78+10 Latin Phrases for every Occasion (+ Translation)

Anna Köhler (Senior Editor)

Latin phrases are not only suitable for WhatsApp, greeting, and congratulatory cards. Use them also for scientific work and to improve your general language skills. We tell you all the advantages and have more than 80 great Latin phrases and quotes with pictures for you.

Even though Latin is officially considered a dead language, we still find it everywhere. Whether we are learning a stylistic device in school, using a Latin proverb, or using phrases like "carpe diem" as room decorations or as a picture in our WhatsApp status – Latin has become an integral part of our lives.

Badass Latin Phrases

This is where you can find badass Latin phrases and quotes. You can use them to motivate yourself, as a Tattoo, in order to impress your friends or to just be a badass. The following badass Latin quotes deal with the topics of death and strength. You will also discover cool Latin phrases for common use, funny Latin phrases and our Top 10 selection of badass Latin quotes.

We have translated all the quotes and sayings for you and sorted them by their appropriate occasions. All unmarked Latin phrases are from unknown authors.

Latin Phrases about Death

Latin Phrases about Death

Not only is Latin known as a dead language, but several Latin quotes and phrases deal with the topic of death. The following Phrases are about the transience of the moment and yourself. Use these Latin words to show more gratitude for the little things in life.

1. "Memento mori." – Aulus Persius Flaccus, Roman poet, 34-62 A.D
   (Remember, you will die.)
2. "Requiescat in pace" (short: RIP).
   (He/she rest in peace.)
3. "Contra vim mortis non est medicamen in hortis." – Alfanus of Salerno, poet and archbishop, 1015-1085
   (No herb grows in the gardens against the power of death.)
4. "Male parta, male dilabuntur."
   (What has been wrongly gained is wrongly lost. / Literally: Evil acquired goes evil to the end.)
5. "Quem dei diligunt, adulescens moritur!" – Titus Maccius Plautus, Latin comedy poet, 250-184 B.C
   (Whom the gods love, they let die young!)
6. "Eheu, fucaces labuntur anni!" – Quintus Horatius Flaccus, Roman satirist and poet, 65-8 B.C
   (Ah, how the years fly by!)

Cool Latin Phrases for Common Use

Cool Latin phrases for common use

Here you can find common Latin phrases that sound cool. Many of the following quotes are phrases that you can include in daily linguistic usage. This way you make an educated impression, set cool accents, and be able to concisely summarize facts in your job.

However, don’t overdo it with Latin phrases. As cool as it is to know about Latin words, some people might take it as bragging.

1. "Aliquid stat pro aliquo"
   (Something stands for something else
2. "Docendo discimus."
   (By teaching we learn.)
3. "Pars pro toto."
   (A part stands for a whole/ usually used as a rhetorical figure)
4. "Totum pro parte"
   (The whole stands for a part / opposite term to "pars pro toto")
5. "Expressis verbis"
   (With express words / literally)
6. "Loco citato"
   (At [already] cited place, at the cited place)
7. "Nomen est omen."
   (The name is an omen.)
8. "Ad acta"
   (To file / to check something off, to consider as done)
9. "Anno Domini"
   (In the year of the Lord)
10. "A priori"
    (From the outset)
    

    Common Latin Phrases

11. "Corpus Delicti"
    (Object of evidence)
12. "Curriculum Vitae" (C.V. for short).
    (Resume)
13. "De facto"
    (In fact)
14. "In medias res"
    (Straight to the point)
15. "Modus operandi"
    (Way of acting)
16. "Vice versa"
    (vice versa)
17. "Summa summarum"
    (All things considered)
18. "In flagrante delicto"
    (in the act)
19. "Nota bene"
    (mind you)
20. "Status quo"
    (Current status, actual state)
21. "Licentia poetica" – Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Roman philosopher, ca. 4 B.C-65 A.D
    (Poetic Freedom)
22. "Tabula rasa"
    (Unwritten leaf)
23. "Ad hoc"
    (Especially for this purpose; impromptu)

Your university professors of the humanities will be especially pleased with a little Latin. After all, it’s a good feeling when a language they’ve learned is also useful to their students. Plus, it is always helpful and cool to know a few rhetorical devices and be able to use them.

Badass Latin Quotes about Strength

Latin Quotes about Strength

Find Latin quotes here about strength and motivational Latin phrases that you can send to your friends and family to encourage and support them. Since they are easily memorable due to their conciseness, you can also use them to motivate yourself and remind yourself of your strengths daily.

1. "Aequis aequus." – Leopold of Habsburg, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, 1640-1705
   (I am just to the righteous)
2. "This diem docet." – Publilius Syrus, Roman moralist and aphorist, 90 – 40 B.C
   (One day teaches another.)
3. "Melius est prevenire quam preveniri."
   (It is better that you preempt than that you are preempted.)
4. "Vivere est militare."
   (To live is to fight.)
5. "Magnum vectigal est parsimonia." – Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator and statesman, 106-43 B.C
   (Saving is good revenue.)
6. "Si deus pro nobis, quis contra nos?"
   (If God is for us, who can be against us?)
7. "Suum cuique." – Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator and statesman, 106-43 B.C
   (To each his/her own.)
8. "Omne initium difficile est."
   (All beginnings are difficult.)
9. "Quod tibi fieri non vis, alteri ne feceris." – Emperor Alexander Severus, 208 – 235 AD, Roman Emperor
   (What you do not want done to you, do not do to others.)
10. "Sol lucet omnibus."
    (The sun shines for all.)
11. "Veni vidi vici." – Gaius Julius Caesar, Roman statesman, general, and writer, 100 – 44 B.C
    (I came, I saw, I conquered.)
12. "Fas est et ab hoste doceri." – Publius Ovidius Naso, ancient Roman poet, 43 B.C – 17 A.D
    (To learn from the enemy is also right.)

Funny Latin Phrases

Funny Latin Phrases

It can seem a bit dull when you write serious-sounding Latin phrases on a card on a happy and casual occasion. But sometimes that’s exactly where the joke lies.

The outer shell of Latin seems historical and wise, but at the semantic level, the meaning level, the content is anything but serious.

1. "In vino veritas."
   (In wine lies the truth.)
2. "Barba decet virum."
   (The beard makes the man.)
3. "Nunc est bibendum."
   (Now it is time to drink)
4. "Cave canem!"
   (Beware of the dog!)
5. "Ergo bibamus!" – Pope Martin IV., former pope, ca. 1210/1220 – 1285
   (Therefore let us drink!)
6. "Praevalent inlicita." – Publius Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman historian, 55 – 120 A.D
   (What is forbidden has its special charm.)

No matter how meaningless, any assertion would initially be taken seriously in Latin. Only when you look at the translation, do you suddenly have to laugh at the phrases.

They are suitable for birthdays and other occasions where you can be funny. Some of the quotes are also forward-looking and motivational.

Feeling like laughing some more? Here you will find funny quotes.

Top 10 Badass Latin Phrases

Top 10 Badass Latin Phrases

Here you’ll find our top 10 selection of badass phrases in Latin. If you use any of these phrases, you’ll be seen as a real rebel who actually knows better.

Choose your quote wisely and spread some badass energy with these wise phrases and their translations.

1. "Nolens volens" – Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator and statesman, 106-43 B.C
   (For better or worse)
2. "Vincit qui se vincit."
   (He conquers who conquers himself)
3. "Cogito ergo sum." – René Descartes, French philosopher & founder of rationalism, 1596-1650
   (I think, therefore I am.)
4. "Non ducor, duco."
   (I am not led, I lead)
5. "Astra inclinant, sed non obligant."
   (The stars incline us, they do not bind us.)
6. "Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo." – Publius Vergilius Maro, Roman epic poet, 70 B.C-19 A.D
   (If I can not bend the will of Heaven, I shall move Hell.)
7. "Acta, non verba."
   (Deeds, not words.)
8. "Nemo saltat sobrius." – Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator and statesman, 106-43 B.C
   (Nobody dances sober.)
9. "Nitimur in vetitum." – Publius Ovidius Naso, ancient Roman poet, 43 B.C-17 A.D
   (We strive for the forbidden.)
10. "Dulce est desipere in loco." – Quintus Horatius Flaccus, Roman satirist and poet, 65-8 B.C
    (It is pleasant to relax once in a while.)

Famous Latin Phrases and Quotes

Famous Latin Phrases and Quotes

There is a lot of life wisdom in Latin phrases and quotes. Perhaps you’ve encountered some or can learn something from a few new Latin words. Or maybe you can think of a person or occasion appropriate to one of the phrases.

We have translated all the quotes and phrases from Latin to English for you and sorted them by appropriate occasions. Remind that all unmarked Latin phrases are from unknown authors.

Latin Phrases and Quotes about Life

This category contains Latin phrases about life. Latin Quotes and Phrases about the different things in life are suitable as well-intentioned advice for friends or an explanation of regret. In serious situations, it’s hard to find the right words. Latin quotes can help you convey enough seriousness.

The following quotes and phrases will also help you when you are just in a thoughtful mood and trying to make your thoughts about life tangible.

1. "Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur." – Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator and statesman, 106-43 B.C
   (A sure friend is recognized in an uncertain situation.)
2. "Faber est suae quisque fortunae." – Appius Claudius Caecus, Roman censor and consul, 340-273 B.C
   (Everyone is the architect of his own fortune.)
3. "Carpe diem." – Quintus Horatius Flaccus, Roman satirist and poet, 65-8 B.C
   (Seize the day.)
4. "Carpe noctem."
   (Seize the night.)
5. "Ora et labora."
   (Pray and work.)
6. "Abyssus abyssum invocat."
   (One mistake entails the other.)
7. "Alea iacta est." – Gaius Julius Caesar, Roman statesman, general, and writer, 100-44 B.C
   (The die is cast.)
8. "Omne animal se ipse diligit." – Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator and statesman, 106-43 B.C
   (Every creature loves itself.)
9. "Cessante causa cessat effectus."
   (If the cause falls away, the effect is also omitted.)
10. "Malum est consilium, quod mutari non potest!" – Publilius Syrus, Roman moralist and aphorist, 90-40 B.C
    (The plan that cannot be changed is bad! / Bad is the advice that cannot be changed!)

Latin Phrases about Love

Latin Phrases about Love

Religious occasions in particular lend themselves to writing Latin phrases in the card. Because Latin was also a long time the language of the Bible. Especially in the Middle Ages, but also beyond, sermons were held in Latin. Even today, some church hymns are still sung in Latin.

For this reason, Latin sayings are particularly suitable for greeting cards for Christian weddings.

1. "Tempus fugit, amor manet."
   (Time passes, love remains.)
2. "Amor est pretiosior auro."
   (Love is more precious than gold.)
3. "Caritas omnia potest."
   (Love can do everything.)
4. "Ama et fac quod vis." – Aurelius Augustinus, an Roman bishop, 354-430 A.D
   (Love and do what you want.)
5. "Amantes amentes." – Publius Terentius Afer, a Roman poet and comedy writer, 195-159 B.C
   (Lovers are of the senses.)
6. "Qui dare multa potest, multa et amare potest." – Sextus Aurelius Properz, elegist from Umbria, 49-15 B.C
   (Who can give much, can also love much.)
7. "Amor est parens multarum voluptatum."
   (Love is the mother of many joys.)
8. "Amantium irae amoris integratio!"
   (The lovers quarrel, love again!)
9. "Ad nuptias vobis opto ex animo omnia bona!"
   (For the wedding I wish you all the best with all my heart!)
10. "Invenit patella operculum."
    (The bowl found a lid.)
11. "Omnia vincit amor, et nos cedamus amori." – Publius Vergilius Maro, Roman epic poet, 70 B.C-19 A.D
    (Love conquers all, let us also yield to love.)

Also for Silver and Golden weddings Latin sayings are well suited. Especially the older generation often still knows the Latin language and may be reminded by it of old times.

Here you will find more beautiful love quotes.

Inspirational Latin Quotes

Inspirational Latin Quotes

All the wisdom of the great scholars of the Roman Empire was written and disseminated in Latin. The following Latin quotes should also spread inspiration. Use these Latin phases in order to share wise messages or to paraphrase your beliefs.

1. "Qui audet adipiscitur!"
   (He who dares, wins!)
2. "Accidit in puncto, quod non speratur in anno."
   (In a moment can happen what you would not have hoped for in a year)
3. "Nihil fit sine causa."
   (Nothing happens without reason.)
4. "Errare humanum est." – Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator and statesman, 106-43 B.C
   (To err is human.)
5. "Etiam tacere est respondere."
   (Silence is also an answer.)
6. "Dum spiro, spero." – Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator and statesman, 106-43 B.C
   (As long as I breathe, I hope.)
7. "Exercitatio artem parat."
   (Practice makes perfect.)
8. "Horas non numero nisi serenas."
   (I count only the serene hours.)
9. "Nam quod in iuventus non discitur, in matura aetate nescitur."
   (What one does not learn in youth, one never learns in old age.)
10. "Prudentia potentia est."
    (Knowledge is power.)

You can use Latin phrases in different situations. For example, think of a friend with whom you have been through a lot. Thank him with a Latin quote like:

"Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur." – Marcus Tullius Cicero
(A sure friend is recognized in an uncertain situation.)

If you write such a sentence in Latin on a card, it seems more consolidated, serious and wise than if you translate it directly into English.

Advantages of Latin

Advantages of Latin

You don’t need to be fluent in Latin to take advantage of Latin phrases, quotes and aphorisms. You can easily memorize a few basic phrases and use them over and over again.

You probably even know some Latin terms already. You may have come across them somewhere or even used them yourself. Maybe you didn’t even realize that you were speaking Latin.

Below you will find all the advantages of Latin – and you can already acquire your first Latin skills.

You’ll Learn other Languages faster

Not only English, but German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Romanian, and French have roots in Latin. If you know Latin, you’ll be able to identify foreign language vocabulary faster without having to memorize it.

You’ll be able to make connections to other languages and remember vocabulary more easily, and transfer grammatical structures. So you’ll learn related languages faster overall.

You’ll Understand technical Terms and Texts better

At school and university, you will have to read technical literature from time to time. There you will always encounter etymology, i.e. the origin of terms. This origin often comes from ancient Greek or Latin.

If you already know some terms, you will be able to understand scientific texts faster and also contribute your own definitions into scientific work.

Aside from that, you will better understand frequently used technical terms. For example, "exhibit," "transcendence," and "denotation" come from Latin.

You’ll Make a Good Impression on Teachers

Sooner or later you will have to write a scientific paper at your school or university – meaning a bachelor’s, master’s, or diploma thesis.

Here, it is an advantage if you emphasize or summarize statements briefly and concisely with a Latin phrase. In addition, it looks very educated if you know common scientific expressions from Latin.

You always Have a suitable Quote ready

Latin quotes can still be found in abundance on WhatsApp and in greeting and congratulatory cards. Latin phrases and quotes are often especially used for baptism, communion, confirmation, or youth dedication, but these sayings and proverbs are also suitable for many other occasions.

If they are less known, you should always add a translation. Write down the selected quote in your most beautiful script or print it out.

Phrases, Quotes and Sayings – Here is the Difference

The Difference between Phrases, Quotes & Sayings

Here you will learn about the difference between phrases, sayings, and quotes. Although the terms are often used synonymously, there are small, but significant, differences in usage. To learn about what to be aware of and when to use which term: read on.

The term phrase is an English noun that describes a short written, or spoken, expression. Synonyms for phrases include locution, formulations, or wording.

A quote is the exact reproduction of the wording of a group of words that someone has said or written. A quote is characterized by the fact that it is always indicated by a source or an author. Quotes are used for inspiration, as an introduction to a particular topic, or as a commentary.

Sayings, on the other hand, are defined as concisely written or spoken utterances that are remembered mainly for their meaning. A Synonym for saying is the term proverb.

While a quote or a saying may be a phrase, a phrase is not automatically a quote or a saying.

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