools we have for understanding the world around us. Without these tools, we would be lost in a sea of confusion. So, next time something doesn’t make sense to you, remember ratio et ordo!
19. Salus populi suprema lex esto
Translation: “The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.”
Meaning: The needs of the people should always come before the needs of the government. This proverb is a reminder that the welfare of the people should be the number one priority of any government. It’s a call for governments to put the needs of their citizens first and foremost, and to always act in their best interests. So, next time you’re feeling frustrated with your government, remember salus populi suprema lex esto!
20. Sic transit gloria mundi
Translation: “So passes away worldly glory.”
Meaning: All earthly things are transient and will eventually disappear. This proverb is a reminder that all earthly things are transient and will eventually disappear. It’s a warning to not get too attached to worldly things, as they will eventually be gone. So, next time you’re feeling down because of something materialistic, remember sic transit gloria mundi!
21. Tempus fugit
Translation: “Time flies.”
Meaning: Time passes quickly and we should make the most of it. This proverb is a reminder that time passes quickly and we should make the most of it. It’s a call for us to live in the present and not worry about the past or future. So, next time you’re feeling stressed out, remember tempus fugit!
22. Tertium non datur
Translation: “There is no third option.”
Meaning: There are only two possible outcomes to any situation. This proverb is a reminder that there are only two possible outcomes to any situation – success or failure. There’s no in-between, no middle ground. So, the next time you’re stuck between two choices, remember tertium non datur!
23. Ubi bene ibi patria
Translation: “Where one feels good is home.”
Meaning: One’s homeland is wherever they feel happy and comfortable. This proverb is a reminder that one’s homeland isn’t necessarily defined by where they were born or where they live. It can be defined by wherever we feel happiest and most comfortable. So, next time you’re feeling homesick, remember ubi bene ibi patria!
24. Veritas odit moras
Translation: “Truth hates delays.”
Meaning: Truth will eventually be exposed, so there’s no need to delay telling it. This proverb is a reminder that the truth always comes out in the end, so there’s no need to delay telling it. It’s also a warning against trying to hide the truth – it will always be exposed in the end. So, next time you know something bad but want to delay telling someone, remember veritas odit moras!
25. Vox populi vox Dei
Translation: “The voice of the people is the voice of God.”
Meaning: The will of the people is the will of God. This proverb is a reminder that the will of the people is the will of God. It’s a declaration of democracy, and a statement that the will of the people should be followed above all else. So, next time you’re feeling frustrated with your government, remember vox populi vox Dei!
