Tattoo Ideas: Latin Words + Phrases
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It's no secret that Angelina Jolie is fond of tattoos; everyone is familiar with the "Billy Bob" tattoo she got in honor of her now ex-husband, Billy Bob Thornton, then later had covered up. And publicity shots of soccer great David Beckham frequently show his bare back, revealing the names of his sons tattooed in thick black ink. But did you know that these celebrities also have Latin tattoos as well? Angelina's is on her lower stomach (next to a thick black cross that covers up a small blue dragon she got while drunk in Amsterdam) and says, "Quod me netrit me destruit" meaning, "What nourishes me also destroys me." David Beckham's Latin phrase is on his left inner forearm, just below his wife Victoria's name which is misspelled in a Hindi script. The phrase reads, "Ut Amem Et Foveam" meaning "So that I love and cherish."
Although it is now extinct, Latin was once the universal language spoken in Europe as early as the 1st century B.C., and it is a language that we can all relate to as many modern day words are derived from Latin. Today, unless you are attending mass at the Vatican in Rome or in Florida with my grandmother (who still says her prayers in Latin, as she was taught to do in the 1930's) Latin phrases are primarily used among doctors (primum non nocere, which means "first, do no harm") and lawyers (habeas corpus). In fact, many people still use Latin today without even realizing it. Bona fide is Latin for "good faith", ad hoc means "for this purpose" and quid pro quo means "something for something", which is used in modern day banter to mean "tit for tat."
Luckily, unlike the Hebrew and Arabic words and phrases tattoos I discussed previously, Latin phrases are fairly easy to translate for the sake of tattooing. Wikipedia offers an extensive list of Latin phrases, many of which make for beautiful and inspirational tattoos. Yuni.com also features a long list of common Latin phrases.
As with any tattoo that is done in a foreign language not your own, make sure you do your homework. Double check your translation with several sources. Unfortunately, as the Latin language is extinct, you won't be able to find a native speaker. Instead, ensure your translation is correct by either using several online translators or confirming it's accuracy with a Latin scholar.
Here are some Latin phrases to get you started:
non ducor duco -- I am not led; I lead
semper ad meliora -- always towards better things
sic itur ad astra -- thus you shall go to the stars
temet nosce -- know thyself
veni, vidi, vici -- I came, I saw, I conquered
verba volant, scripta manent -- words fly away, writings remain
veritas lux mea -- truth is my light
vincit qui se vincit -- he conquers who conquers himself
vive ut vivas -- live so that you may live
alis grave nil -- nothing is heavy to those who have wings
alis volat propris -- she flies with her own wings
audax at fidelis -- bold but faithful
carpe noctem -- seize the night
cogito ergo sum -- I think therefore I am
credo quia absurdum est -- I believe it because it is absurd
dum vita est, spes est -- while there is life, there is hope
esse quam videri -- to be, rather than to seem
luceat lux vestra -- let your light shine
luctor et emergo -- I struggle and emerge
non ducor duco -- I am not led; I lead
semper ad meliora -- always towards better things
sic itur ad astra -- thus you shall go to the stars
temet nosce -- know thyself
veni, vidi, vici -- I came, I saw, I conquered
verba volant, scripta manent -- words fly away, writings remain
veritas lux mea -- truth is my light
vincit qui se vincit -- he conquers who conquers himself
vive ut vivas -- live so that you may live
LATIN TATTOOS
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Comments
hi just wondering if any one knows what this would be in latin - "what doesnt kill me makes me stronger"
thanks neil
'What doesnt kill me makes me stronger is 'Quis doesnt iuguolo me,makes mihi validus' :) xxxx
can anyone tell me the font of the guys tattoo that says "there is more to life than just being alive"- the one on the inside of his forearm. thanks :)
Can anyone tell me what Wake You Dreams or Fear not, nor be Afraid would translate to in latin?
Wake Your Dreams***
Ryan, I don't know the translation into Latin, but I find it very interesting that I have "wake your dreams" in English tattooed on the back of my neck :)
Hi amazing pictures.
whats Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds into latin?
i know its suppose to be hindi but i cant find it :othanks x
I really love the font used in the Alis Volat Propiis pic. Does anyone know what it's called?
that which does not kill me makes me stronger, "Quod non me destruit, me nutrit."
Quod non me destruit, me nutrit. means whatnourishes me also destroys me ... not that which doesnt kill me makes me stronger..
Hi everyone,i was just wondering if anyone knew how to say " a new beginning" in latin? I'm considering it as a possible tattoo idea.
Thanks
hi, does anyone know "do everything in love" in latin?? would be much appreciated
if some one can help i want get "know thyself" and "be thyself" down both sides of my ribs can some one give me a translation i have found conflicting ones.. thanks
Could someone help me with the translation for 'You'll never Walk Alone' ?
Cheers
Here's some translations from previous posts, per request:
"what doesnt kill me makes me stronger" = quis doesnt iuguolo mihi planto mihi validus
"Wake You Dreams or Fear not, nor be Afraid" = Excito Vos Somnium vel Vereor non , neque nec timeo
"Now, I become Death, the destroyer of worlds." = Iam, Fio Nex , pessum ire of universitas.
"do everything in love" = operor panton in diligo
"know thyself" & "be thyself" = teneo vestri ego & exsisto vestri
"You will never Walk Alone" = Vos mos nunquam Ingredior Unus
Please remember, sometimes there are several different ways to say the same thing in Latin. However, there are some "preferred" or more familiar ways of saying things.
I do hope that the translations above are helpful to the requesters.
AEonCrux- quid hoc sibi vult
Hello, anyone able to translate "Brothers in arms"
Thanks,
Kiefer
Could anyone translate "From Chaos Comes Clarity" in latin?
hi there,
this site is excellent, just wondering if you knew the translation to 'to thine own self be true'
cheers
Hi, wow its hard to get an accurate translation! Can someone please translate for me "pray for those wild at heart, trapped in cages" ? thanks:)
Hello, could someone please translate "Truth, Unity, Love" into latin for me?
Thanks
Hi can someone please translate for me "One Life" into Latin?
Thanks,
Ed
Can anyone please translate these phrases in Latin for me?
The Lord is my strength and song
It was then that i carried you
was wondering if someone knows the true latin translations to:
For those i love i will sacrafice
and
dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today
thanks
does anyone know what light up the darkness is in latin
can anyone translate..
"Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back."
"I will see you again. But not yet."
"No one can outrun their destiny."
please help??
hi,could anyone translate '"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine' ?? plus i am a guy,is that tattoo for guys,sory i know silly question
hey great hub, i was wondering if anyone could translate excellence into latin for me thanks
lol why don't u guys get a latin dictionary for ur translations?!
i have one but im making sure, your supposed to check with multiple sources -.-
anyone know how to say "Love and Forgive" in latin?
does anyone know how to say...family....health.....happiness in latin :D fanx alot
hey everybody. can anyone translate 'you only live once' to latin please? i want it tattooed on my back! cheers.
well come.
does anyone know a good family saying or somthing to do with my family that i can get tattooed
thanks
morrisrileyd@cfu.net or on here is fine : )
Getting confused as I would like 'Dream as if you live forever, Live as if you die today' and everywhere is so different!!! AArrgghh, Can anybody help??
Hey everyone i was wondering is anyone new how to translate "Baby i love your Way" into latin. i know it sounds strange its just that it has alot of meaning to me and my new husband and i really want to get it tattoted on me. by the way some of these tats are really good! great page xox
does anyone know how to say no matter what in latin?
or any original ideas that a guy would like, not something wicked mushy?
hey. so does anybody know what 'you only live once' in latin is?
I have been looking for a long time for the translation of "Smiles through her tears" to Latin. Can anyone help me?
Can anyone help how can i write GOd in Latin?...email me please..cnalbant07@hotmail.com
could some one translate " this too shall pass" "Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back" "no one can out run their destiny" Danielalstar@hotmail.com cheers!
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars..
does anyone know this phrase in latin??thanxxxxxx
hi can someone translate for me "fight and conquer" into latin?
Thanks
can someone translate "I love my wife" into latin? please email to droachnola@yahoo.com thanks
Hey, I was wondering how you translate "what happen to me yesterday, makes me stronger today" in Latin?
Can anyone translate "Don't Ever Give Up" in Hebrew. I want it as a tattoo in honor of my dad who died from cancer!
please help. i'm getting a tat in honor of my husband and i want it to say "until death" how do i translate??
hey, could someone please translate 'you only live once' into latin for me please. cheers.
Can someone translate, "I am not afraid. I know who I am." into Latin for me? Thank you!
Does anyone known how to write: Family comes first. (in latin)?
Thanks
does anyone know how to say "This too shall pass" into Latin?
Hi could anyone translate "Life is nothing without dreams" into Latin for me please?
Stg01865@hotmail.com if you could email me the translation or post it on here if easier.
Cheers
if you guys need any translations email me at HNOWAK0714@msn.com. i have taken latin for seven years so i will be able to give you precise translations. BE SURE TO MAKE THE SUBJECT TRANSLATION OR IT MAY NOT BE OPENED!
Just wondering if anyone knows "son of the right hand" in latin?
would be wonderful.
x
pls need numbers in latin want to get r pacific date tatooed?
does "non timebo mala, quoniam tu mecum es" translate into "I will fear no evil, for thou art withme" ? Can anybody confirm this. Thanks !!
hello can someone help me???
does 'true love waits' means
Verus Exspectat Amor
???
thxdose any one no what dieing is easy liveing is the hard part
Hi, can some one help me, ive tried numerous translation sites and had no joy!! can someone please translate 'one life' into latin and hebrew for me please!!!??? Please send to katiestocks84@yahoo.co.uk
Many thanks x
Can anyone tell me what the tattoo "There is more to life than just being alive" is in latin please ? and do you think that is too manly for a girl to have ?
Can anyone tell me what the tattoo "There is more to life than just being alive" is in latin please ? and do you think that is too manly for a girl to have ?
Can anyone tell me what the tattoo "There is more to life than just being alive" is in latin please ? and do you think that is too manly for a girl to have ?
Can someone help me properly translate "Embrace your fear" into latin. Please contact me via email at khbills@yahoo.com
Hi,
Does anybody know how to say "Everything Has Its Price" in latin??
Thanx
could someone please translate You'll Never Walk Alone into hebrew??
would any one know wat mother and/or sister is in latin
hey, can someone transalete "Unbreakable" to latin for me? mr_joakim9@hotmail.com
Can anyone translate: "fear no man" into latin for me please?
Tony
Hi Everyone, like others I am in need of a translation. I have a dictionarybut want to double check. Anyone confident of translating "i fear nothing, my courage will guide me"
Thank you! xo
Hi again! I forgot to mention that I need the translation into latin :)
"i fear nothing, my courage will guide me"
xo
Hey everyone
You's are doin a great job translating all these saying. I'd appreciate if someone could translate in latin " I live for the nights I remember with the friends I will never forget" and "love will find a way".
"I fear nothing, my courage will guide me."
Nihil timeo, meus virtus mei ducabit.
Roughly, of course. My Latin is a bit rusty so some of the conjugations may be off.
What= QUOD doesn’t kill = NON NECAT me = MEonly = CERTEmakes= FACITme = MEstronger = FORTIOREM
Here’s the translation of "What doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger”:“Quod me non necat me certe fortiorem facit”..... tazi mai e nay vyarnaor:-“Quod me non necat me certe confirmat”
I have looked and read and asked ...I am trying to find the way to say " till the end of time " in latin . and also love family and beleif.
I have different answers,
THANK ANYONE for their time.
You are all conformists and HOMO'S
Does anyone know the translation for "my penis is small"
For Ryley in latin e-mail me DominiqueRyley@Hotmail.com. thanks
I am looking for the phrase " she flies by her own wings". I have loked this up on the translator and it does not match what is ritten on the top of the page. Is there another way? Can someone give me the direct translation please. Thanks.
she_loves_to_dance@hotmail.com
can someone tell me please what ''you'll never walk alone'' is in hebrew or tell me a website 2 go on to find out
can anyone help me with this translation into latin: " you have taught me hate. i will teach you fear"
Thanks
wot font is 'time waits for no-one' in?? and also wot font is 'she flies by her own wings' in?? sumbody plz write a comment wiv th answa as im gettin a latin tattoo soon an realy like those 2 fonts....
I was wondering what the translation of"love waits for no one " is ?
I have been trying to get the Latin translation for "Pray for me" can anyone help. Thanks
can anyone translate comfortably numb for me?
hey does anyone know three little angels would be in latin writing. i really need it quick cause im getting it done today
try http://www.yuni.com/library/latin.html got heaps of latin quotes
Illegitimus Non Carborundum doesn't mean don't let the bastards grind you down, it's a nonsense phrase that has no meaning,you can look it up at any good latin site, I really hope that they knew that!!!
Great site though, the pictures are all really great!!!!
i really want a tatto down my ribs in a foreign language, preferabley latin or italian. i want a phrase that means something powerful. would u be able to translate these for me please?
'Wake Your Dreams'
'dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today'
hey whatsup everybody? this site is very helpful. Can anyone translate for me - "Egusum Factum Murlatum Hum" ... Thank you!
hi! this site's really helpful..i want to get a tattoo on my left hip with a latin phrase (i took latin for four years..it's not completely random) in a really intricate script but i can't decide what i want it to say!! any suggestions? i've got a few ideas..
Hi Cara
i was woundering if you could help me owt?...
i really want to get a latin script tattoo, i have a phrase i want to get but i dont know latin...
would you know what this phrase is translated in English... some 1 i know translated it but they dont know if its fully correct...
“lli ego diligo , ego mos vitualamen”
Do you know what this would say in English?
can anyone translate.. There is more to life than just being alive
hey everybody i want to make a tattoo in latin words..enybody knows how we say this in latin " IN MY LIFE I I AM DREAMING NOTHING LESS THAN EVERYTHING".....if anyone knows plz respond fast...thank you
hey Tarz..are you sure thats all latin? i'm not recognizing some of those words/endings!! sorry!!
xx
how would yoy eternal soul send me an email at mistycstylez@yahoo.com thanks
how would you say "eternal soul"send me an email at mistycstylez@yahoo.com thanks
How do i write "There is only the journey" or "The journey is what brings us happiness not the destination" pleassssse help!! = )
Could anyone please translate
'It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees'
into Latin please x
Does anyone know how to translate "silence speaks a thousand words" in latin?
hi, just wondering if anyone can hep me translate something into latin for me, its for a tattoo on my chest and want it to say "happiness is family" can anyone help with translating? hope you can help. thankyou so much
mr_jackson@hotmail.co.uk
Hey Guys... I want written on my bicept Such is lfe in latin..
Now there is a Latin phrase Thus is life which is translated to Sic (Thus) Vita (Life) Est (is)
If I wanted the word such (Talis) can i just replace Sic (thus)??? I know it seems like an easy question but i want to make sure the interpretation and order of latin words is correct??
Cheers
Clint
leonardc@wintas.com.au
hey, I was wondering if you could translate this for me. I tried using online stuff but I can't get it close.
Wake your dreamsFace your fearsEmbrace the darkLove justice
its mostly the last two. I see the first two above.
oops those are supposed to be seperated. wake your dreams, face your fears, embrace the dark, love justice. Sorry about that
i need this phrase in latin " have no fear, god is watching"
Could you please translate this into latin for me "Strength within a true spirit"
can some be able to translate brothers 4 life in latin please..send to craphead83@hotmail.com
could someone please tell me the latin translation for "my son my life"
Just FYI, all the Latin Translations on this page have seemingly been performed by people who have no insight into the actual usage of the latin language, much less any romantic language for that matter. The grammar is backwards, and some of the words make no sense at all.
Please don't just go out and get these words and phrases tattooed on your body because someone on an unmoderated forum told you it was the proper translation.
I came to this site by googling "(+x$)Nex Iuguolo", and I followed this statement from google:
"What doesnt kill me makes me stronger is 'Quis doesnt iuguolo me,makes mihi validus' :) xxxx"
Please realize initially, that "doesnt", and "makes" are not at all from the Latin Language; then please use discretion when using the internet ((eye roll)).
-(+x$)Nex Iuguolo
| revolutions in music are real |
Somebody who knows how to write "Willpower" in Latin ?
PLEASE :) --> Mizz__sophia@hotmail.com
could somone translate this quote for me: " knowing is not enough we must apply, willing is not enough we must do"
louisehale@hotmail.com
Quod me nutrit me destruit - means what nourishes me, destroys me
quis doesnt iuguolo mihi planto mihi validus - what doesnt kill me makes me stronger. someone on the previews posts said something else :)
Quod me nutrit me destruit - means what nourishes me, destroys me
quis doesnt iuguolo mihi planto mihi validus - what doesnt kill me makes me stronger. someone on the previews posts said something else :)
nex how about telling people where they can get the right translations rather than being a smart arse!! not very helpful really!!.......prat!
hi guys... i dont speak latin but i have done loads a research on the internet... some of the above quates people have given differant ways to say them... they are all correct it just whether you want knew latin or american latin or italian latin or roman latin etc etc.... decide what style of latin u would want then look it up on google translator thats a good site xx
Is there any way i can find out what font the tattoo meaning "There is more to life than just being alive" is in?
Thanks :)
Just live your life. You don't need a stupid latin tatoo to define yourself.
tom... live and let live, if someone makes the personal choice of getting a tattoo good on them, if you dont want a tattoo, simple, dont get one.
this weekend i will be getting (on the inside of my left bicep) "Quod tibi fieri non vis, alteri ne feceris" which means "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" - we all lose ourselves from time to time, so i find this tattoo quite meaningful as its a constant reminder that no matter what others should be treated with respect. we are all fighting our own battles throughout life.
Some other forms of this rule stretching back to ancient times:
"Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”Udana-Varga, 5:18 (African)
“Wish not for others what ye wish not for yourselves”Kitab-I-Aqdas (African)
“In five ways should a clansman minister to his friends and familiars, by treating them as he treats himself.”Sigalovada Sutta v.31 (Buddhist)
“Do not do to others what you would not like yourself. Then there will be no resentment against you, either in the family or in the state.”Analects 12:2 (Confucian)
"One word which sums up the basis for all good conduct…loving kindness. Do not do unto others what you would not want done to yourself.”Analects of Confucius 15:23
"We should behave to friends as we would wish friends to behave to us.”Aristotle (Ancient Greek philosophy)
"Do not do to others that which would anger you if others did it to you.”Socrates (Ancient Greek philosophy)
"One should not behave towards others in a way which is disagreeable to oneself. This is the essence of morality. All other activities are due to selfish desire."Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva 113.8 (Hinduism)
“Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others that which you wish for yourself.”The Prophet Mohammed Hadith (Islam)
“A Man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated.”Agamas Sutrakritanga 1.11.33 (Jainism)(These guys were REALLY serious about this rule)
“All things are our relatives; what we do to everything, we do to ourselves. All is really one.”Black Elk (Native American)
“The heart of the person before you is a mirror. See there your own form.”(Shinto)
So yeah, it's a good rule to live by. It must be an effective and meaningful one for it to have been independently concluded in so many places and times, by both religious and non-religious thinkers. I try to live by it myself.
im wanting to get a tattoo that says "Til Death Do us Part"??? in latin....or maybe a idea of something im getting ready to get married to my high school sweet heart and we want to get some similar tattoos...any help?
I want to get a tattoo in latin that says karma does anyone know whatd it look like or the lettering?
do u know the latin sayin live for the day
hi, i would like to know how to translate "life is beautiful" in latin. i recently saw one in italian and it was written as "la vita bella" i am not sure if this is back to front or even correct as i dont want it to say a beautiful life but life is beautiful.
danny
i dont know live the day but a popular one is seize the day, carpe diem
Does anyone know how to write "Life is an adventure" in latin?
can you translate ''no one alive, can always be an angel' into latin. and e-mail it to me at oxlitllee@yahoo.com. thank you!
guys does anyone know wat "everything happens for a reason" mte b? thanks :)
Ya James, that's the reason it's called the "Golden Rule." No Christianity reference? Try Wikipedia, ethic of reciprocity.
Could somebody translate: God, grant me forgiveness and strength
I need that translated into latin-forgot to put that on there :)
my email address is ashpot97@mindspring.com
thanks!
Can anyone tell me what the first part of a latin phrase is, it has to do with tyranny and rebellion. The seccond part is something like "Rebellium fio officium"
And can you give me the meaning to the whole phrase?
Thanks
Can someone please translate "Find a Way" from english to latin for me? I used a translator on the internet and it said it was "Reperio a Via", is that right?
I would like to know what is "naked truth" in latin? All the translators on the internet say it's "vertitas nuda" but I'm not so eager to just put something on my skin that I'm not sure about.so can anyone tell me is "veritas nuda" in latin "naked truth"?and if it's not that what it is then?
Can anyone translate "faith guides me" into latin?
http://www.allexperts.com/el/2145-9/Latin/
that site has an latin expert who would translate phrases. but don't tell her you're doing it for a tattoo. she won't translate if it's for homework or a tattoo.
Please could someone translate this into latin for me please?
From error to error one discovers the entire truth.
thanks
Can anyone translate this from the Bible (book of Revelations) into Latin?
Revelation 6:8 - "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him"
Does anyone know the latin for: What I have in my heart, I'll take to my grave
Does anyone know the latin for: What I have in my heart, I'll take to my grave
Would someone who speaks latin really well please translate this into latin for me?
Dream, fight, survive
Thank you very, very much.
lindulienka8@yahoo.com.
hi does anyone know how to say and write: "if you dont stand for anything youll far for everything is in latin"
Hello All!
It sounds like you are in need of a Latin teacher! I've been considering getting a Latin tattoo myself lately.
I don't know if anyone checks this thing on a regular basis, but for the last three people who posted, I thought I would help you out. If there is anyone else who has posted previously and is still looking for a translation leave a new post and I will help you out as well.
Abi: What I have in my heart I will take to my grave = "Quod habeo in corde meo adimam ad sepulcrum meum".
Please note there are multiple vocabulary words for terms like "heart" and "grave" so if the words presented don't strike your fancy I can provide synonyms.
Linda: dream, fight, survive = "sominum, pugna, vivere" and if you prefer I dream, I fight, I survive = "somnio, pugno, vivo"
Carol: Did you mean "If you (singular) don't stand for anything you (singular) will fall for everything"? If that is the case then the Latin would be: "Si non stas cui accides quibusque"
One thing you need to know about Latin that makes it very different from English is that Latin is a highly inflected language, meaning word order does not matter. If you don't like the look of the way words are arranged you can always switch them up. For example:Puella iacit pupam, pupam habet puella, habet pupam puella, puella pupam habet, etc. all mean the same thing (The girl has a doll).
Quick correction to my last post
dream = somnium
not sominum. Dona mihi veniam! (Forgive me!!! Literally it means "Give forgiveness to me!")
Hello,
Can anyone help me translate 'I have spread my dreams under your feet' in latin please?
Thank you so much!!
Does anyone know a translation for "I ask your forgiveness for my lack of faithfulness in asking your forgiveness"? I suppose there is a chance that this doesn't even translate at all...can anyone help me find out? Thanks.
why dont you guys just get those sentances translated in english???
Hello again lovelies,
Jenny: I have spread my dreams under your feet = "Dilatavi mea somnia sub tuis pedibus" ( What a beautiful expression)
cellard00r: "Rogo tuam veniam ergo mea penuria veniae rogans tuae veniae" (I hope this wasn't for your Latin homework! The literal translation of the Latin is "I ask your forgiveness on account of my lack of faith asking for your forgiveness" )
faith guides me: fides me ducet
everything happens for a reason: omnia causa fiunt
working
Clayton Kraus says:
10 months ago
I absolutely love your tatoo ideas! I have Veni vidi vici tat'ed on my side, check it out, myspace.com/imsosogreat
mutch love.