Effective Latin phrases, first spoken in ancient times, remain part of modern life. Winged expressions are used when creating tattoos, sent in SMS messages, used in correspondence and in personal conversation. Often people pronounce the Russian translation of such statements, not even suspecting their origin, the history associated with them.
Most Popular Latin Phrases
There are expressions that came from the ancient language that every person has heard at least once in their life. What are the most popular Latin phrases in the world?
Alma Mater. The definition of "alma mater" has been used by students for many centuries to characterize the educational institution in which they receive higher education. Why were analogues of modern universities called "nurse-mothers"? Like many other Latin phrases, this one has the simplest explanation. At the universities, initially, young people were taught mainly philosophy and theology, the fashion for practical sciences arose later. Consequently, the establishments provided them with spiritual food.
Examples of such statements can be given for a long time. Let's say "the truth is in wine" - a phrase that sounds in Latinlike "In vino veritas", "unwelcome guest" - "Persona non grata", "Cui bono" - "look for who benefits."
Sayings of emperors
The rulers of antiquity also gave the world a lot of well-aimed expressions that have become popular. What famous Latin phrases are attributed to emperors?
"Pecunia non olet". The fact that "money does not smell", mankind learned thanks to the Roman emperor, who ruled at the very beginning of our era. One day, his son spoke disapprovingly of a new tax on public toilets that his father had introduced. The ruler Vespasian, in response, invited the heir to smell the coins brought by the tribute collectors.
"Oderint, dum metuant". Some historians argue that the father of the spectacular statement is Caligula, famous for his own ruthlessness, who once ruled Rome. However, the bloodthirsty king just liked to say "let them hate if they are afraid." Like many Latin phrases, this expression came from the works of writers of those times.
"Et tu, Brute?" These words are pronounced at the betrayal of a person from whom the speaker did not expect anything like this. Nowadays, this is often invested with a humorous meaning. However, the phrase has a dark history, as it was spoken before his death by Caesar, who noticed his best friend among his killers. By the way, the more positive expression “Veni, vidi, vici” also belongs to this emperor, which translates as “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Latin phrases about life
"De gustibus non est disputandum". Othat it is useless to argue about tastes, everyone knows these days. Like many winged Latin phrases, this statement was actively used by scholastics who lived during the Middle Ages. This was said when, for example, they wanted to avoid disputes about the beauty of a particular phenomenon, object, or person. The author of the phrase remained unknown to history.
O tempora! Oh more!” - a quote with which a person is surprised at the times and customs inherent in modern people is attributed to Cicero. But historians failed to establish its author exactly.
Feeling statements
Latin phrases about love have also gained popularity in the modern world, often transferred to tattoos. Mankind knows that it is impossible to hide only love and cough, that there is no cure for this feeling. Perhaps the most popular expression, the author of which remains unknown, sounds like "Amor caecus". The saying is translated into Russian as “love is blind.”
Offering Latin language and quotes related to the end of love, the breakup of a relationship. For example, “Abiens, abi!”, A statement saying that if the decision to break up is made, you should not return to a hopeless relationship. There are other interpretations of the popular phrase, but the love meaning is the most famous.
Finally, there are phrases in Latin with translation, which can be assigned a double meaning. Let's say the saying "Fata viam invenient" is translatedas "you can't hide from fate." This can mean both a fateful meeting and the inevitable separation of lovers. Most often, a negative meaning is invested in it, not always associated with love relationships.
War quotes
Winged Latin phrases often touch on the topic of military operations, which was given maximum attention in the old days.
"Si vis pacem, para bellum". A loud expression in our language is translated as "if you want peace, be ready for battle." The quote can be called a universal formula for imperialist wars, it was taken from a statement by a Roman historian who lived before our era.
Memento mori. This expression is intended to remind of the mortality of each person. Initially, it was pronounced, greeting the rulers of Rome, returning to their homeland with a victory. It was believed that she would prevent the emperor from becoming conceited, placing herself above the gods. There was even a special slave who was required to periodically say this expression.
Death Quotes
"De mortius aut bene, aut nihi". There is hardly a person who has never heard that nothing bad can be said about dead people - only good things. The meaning of the phrase implies that if only bad things can be remembered about a person who left this world, then it is better to remain silent. There are several versions of the origin of the statement, most often it is attributed to the Greek sage Khilop, who lived before our era.
Winged Latin phrases captivate not only with beauty, but also with wisdom. Many of them are stilloffer effective solutions to the complex problems faced by the inhabitants of the modern world, comfort people in sorrow.
