Latin Latin Phrases

Learn common Latin phrases and idiomatic expressions. No more feeling awkward when someone drops a quote in Latin – we’ve got you covered with most used Latin phrases.

Que sera sera What will happen, will happen (whatever will be, will be)
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam I will either find a way or make one
Castigat ridendo mores One corrects customs by making fun of them
Beneficium accipere libertatem est vendere To accept a favor is to sell one's freedom
Adde parvum parvo magnus acervus erit Add a little to a little and there will be a great heap
De gustibus non est disputandum There is no argument about taste
Legum servi sumus ut liberi esse possimus We are slaves of the law in order that we may be able to be free
Non omnis moriar Not all of me shall die
Parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus Mountains will be in labour, and an ridiculous mouse will be born (hard work with little results)
Crede quod habes, et habes Believe that you have it, and you do
Absentem laedit cum ebrio qui litigat To argue with a drunk is to wrong a man who is not even there
Cura te ipsum Take care of your own self (before trying to help others)
Curriculum vitae Course of life
Custos morum Keeper of morals
Dulce bellum inexpertis War is sweet to those who have never fought
De dato Of the date
De facto By deed
De fideli With faithfulness
Vinculum juris "The chain of the law" (legally binding)
Vis legis Power of the law
Vir visque vir "Every man a man"
Virile agitur "The manly thing is being done"
Viriliter agite "Act in a manly way"
Viriliter agite estote fortes "Quit ye like men, be strong"
Virtus et labor Virtue and hard work
Virtus et scientia Virtue and knowledge
Virtus in media stat Virtue stands in the middle
Virtus junxit mors non separabit That which virtue unites, let not death separate
Virtus sola nobilitas Virtue alone [is] noble
Virtus tentamine gaudet Strength rejoices in the challenge
Virtus unita fortior Virtue united [is] stronger