327+ Latin Proverbs [Life, Death, Love, Success & More]

Latin proverbs are a form of traditional wisdom passed down from ancient Roman times.

These proverbs are typically short sayings that express a nugget of truth or a general rule of behavior.

Here are some of the characteristics of Latin proverbs:

• Concise: Latin proverbs are often short and to the point, expressing an idea in a succinct manner.
• Universal: Many Latin proverbs have stood the test of time because they express truths that are universal and timeless.
• Wise: Latin proverbs are often rooted in experience and wisdom, conveying valuable advice for navigating life’s challenges.
• Memorable: Because they are often pithy and well-crafted, Latin proverbs are easy to remember and can be passed down through generations.
• Figurative: Many Latin proverbs use metaphor or other figurative language to convey their meaning.
• Poetic: Latin proverbs are often poetic in their construction, using rhyme, rhythm, or alliteration to make them more memorable.
• Authoritative: Latin proverbs often carry a sense of authority, as they are rooted in the wisdom of the ancients and have been passed down through generations.

Overall, Latin proverbs are a valuable source of timeless wisdom that can help us navigate life’s challenges and make sense of the world around us.

We have hundreds to share in this article, so let’s take a look.

Latin Proverbs

Here are various Latin proverbs with their English translations:

1. Amor vincit omnia – Love conquers all.
2. Carpe diem – Seize the day.
3. Dum vita est, spes est – While there is life, there is hope.
4. Veritas vos liberabit – The truth shall set you free.
5. Festina lente – Make haste slowly.
6. Ars longa, vita brevis – Art is long, life is short.
7. Alea iacta est – The die is cast.
8. Cogito, ergo sum – I think, therefore I am.
9. Tempus fugit – Time flies.
10. Memento mori – Remember that you will die.
11. Non ducor, duco – I am not led, I lead.
12. Non omnia possumus omnes – We cannot all do everything.
13. In vino veritas – In wine there is truth.
14. Fortis fortuna adiuvat – Fortune favors the bold.
15. Et tu, Brute? – And you, Brutus?
16. Omnia vincit amor, et nos cedamus amori – Love conquers all, let us too surrender to love.
17. O tempora! O mores! – Oh, the times! Oh, the customs!
18. Si vis pacem, para bellum – If you want peace, prepare for war.
19. Post hoc, ergo propter hoc – After this, therefore because of this.
20. Veni, vidi, vici – I came, I saw, I conquered.
21. Quod erat demonstrandum – Which was to be demonstrated.
22. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori – It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.
23. Qui tacet consentire videtur – Silence gives consent.
24. Alea jacta est – The die is cast.
25. Consuetudo altera natura est – Custom is a second nature.
26. Divide et impera – Divide and conquer.
27. Per aspera ad astra – Through difficulties to the stars.
28. Qui non est hodie cras minus aptus erit – He who is not ready today will be less so tomorrow.
29. Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum – Let him who desires peace prepare for war.
30. Repetitio est mater studiorum – Repetition is the mother of all learning.
31. Scio me nihil scire – I know that I know nothing.
32. Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis – Times change, and we change with them.
33. Cuiusvis hominis est errare, nullius nisi insipientis in errore perseverare – Anyone can make a mistake, but only a fool persists in his error.
34. Si vis amari, ama – If you wish to be loved, love.
35. Sapientia est potentia – Wisdom is power.
36. Amor fati – Love of fate.
37. Bis vincit qui se vincit in victoria – He conquers twice who conquers himself in victory.
38. Carpe noctem – Seize the night.
39. Ceteris paribus – All other things being equal.
40. Dura lex sed lex – The law is harsh, but it is the law.
41. Errare humanum est – To err is human.
42. Facta, non verba – Deeds, not words.
43. Fortuna caeca est – Fortune is blind.
44. Fructus virtutis memor – Mindful of the fruits of virtue.
45. In medio stat virtus – Virtue stands in the middle.
46. In vino veritas – In wine there is truth.
47. Labor omnia vincit – Hard work conquers all.
48. Lux in tenebris – Light in darkness.
49. Nemo me impune lacessit – No one provokes me with impunity.
50. Nihil sine magno labore – Nothing without great effort.
51. Nil volentibus arduum – Nothing is impossible for the willing.
52. Omne initium difficile est – Every beginning is difficult.
53. Pacta sunt servanda – Agreements must be kept.
54. Semper ad meliora – Always toward better things.
55. Summum ius, summa iniuria – Extreme justice, extreme injustice.
56. Verba volant, scripta manent – Words fly away, writings remain.

These are just a few examples of the many Latin proverbs that have stood the test of time and continue to be relevant today.

5 Latin phrases that are still meaningful today | BBC Ideas

Let’s take a look at additional categories.

Latin Phrases

Here are various Latin phrases:

1. Carpe diem – Seize the day.
2. Veni, vidi, vici – I came, I saw, I conquered.
3. E pluribus unum – Out of many, one.
4. Tempus fugit – Time flies.
5. Ad astra per aspera – To the stars through hardships.
6. Semper fidelis – Always faithful.
7. In vino veritas – In wine, there is truth.
8. Caveat emptor – Let the buyer beware.
9. Ad nauseam – To the point of sickness.
10. Et tu, Brute? – And you, Brutus?
11. Alma mater – Nourishing mother (referring to one’s school or university).
12. Cogito, ergo sum – I think, therefore I am.
13. Alea iacta est – The die is cast.
14. Ars longa, vita brevis – Art is long, life is short.
15. De facto – In fact.
16. Eureka – I have found it!
17. Festina lente – Make haste slowly.
18. Habeas corpus – You shall have the body (a legal term).
19. Ignorantia non excusat – Ignorance is no excuse.
20. Mea culpa – My fault.
21. Modus operandi – Method of operation.
22. Non sequitur – It does not follow.
23. Per se – In itself.
24. Quid pro quo – Something for something.
25. Sic transit gloria mundi – Thus passes the glory of the world.
26. Tabula rasa – Blank slate.
27. Terra incognita – Unknown land.
28. Veni, vidi, amavi – I came, I saw, I loved.
29. Vox populi – Voice of the people.
30. Errare humanum est – To err is human.
31. Annuit cœptis – He (God) has favored our undertakings.
32. Dum spiro spero – While I breathe, I hope.
33. Facta non verba – Deeds, not words.
34. Habemus papam – We have a pope.
35. Omnia vincit amor – Love conquers all.
36. Primus inter pares – First among equals.
37. Qui tacet consentit – Silence gives consent.
38. Sine qua non – Indispensable condition.
39. Tempus edax rerum – Time, devourer of all things.
40. Veni, vidi, fugi – I came, I saw, I fled.
41. Vivere est vincere – To live is to conquer.
42. Deus ex machina – God from the machine.
43. Pax vobiscum – Peace be with you.
44. Mens sana in corpore sano – A healthy mind in a healthy body.
45. Citius, altius, fortius – Faster, higher, stronger (Olympic motto).
46. In hoc signo vinces – In this sign, you will conquer.
47. Locus in quo – Place in which.
48. Tempus omnia revelat – Time reveals everything.
49. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? – Who will guard the guards themselves?
50. Repetitio est mater studiorum – Repetition is the mother of learning.
51. Solvitur ambulando – It is solved by walking.
52. Vade mecum – Go with me (referring to a guide or manual).
53. In dubio pro reo – In doubt, for the accused.
54. Lux in tenebris – Light in darkness.
55. Mens sibi conscia recti – A mind conscious of its own righteousness.
56. Nihil novi sub sole – There is nothing new under the sun.
57. Pecunia non olet – Money does not smell.
58. Post hoc, ergo propter hoc – After this, therefore because of this.
59. Quod erat demonstrandum (Q.E.D.) – Which was to be demonstrated.
60. Rara avis – Rare bird.
61. Sine die – Without a specific date.
62. Tempus fugit, amor manet – Time flies, love remains.
63. Veritas vos liberabit – The truth will set you free.
64. Ars gratia artis – Art for art’s sake.
65. Dum vivimus, vivamus – While we live, let us live.
66. Fiat lux – Let there be light.
67. Hic et nunc – Here and now.
68. Lex talionis – The law of retaliation.
69. Nemo me impune lacessit – No one provokes me with impunity.
70. O tempora! O mores! – Oh, the times! Oh, the customs!
71. Per angusta ad augusta – Through difficulties to greatness.
72. Quo vadis? – Where are you going?
73. Si vis pacem, para bellum – If you want peace, prepare for war.
74. Sub rosa – Under the rose (confidentially).
75. Tempus vincit omnia – Time conquers all.
76. Veni, vidi, reddidi – I came, I saw, I returned.
77. Vir sapit qui pauca loquitur – He is wise who speaks little.
78. Cui bono? – For whose benefit?
79. De gustibus non est disputandum – There is no accounting for taste.
80. E pluribus plurima – Out of many, the most.
81. Honores mutant mores – Honors change manners.
82. In flagrante delicto – In blazing offense.
83. Magnum opus – Great work.
84. Non omnia possumus omnes – We cannot all do everything.
85. Odi et amo – I hate and I love.
86. Post mortem – After death.
87. Quaere verum – Seek the truth.
88. Scientia est potentia – Knowledge is power.
89. Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis – Times change, and we change with them.

These are just a few Latin phrases, each with its own unique meaning and context.

Best Latin Proverbs

Latin Proverbs:

1. Carpe diem – Seize the day.
2. Veni, vidi, vici – I came, I saw, I conquered.
3. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori – It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.
4. Per aspera ad astra – Through hardships to the stars.
5. Si vis pacem, para bellum – If you want peace, prepare for war.
6. Alea iacta est – The die is cast.
7. Mens sana in corpore sano – A sound mind in a sound body.
8. Non scholae sed vitae discimus – We learn not for school, but for life.
9. Nulla tenaci invia est via – For the tenacious, no road is impassable.
10. Aut viam inveniam aut faciam – I will find a way or make one.
11. Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur – A true friend is known in uncertain times.
12. Fortuna audaces iuvat – Fortune favors the bold.
13. Homo homini lupus est – Man is a wolf to man.
14. Nemo sine vitio est – No one is without fault.
15. Omnia vincit amor – Love conquers all.
16. Quod non me destruit, me nutrit – What does not destroy me, nourishes me.
17. Qui non proficit, deficit – He who does not progress, falls behind.
18. Sic transit gloria mundi – Thus passes the glory of the world.
19. Tempus fugit – Time flies.
20. Vivere est militare – To live is to fight.

Latin Proverbs About Life

Latin Proverbs About Life:

1. Vivere est cogitare – To live is to think.
2. Dum spiro, spero – While I breathe, I hope.
3. Finis coronat opus – The end crowns the work.
4. Interdum lacrimae pondera vocis habent – Sometimes tears have the weight of words.
5. Memento mori – Remember that you must die.
6. Perfer et obdura; dolor hic tibi proderit olim – Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.
7. Si vis amari, ama – If you want to be loved, love.
8. Alea iacta est – The die is cast.
9. Aut vincere aut mori – Either to conquer or to die.
10. Bis vivit qui bene vivit – He lives twice who lives well.
11. Carpe diem – Seize the day.
12. Fugit hora – The hour flees.
13. Mors ultima linea rerum est – Death is the final boundary of all things.
14. Non est ad astra mollis e terris via – There is no easy way from the earth to the stars.
15. Post tenebras lux – After darkness, light.
16. Tempus fugit, sicut nubes – Time flies like a cloud.
17. Ubi amor, ibi dolor – Where there is love, there is pain.
18. Vita brevis, ars longa – Life is short, but art endures.
19. Vivere est militare – To live is to fight.
20. Omnia vincit amor – Love conquers all.

Latin Proverbs About Death

Latin Proverbs About Death:

1. Memento mori – Remember that you must die.
2. Sic transit gloria mundi – Thus passes the glory of the world.
3. Ultima ratio regum – The final argument of kings.
4. Vincit qui se vincit – He conquers who conquers himself.
5. Aut Caesar aut nihil – Either Caesar or nothing.
6. Cogito, ergo sum – I think, therefore I am.
7. De mortuis nil nisi bonum – Speak nothing but good of the dead.
8. Fortes fortuna adiuvat – Fortune favors the brave.
9. Hoc est vivere bis vita posse priore frui – To live twice is to be able to enjoy the previous life.
10. In memoriam – In memory of.
11. Mors ultima linea rerum est – Death is the final boundary of all things.
12. Nil nisi bonum – Nothing but good.
13. O tempora! O mores! – Oh, the times! Oh, the morals!
14. Post mortem nihil est – After death, there is nothing.
15. Quam bene vivas refert, non quam diu – It matters not how long we live, but how well.
16. Requiescat in pace – May he/she rest in peace.
17. Spem successus alit – Success nourishes hope.
18. Summum nec metuas diem nec optes – Neither fear nor wish for your last day.
19. Tempus fugit, mors venit – Time flies, death comes.
20. Vita mutatur, non tollitur – Life is changed, not taken away.

Latin Proverbs About Love

Latin Proverbs About Love:

1. Amor vincit omnia – Love conquers all.
2. Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero – Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future.
3. Dulce bellum inexpertis – War is sweet to the inexperienced.
4. In vino veritas – In wine, there is truth.
5. L’amore non guarda in faccia – Love does not look at the face.
6. Non est ad astra mollis e terris via – There is no easy way from the earth to the stars.
7. Omnia vincit amor – Love conquers all.
8. Quod me nutrit me destruit – What nourishes me destroys me.
9. Si vis amari, ama – If you want to be loved, love.
10. Veni, vidi, amavi – I came, I saw, I loved.
11. Verba volant, scripta manent – Words fly away, writings remain.
12. Vivere est militare – To live is to fight.
13. Amicus usque ad aras – A friend until the altar.
14. Dilige et quod vis fac – Love, and do what you will.
15. In amore semper aliquid haeret – In love, there is always something left behind.
16. L’amore non ha età – Love has no age.
17. Quot capita, tot sensus – As many heads, as many opinions.
18. Qui me amat, amet et canem meum – Whoever loves me, loves my dog too.
19. Tempus fugit, amor manet – Time flies, love remains.
20. Ut ameris, amabilis esto – To be loved, be lovable.

Latin Proverbs About Success

Latin Proverbs About Success:

1. Fortes fortuna adiuvat – Fortune favors the brave.
2. Per aspera ad astra – Through hardships to the stars.
3. Veni, vidi, vici – I came, I saw, I conquered.
4. Labor omnia vincit – Work conquers all.
5. Sic itur ad astra – Such is the way to the stars.
6. Dum spiro, spero – While I breathe, I hope.
7. Perseverantia omnia vincit – Perseverance conquers all.
8. Quod non me destruit, me nutrit – What does not destroy me, nourishes me.
9. Sapere aude – Dare to be wise.
10. Spem successus alit – Success nourishes hope.
11. Vincit qui se vincit – He conquers who conquers himself.
12. Aut vincere aut mori – Either to conquer or to die.
13. Bis vincit qui se vincit in victoria – He conquers twice who conquers himself in victory.
14. Consuetudo est altera natura – Habit is a second nature.
15. Dum vita est, spes est – While there is life, there is hope.
16. Facilis descensus Averno – The descent to Hell is easy.
17. Magna est vis consuetudinis – The force of habit is great.
18. Nihil sine magno labore – Nothing without great effort.
19. Pervenire ad summum – Reach the top.
20. Virtus in arduis – Virtue in difficulties.

Latin Proverbs About Family

Latin Proverbs About Family:

1. Ubi amor, ibi patria. (Where there is love, there is home.)
2. Nihil est sanctius patria. (Nothing is more sacred than one’s country.)
3. Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur. (A true friend is known in uncertain times.)
4. Mater semper certa est. (A mother is always certain.)
5. In arduis fidelis. (Faithful in adversity.)
6. In omnibus requiem quaesivi, et nusquam inveni nisi in angulo cum libro. (I have sought peace everywhere, and found it nowhere except in a corner with a book.)
7. Familia supra omnia. (Family above everything.)
8. Pater familias. (The father of the family.)
9. Uxor mea me necabit. (My wife will kill me.)
10. Materiam superabat opus. (The workmanship surpassed the materials.)
11. Sanguis est supra fidem. (Blood is stronger than belief.)
12. Coniunctio est vinculum et fructus pietatis. (Marriage is the bond and fruit of devotion.)
13. Manus manum lavat. (One hand washes the other.)
14. Absentem laedit cum ebrio qui litigat. (He who argues with a drunk harms the absent.)
15. Semper in domo tua, semper a vobis discede. (Always in your house, always leave from you.)
16. Inimicus inimico amicus. (The enemy of my enemy is my friend.)
17. Nemo me impune lacessit. (No one provokes me with impunity.)
18. Filius est Deus in domo. (A son is a god in the house.)
19. Amicitia semper prodest, amor etiam aliquando nocet. (Friendship always benefits, love sometimes harms.)
20. Qui non est hodie cras minus aptus erit. (He who is not prepared today will be less so tomorrow.)

Latin Proverbs About Trust

Latin Proverbs About Trust:

1. Veritas vos liberabit. (The truth will set you free.)
2. Fides est duce. (Trust is the guide.)
3. In dubio, abstine. (In doubt, refrain.)
4. Dum spiro, spero. (While I breathe, I hope.)
5. Qui tacet consentire videtur. (Silence gives consent.)
6. Verba volant, scripta manent. (Words fly away, writings remain.)
7. Nulla fides, nullus amicus. (No trust, no friend.)
8. Ubi concordia, ibi victoria. (Where there is harmony, there is victory.)
9. Per aspera ad astra. (Through hardships to the stars.)
10. Noli turbare circulos meos. (Do not disturb my circles.)
11. Amor vincit omnia. (Love conquers all.)
12. Dum vita est, spes est. (While there is life, there is hope.)
13. Crede quod habes et habes. (Believe that you have it, and you have it.)
14. De mortuis nil nisi bonum. (Speak nothing but good of the dead.)
15. Bis dat qui cito dat. (He gives twice who gives promptly.)
16. Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes. (I fear the Greeks, even when they bring gifts.)
17. Res est ingeniosa dare. (It is clever to give.)
18. Dabit Deus his quoque finem. (God will grant an end to these things as well.)
19. Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur. (A true friend is known in uncertain times.)
20. Verus amicus est tamquam alter idem. (A true friend is like another self.)

Short Latin Proverbs

Short Latin Proverbs:

1. Carpe diem. (Seize the day.)
2. Veni, vidi, vici. (I came, I saw, I conquered.)
3. Tempus fugit. (Time flies.)
4. Alea iacta est. (The die is cast.)
5. Sapientia est potentia. (Knowledge is power.)
6. In vino veritas. (In wine, there is truth.)
7. Nihil novi sub sole. (There is nothing new under the sun.)
8. Amor vincit omnia. (Love conquers all.)
9. Per angusta ad augusta. (Through difficulties to honors.)
10. Festina lente. (Make haste slowly.)
11. Cogito, ergo sum. (I think, therefore I am.)
12. Mens sana in corpore sano. (A healthy mind in a healthy body.)
13. Nil desperandum. (Never despair.)
14. Audaces fortuna iuvat. (Fortune favors the bold.)
15. Errare humanum est. (To err is human.)
16. Veni, vidi, amavi. (I came, I saw, I loved.)
17. Amor fati. (Love of fate.)
18. Si vis pacem, para bellum. (If you want peace, prepare for war.)
19. Carpe noctem. (Seize the night.)
20. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. (It is sweet and honorable to die for one’s country.)

Latin Proverbs: Wisdom From Ancient to Modern Times

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