I’ve always wanted to learn Latin. As a poet, author, and lover of ancient texts, learning it seemed like the right thing to do. And I did try, but never managed to get fluent enough to read past the basics.

That didn’t stop me, though, and one of my favorite things to do is look up Latin proverbs and phrases that I can apply to my modern life.

You saw some of that work last week, when I posted a poem based on one of my favorite Latin phrases. This week, I thought we’d take it a bit further and look at some common (and uncommon) Latin phrases that everyone should know.

Latin Phrases for Everyday Life

Alea jacta est– The Die is Cast

This phrase means that events have reached the point of no return. Attributed to Julius Caesar around 49 BC.

Ars gratia artis.– Art for Art’s Sake.

A modern Latin translation from the French l’art pour l’art, which has been around since the 19th century.

Asinus asinum fricat– One Donkey Rubs Another

Ancient phrase to describe two people who praise each other excessively to make each other look good.

Aut inveniam viam aut faciam– I will either find a way, or I will make one.

Another favorite of mine. It’s generally attributed to Carthaginian General Hannibal around 218 BC.

Carpe diem– Seize the Day.

A common phrase taken from the works of Horace, written around 23 BC, that means to enjoy the pleasures of the day.

Carpe noctem– Seize the Night.

A modern variation of Carpe Diem that means to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

Docendo discimus– We Learn by Teaching.

A self-explanatory phrase taken from the Letters to Lucilius (Book I, letter 7, section 8) by Seneca the Younger.

Dulcius ex asperis– Sweeter After Hardships

An ancient phrase that expresses the joy we might feel once a difficult time or task is over.

Dum spiro, spero– While I Breathe, I Hope.

A famous phrase to remind yourself that while you’re alive, there’s a chance for better things.

Errare humanum est, in errore perseverare stultum– To Err is Human; to Persist in Error is Foolish.

Basically, it’s ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. It’s often attributed to Seneca the Younger, but no one knows for sure.

Facta, non verba– Deeds, not Words.

A common Latin motto that means people value actions over words.

Historia magistra vitae est– History is the Teacher of Life

Taken from De Oratore by Cicero, this phrase essentially means to learn from your past.

In vino veritas– In Wine, there is Truth.

Comes from the Greek Οἶνος, ὦ φίλε παῖ, καὶ ἀλάθεα, which means “Wine, my dear boy, and truth.”
Attributed to Alcaeus the poet, Fragment 126.

Lupus in fabula– Speak of the Wolf and He Appears.

A famous Latin idiom, akin to our “Speak of the Devil,” which is used when the person you’re talking about suddenly appears.

Margaritas ante porcos– Pearls before Swine.

Based on the Bible verse Matthew 7:6, this phrase reminds us not to give valuable things to people who are unworthy of them.

Ne supra crepidam sutor judicaret– Let not the Cobbler judge beyond his Sandal.

A phrase that means you shouldn’t give advice beyond your expertise. It comes from a story about the artist Apelles, as written by Pliny the Elder, about a shoemaker who attempted to critique a painting beyond the shoes.

Nemo gratis mendax– No One is a Liar for Nothing.

A common Latin proverb that implies people who lie often have hidden or ulterior motives.

Non omne quod nitet aurum est– Not Everything that Glitters is Gold.

A Latin aphorism that means something that looks good on the outside may not be good on the inside. The original phrase dates back to the 12th century and may be attributed to Aesop, but the common version comes from the Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare.

Omnia vincit amor– Love Conquers All.

From the Bucolics by Virgil, this phrase means that love can overcome any hardship.

Panem et circenses– Bread and Circuses.

Attributed to the Satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis (Juvenal), this is a phrase that represents how politicians can distract the people in order to gain their favor.

Per aspera ad astra– Through Hardships to the Stars.

A variation of the phrase “Non est ad astra mollis e terris via” (There is no easy path from the earth to the stars) from the play Hercules Furens by Seneca the Younger.

It means that you have to work hard to reach your goals.

Philosophum non facit barba– A Beard Does Not Make A Philosopher.

A classical Latin phrase that means a person’s appearance does not represent their true nature.

The end of Part 1

This list became WAY longer than I anticipated, so I’m going to stop here and save the rest for part 2.

As you can see, Latin has a phrase, proverb, or saying for nearly every situation, and these were carefully selected to represent (what I consider) important reminders.

I also did my own research to bring you the definitions and sources (when available), and it’s as accurate as I can possibly make it!

To learn more Latin Phrases, check out Pinteric.com or the Superprof Blog.

What are your favorite Latin phrases? Let me know in the comments!