Latin C2: Famous sayings · Phrases

Many Latin sayings are still quoted, and each is a small grammar lesson. Carpe diem (Horace): an imperative and an accusative. Errare humanum est: an infinitive as the subject. Mens sana in corpore sano (Juvenal): in + ablative, with the adjective agreeing. Festina lente (Augustus): hurry slowly, a deliberate contradiction. Memento mori: remember that you must die, with the imperative of memini.

• carpe diem — seize the day
• memento mori — remember you must die
• tempus fugit — time flies
• errare humanum est — to err is human
• in vino veritas — in wine there is truth
• festina lente — make haste slowly
• panem et circenses — bread and circuses
• mens sana in corpore sano — a healthy mind in a healthy body

• Veni, vidi, vici. — I came, I saw, I conquered.
• Homo homini lupus. — Man is a wolf to man.
• Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? — Who will guard the guards themselves?
• Ars longa, vita brevis. — Art is long, life is short.