Latin (lingua latina) in its classical form is now considered dead. 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 graceful Chinese characters. What is the secret of such unfading popularity? Let's find out about it, and also consider the most famous and beautiful quotes in Latin, devoted to various topics.
Her highness lingua latina
From the time of the Roman Empire, Latin began to be considered the language of culture, and then religion and almost a millennium remained such. Before the Reformation, all Christian books (except Orthodox literature), like the Bible itself, were written only on it. That is why all the catch phrases of ancient philosophers or medieval theologians were predominantly recorded in Latin. In this form, they came 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 partially remains to this day. Most medical and legal terms and 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 necessary to study at least the basic principles of Latin and learn hundreds of terms on it. By the way, philologists, linguists and musicians with higher specialized education also have to suffer.
That is why, although lingua latina is dead as the language of an individual people, it is alive as the language of wisdom. This contributes to the fact that quotes with a 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 on Google.
Theme of Latin aphorisms and quotes
Over the hundreds of years of its existence, lingua latina has accumulated many interesting and sparkling winged phrases that relate to almost all spheres of life. However, most of all people like to use expressions related to such topics:
- Vera.
- Love.
- War.
- Sports.
- Gaining knowledge.
- Reflections on life.
- The sayings of the greats that have become winged
- Philosophies about human nature and character.
Apart from the above-mentioned topics of common quotations in Latin, there are symbols that are still used in everyday life. Recall the Roman numerals. These, of course, are not phrases and, in terms of convenience, they are inferior to Arabic, nevertheless, they are still written on the dials of watches and on the “shreds” of multi-volumes.
Phrases about ancient gods
Since Latin originated in pagan Rome, there are many winged expressions about faith, not associated 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 the creator of Jupiter." By the way, other quotations in Latin were used in a similar meaning, for example ab ovo - from an egg (meaning belief in the appearance of the world from it).
In addition to the aforementioned 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 muses, the active use of their images in literature and art helped preserve such an expression as amant alterna Camenae - muses enjoy intermittent songs. This phrase, by the way, belonged to the famous Roman poet and author of the Aeneid, Virgil.
Another famous expression of this kind: Aurora musis amica est, which translates as "Aurora is the girlfriend of muses" and hints at what is better to do in the morning.
As you can see, there are few such quotes in Latin. Perhaps initially there were more, but gradually Christian priests began to adapt pagan phrases that were convenient for them in their own way. So, the expression vox populi vox Dei (the voice of the people - the voice of God) clearly gives away 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 slightly interested in the basics of their faith know that the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written 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 on lingua latina.
Although tattoos were never particularly welcomed by Christianity, in many cultures there has recently been a fashion for quoting from the Bible as amulets against evil. More often, of course, it is customary to depict crosses and other symbolism. But among believing intellectuals, tattoos with quotes in Latin are in use. There is usually no problem translating them into Russian (so that others can understand the meaning of the inscription), even if a person is not very familiar with the Roman language. 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 quotes in Latin from the Old and New Testaments:
- Fiat lux! The words of the Creator, said 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 of the Gospel of John.
- Quid est veritas? “What is the truth?” Question asked by Pontius Pilate to the arrested Christ.
- Consummatum est! - "It happened!" Greek translation of the last words of Jesus Christ before his death. Of course, in reality this was not said in Latin and not in Greek, but in Hebrew. Although scientists are still not sure about this.
- Ad vitam aeternam - "Forever and ever." Often the phrase is used both in prayers and in witch-hunt spells. It is said that this Latin expression even today scares away especially persistent gypsies who threaten to curse if not to “gilt” the pen. Eyewitnesses claim that the main thing is to choose the right intonation and facial expression.
There are also many 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?". This is also the name of the novel about the first Christians, written by Henryk Sienkiewicz.
- Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius - “Kill everyone. The Lord will identify his own.” A "peaceful", and most importantly, a very "Christian" call, reflecting the essence of the so-called wars for faith. By the way, at that time another Latin phrase was often sounded: deus vult ("God wants it").
- Sola Scriptura - "Only Scripture" (Bible). One of the slogans of the Reformation. Its essence was the rejection of numerous laws and amendments to the Word of God and using only the Bible as a guide to life.
Quotes in Latin about love and friendship
Oddly enough, there were few beautiful expressions about feelings in this language. Perhaps because the books on lingua latina that have reached us are predominantly scientific, historical, religious or philosophical literature, and sentiment is not held in high esteem in it. Nevertheless, a few phrases about love and friendship can be found there.
- Levis est labor omnia amanti - "Any difficulties are easy for a lover."
- 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 in trouble." Although some people today believe that this phrase is not entirely true, since truly close people stand the test of both disaster and joy.
- Vitae sal - amicitia - "Friendship is the salt of life."
Latin phrases about war
Many vivid expressions were devoted both to the struggle, as well as to wars. The following 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." The famous slogan, which, along with the aforementioned Deus vult, has repeatedly sounded on the battlefields.
- In hostem omnia licita - "Everything is allowed in relation to the enemy." A harsh phrase, but it is one of the few that shows the whole horror of the war and how it destroys the human psyche, invalidating the presence of any moral values, and also allows you to create 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 "get ready to fight." Although what else to wait for the person who took up arms.
- Fortes fortuna adiuvat - "Fate helps the brave."
It is also worth mentioning the expression pax optima rerum est, which means "peace is the most valuable thing." Therefore, no matter how beautiful phrases sing the war, even the worst world is better than it. Moreover, victoria cruenta, that is, any victory was bought at the cost of blood.
Sports related aphorisms
But about sports, not many expressions have reached our days. But this did not stop the phrase Citius, altius, fortius! (“Faster, higher, stronger!”) Become the famous Olympic slogan.
As for the less well-known aphorisms, two more are worth mentioning:
- Motus vita est - "Movement is life."
- Mens sana in corpore sano - "A healthy mind in a healthy body." Although in practice it is a rarity.
Quotes about study, knowledge and work
If few phrases in Latin have been preserved about sports, then there are many times more about study and work. Moreover, many of them write on the walls of educational institutions in all countries of the world.
- Aut disce, aut discede - "Either study, or leave."
- Vita sine libertate, nihil - "There is no meaning in life without science (study)."
- Dictum sapienti sat est - "Smart will understand."
- Docendo discimus (discitur) - "Learning from 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 "Formulas of Love": Labor est etiam ipse voluptas - "Work is a pleasure."
If all these phrases could not inspire the struggle against the granite of science, or, contrary to all efforts, it is impossible to master some subject, you should always remember that nemo omnia potest scire ("no one can know everything").
Aphorisms about life
In addition to learning, the ancient sages liked to philosophize about the vicissitudes of life.
- Contra spem spero - "Contrary to hope, I continue to hope." This optimistic oxymoron was chosen by the famous poetess Lesya Ukrainka as the name of his poem. Its close analogue is also popular: dum spiro spero ("while I can breathe, I hope").
- Edimus ut vivamus, non vivimus ut edamus - "We eat to live, but not live to eat." This is one of their quotes in Latin about life, which criticizes the hedonistic style of thinking.
- Fallaces sunt rerum species - "Not everything is as it seems."
- Ducunt volentem fata, nolentem trahunt - "The aspirant to go, the destination leads, the adversary - drag."
Popular phrases about human nature
Also a lot of aphorisms reached us about the features of human nature.
- Barba crescit caput nescit - "Beard growth does not add wisdom or intelligence." A great slogan for fans to wear beards as a fashion statement. He will also be close to such expressions as barba non facit philosophum ("having a beard, you will not turn into a sage").
- Faber est suae quisque fortunae - "Any of us is the creator of our luck."
- Imago animi vultus est - "The face is the reflection (mirror) of the soul." Who would have thought that the original is not about the eyes!
- Humanum errare est - "It’s human nature to make mistakes."
Celebrity phrases that have become winged
The authors of most Latin aphorisms are unknown. However, there are happy exceptions:
- Gaudeamus igitur, juvenes dum sumus! - "We will indulge in fun while we are young." This is the first line from the old Latin anthem, which has pinched all students, which is forced to memorize in almost every university.
- Carthago delenda est - "Carthage must be destroyed!". The expression belongs to the fierce adversary of Carthage - Mark Caton, who finished them all his speeches in the Senate.
- Contra Gracchos Tiberim habemus - "We have the Tiber as opposed to the Gracchas." This phrase is connected with the story of noble young reformers who seek to achieve better living conditions for the poor citizens of Rome. After the murder, their bodies, as well as other unwanted ones, were thrown into the Tiber. Hence the expression hinting that any dissent can and will be killed.
- Divide et impera - Divide and Conquer! The slogan used by many politicians. Its author is unknown.
- Ego cogito ergo sum - "I think, then I exist." The famous logical expression of Rene Descartes. In contrast to him, the philosopher Men de Biran put forward another thesis: volo ergo sum - "I want, therefore, exist."
Speaking of celebrity phrases, it is worth mentioning separately Julius Caesar, who owns a number of aphorisms:
- Veni vidi vici - "Came, saw, won."
- Libenter homines id quod voluntary credunt - "People tend to believe in what they want to believe."
- And the last words in his life: Et tu, Brute? - "And you Brute?"
Common Latin expressions used today
Most of the above phrases are not so often found, but there are expressions or words in Latin, which are still actively used in all areas:
- 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 - "the engine is perpetual."
- Persona grata / non grata - "desirable and unwanted person."
- Post factum - "after the perfect / accomplished."
- Speaking of cruel rock, people often call it Fatum. This word came from Latin (fatum).
- Primum non nocere, which means do no harm. The main rule, which, according to Hippocrates, should be followed by every physician.
In conclusion, it is worth quoting the phrase: ergo bibamus. Although she is little known to anyone, her counterpart very often sounds like this: "So, let's have a drink!". The phrase can be remembered and pronounced as a graceful toast, having passed over as an intellectual. At the same time, do not forget that vinum is memoriae mors (“wine is death for memory”), even if in vino veritas (“truth is in fault”).