Latin tattoos never seem to go out of style. Agree, there is something mystical in the language spoken by one of the most ancient cultures. And starting from the 1st century AD, many European settlements communicated through it. Unfortunately, today the Latin language is considered completely dead, but great phrases in it are still in great demand and respect. Many people choose some kind of Latin inscription for a tattoo. Most often these are philosophical, love and family themes.
Today it is difficult to independently translate the required inscription for a tattoo, but many resources have been created on the Internet for this. However, as you yourself understand, you should not completely trust them. Check the translation in more than one source before applying words to your body. Many people act quite reasonably, using long-established and proven phrases in Latin. It's a mistake to think that this narrows your choices. There are so many Latin phrases that you may have difficulty with the final definition. Our selection today is entirely devoted to tattoo inscriptions in Latin with translation.
Latin inscriptions for tattoos
Motivational tattoo inscriptions in Latin
The Latin language is great for phrases that motivate and inspire a person to do something. It was spoken by the great generals and rulers of Rome; it was during that era that many well-known sayings arose. Here are some of them:
- non ducor duco - I am not a follower, I lead myself.
- semper ad meliora - moving only forward is the best solution.
- dum vita est, spes est - as long as I breathe, I hope.
- Recordare quia ego Dominus - remember that you must live.
- Sed anima plus est quam manere - life is more than just being on this earth.
- Ille vincit qui se vincit - the one who can defeat himself wins.
- Faber est quisque fortunae suae - every person is the creator of his own destiny.
- Qui estis - be who you are.
- Nunc aut numquam - now or never.
- Dicere non audeamus - have the courage to say no.
- Rectum, quia honestum est - do what you think is right, because it is right.
- Te obtinuit amittere duobus proeliis vincere - before winning the main fight, you need to sacrifice the previous ones.
- Aut vincere, aut mori - either win or die.
- Certum voto pete finem - set yourself only achievable goals (i.e. don’t fly in the clouds).
- Facta sunt potentiora verbis - actions are stronger than words.
- Nunquam retrorsum, semper ingrediendum - not a step back, always forward.
Love tattoo lettering in Latin
As the Romans themselves said, even the Gods are subject to love. Not a single living creature on the planet can do without it. For some, love brings a feeling of euphoria and joy, for others it brings pain and suffering. Many people strive to immortalize their feelings, whatever they may be, on their body. Here are some of them:
- Amantes sunt amentes - lovers are mad.
- Amor etiam deos tangit - even gods are subject to love.
- Amor, ut lacrima, ab oculo oritur, in cor cadit - love, like a tear, is born from the eyes and falls on the heart.
- Castigo te non quod odio habeam, sed quod amem - I punish you not because I hate you, but because I love you.
- Felix, qui quod amat, defendere fortiter audit - happy is he who boldly takes under his protection what he loves.
- Finis vitae, sed non amoris - life ends, but not love.
- In venere semper certat dolor et gaudium - pain and joy always compete in love.
- nunc scio quid sit amor - now I know what love means.
- omnia vincit amor - love conquers all obstacles.
- si vis amari ama - if you want to be loved, love yourself.
- Amor gignit amorem - love begets love.
- Una in perpetuum - together forever.
- Tecum vivere amem, tecum obeam libens - I want to live and die with you.
- Tuus perdite sodalis amans - forever your loving soul mate.
- Numquam te amare desistam - I will never stop loving you.
- Amor meus amplior quam verba est - my love is more than words.
- ecum vivere amem, tecum obeam libens - with you I would like to live, with you I would like to die.
- Sine amore, nihil est vita - life is meaningless without love.
- Mea vita et anima es - you are my life and soul.
Philosophical tattoo inscriptions in Latin
A lot of things in life require reflection. Life is not an easy thing. Every person strives to somehow realize himself, achieving his goals through many obstacles. Some believe that life is a thorny path, others believe that this path is very short. These thoughts were not alien to the ancient philosophers. It is thanks to them that today we have many beautiful Latin phrases on eternal philosophical topics that make us think. Here are some of them:
- Vitam diligere. Amabit te - love life, it will love you back.
- De vita nusquam abruptis - never regret.
- Tolle quod dat vitam - take what life offers you.
- Video faciem optimism vitam specula - I look at life only with optimism.
- Vita difficile est. Te potest esse difficilius - life is cruel, but you can be tougher.
- Non quae libri vita docet - life teaches what is not written about in books.
- Populus, populi ad vitam resurgit - people come, people go, but life goes on.
- Vita multas tempestates sedat aliqua - life - striped.
- Omnes vulnerant, ultima necat - every hour wounds, the last one kills.
- Perigrinatio est vita - life is a journey.
In previous articles on the topic of tattoos with translation, we have already given examples of the most original ideas. Today, such options have not escaped our attention. I would especially like to highlight the tattoo inscription (Latin with translation) in the form of three crossed circles, reminiscent of. More than one Latin phrase can fit on such a tattoo. For some, this can be a real salvation.
Also, for those who want to place more text on their body, we can offer this option. Latin stitches always look very attractive on the shoulder blade. This design suits both boys and girls. Remember Angelina Jolie.
Among the representatives of the stronger half, inscriptions on the chest are very popular. Here is one such example.
In the search for a suitable tattoo, inscriptions in Latin with translation are far from the last place. The fashion for meaningless drawings has passed, and now people decorate their bodies consciously so that they don’t have to get rid of the image in a few years.
Why Latin?
Latin is one of the few languages that has survived from antiquity. Today it is official in the Vatican and accepted by the Catholic Church, but is considered dead as it is not used colloquially. The greatest minds of mankind spoke this language, which is why many aphorisms in Latin have been preserved to this day, in demand and respect. In Russia, it is used in rare cases, for example, in the designation of medical terms.
People who want to get a tattoo think about its meaning so that the image does not become boring over the years. Latin inscriptions are ideal for hiding the meaning of a tattoo from others.
What to do? Choose an inscription from many existing ones or come up with your own? What handwriting should you use to make your tattoo look beautiful? Which part of the body should I apply it to? All questions have answers.
Ideas for lettering tattoos
For Latin inscriptions on the body, the main thing is the semantic load. Only a long selection of a meaningful phrase will lead to success. The expression can motivate, remind you of significant moments, life goals and priorities, but it should not get boring. By piercing your body, you reveal part of your soul and moral values to the world. What should you choose for yourself?
Love
For many people, the priority in life is love and family. You can imprint the names of relatives (children, spouse), wedding vows and beautiful aphorisms on your body in Latin. The most popular among them are:
- Magna res est amor - “Love is a great thing.”
- Amor Vincit Omnia – “Love conquers all.”
- Amor et honor - “Love and honor.”
- Si vis amari ama - “If you want to be loved, love yourself.”
- Dum spiro, amo atque credo - “I love and believe while I breathe.”
- Finis vitae, sed non amoris - “Life ends, but not love.”
Life philosophy
To achieve your goals, you need to follow the rules. A life motto that you always remember gives strength to work, implement plans, and eternal struggle. Here are some suitable sayings:
- Suum cuique – “To each his own.”
- Silentium - “Silence”.
- Procul negotiis - “Get out of trouble.”
- Per aspera ad astra – “Through thorns to the stars.”
- Vivere militare est – “To live is to fight.”
- Experientia est optima magis – “Experience is the best teacher.”
Women's inscriptions
The tenderness and sensuality of female nature differs from male rudeness. You can emphasize your sophistication and love of beauty with the following phrases:
- Sancta sanctorum - “Holy of Holies.”
- Amat victoria curam - “Victory loves care.”
- O fallacem hominum spem! - “How deceptive human hope is!”
- Abo in pace - “Go in peace.”
- Cantus cycneus – “Swan song”.
- Contra spem spero - “I hope without hope.”
Reminders of the transience of life
People who value their life and value it always remember death. Such tattoos give impetus to constant development, because you need to do everything. Tattoos about death are relevant among people whose lives hung in the balance:
- Cave! - "Be careful!"
- Fatum - “Fate”.
- Jus vitae ac necis - “The right to dispose of life and death.”
- Malo mori quam foedari - “Dishonor is worse than death.”
- Me quoque fata regunt - “Fate has subjugated me too.”
- Via sacra – “Holy Way.”
Thoughts on freedom
Freedom-loving people value rebellion and the ability to make their own choices. There is also a selection of Latin inscriptions for tattoos for them:
- Homo liber – “Free man”.
- Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro – “It is shameful to sell freedom for gold.”
- Vita sine libertate, nihil - “Life without freedom is nothing.”
- Liberum arbitrium indifferentiae – “Absolute freedom of choice.”
- In arte libertas – “In art there is freedom.”
To sum up, we can confidently say that each person is individual and can find a Latin catchphrase to his liking. Like tattoos, they look harmonious and are filled with meaning.
Advice! Before getting a tattoo, answer the questions: what life values do you have, aspirations, what situation do you want to capture in what language and part of the body. After talking to yourself, it becomes clear whether a tattoo is needed or is it dictated by fashion trends.
How to choose a font?
It is not enough to choose a saying filled with meaning to depict on the body. The tattoo should look beautiful and attract attention.
Tattoo artists offer 2–3 times more Latin fonts than Russian ones, because they are more often popular. The tattooed person chooses: ancient or modern font, print or cursive, pretentiousness and roundness or severity and angularity, Gothic, Middle Ages and other fonts captivate with their variety.
Modern tattoo parlors on their websites offer you to choose a font for a Latin tattoo online. To use the service, you need to enter the inscription in Latin in a special field. After this, a palette of fonts will appear that you can try on the saying.
If you decide to get a tattoo in a salon on whose website you select the font, you can immediately send the completed form to the artist. If there is another salon in the city, just print out the image for clarity.
Advice! Spend as much time choosing the font as you do the inscription. For outsiders, form is more important than content, so the tattoo needs to look stylish and harmonious.
I'll get a tattoo on this one and that one
When an inscription for a tattoo is chosen, a fair question arises: where will it look best? To hide or not? How to arrange long text so that it looks beautiful?
In the case of a tattoo, you always need to choose a part of the body on which the inscription will look harmonious. It also depends on the person’s pain threshold and ability to tolerate the effects of the tattoo machine.
- Hands are the most popular for tattooing. Shoulder, palm, hand, fingers - where to write the inscription? Masters do not recommend placing large inscriptions on these parts of the body. If the Latin aphorism can be read even in a photo, it is better to abandon the idea, since the employer may be embarrassed by the fact of having a tattoo.
- Tattoos on the wrists do not wear well, so it is better to abandon the idea.
- The back becomes a real tattoo board. Among the advantages, tattooed people highlight mild pain and the simple ability to hide the inscription. The area is suitable for tattooing long and large phrases.
- The stomach as a place for a tattoo is not the best solution. During pregnancy or when gaining weight, the inscription may become distorted. The rule also applies to the femoral area.
- The leg is also open to the creativity of the tattoo artist. On the top of the foot, the image does not look vulgar; it can be easily hidden from others. On the lower leg, the pain is intensified, as there are many nerve endings there.
- It is also important to take into account that tattoos do not stick on the surface of the foot, which is in contact with the floor, and on the palms.
- Very painful parts of the body are the chest and chest (for girls), the sacrum (for guys), shoulder blades, elbows, armpits and perineum.
Advice! Choose a master based on his portfolio. He may be a drawing genius, but not know how to work with fonts. Look for someone who does an amazing job as the tattoo will last a lifetime.
Star tattoo lettering
Music and film stars follow fashion trends and also decorate their bodies with Latin inscriptions that are meaningful to them. In this way, they attract the attention of the public, who decipher the meaning of the sayings, and also emphasize their own individuality.
After the birth of her first daughter, Ksenia Borodina tattooed her name on her hand. The idea came from Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, who has not made a single unconscious tattoo. Even their location on the body is symbolic.
Lera Kudryavtseva has an inscription on her back that translates as “Both soul and body”, and on her wrist - “The main thing in life is love.”
The advantage of tattoo inscriptions is that they are endowed with meaning. They look stylish, original and beautiful if you choose the right font. As a minus, one can highlight the illiteracy of the tattoo artist, who may make a mistake in writing the Latin letter.
Advice! Check the spelling of each letter carefully. The master may make a mistake, and the meaning of the inscription will be spoiled.
What do tattooed people think?
The decisive factor in applying the first tattoo is the reviews of the owners of Latin inscriptions on the body.
Alina, 25 years old: On my shin there is the inscription Gaudeamus igitur, juvenes dum sumus. Translated, it means “Let’s have fun while we’re young.” Many who know the meaning of the words ask what will happen when I get old. I will remember my reckless youth and be proud of myself. Although, I think, even at 70 I will feel like I’m 20. In three years I haven’t gotten tired of the tattoo.
Elvira, 32 years old: At the age of 22, I was hit by a car, and I was on the verge of death. Long-term rehabilitation, the love of my family and the desire to live put me on my feet. Since then, the inscription Memento mori has been emblazoned on my shoulder. When I'm having a hard time, the tattoo reminds me of the value of life and gives me the strength to pull myself together. Literal translation: “Remember death.”
Margarita, 28 years old: I always thought that I was lucky in life. That’s why I have a small inscription under my chest that is meaningful to me: Audaces fortuna juvat – fortune favors the brave. I have never regretted getting a tattoo. Rather than putting a design on the floor of the body, it is better to choose a short but precise saying that characterizes the person.
Alexandra, 30 years old: I've been tattooing for about five years. Latin lettering has been in great demand lately and I can see why. Their meaning is important to the owner. It becomes a real talisman for a person.
Summarizing what has been said, we can conclude that people put inscriptions on their bodies that tell about a person’s character.
Do you have a tattoo?We look forward to your comments!
Having a tattoo on your body is now considered fashionable. It’s especially great if the body image carries a certain meaning. A tattoo in the form of an inscription can be a great motivator for you and those around you. Text tattoos can be done in a variety of styles, from elegant cursive to minimalist printed. Drawings with words or quotes reveal the essence of a person better than others, reminding them of the trials they had to go through or the happy moments of life. In addition, tattoos in the form of inscriptions are also good because you are unlikely to meet a person with a similar image. You can show your personality through text. By the way, here you have a choice: you can write words both in your native language and in a foreign language. One of the most popular places to apply such a tattoo is the hand.
Tattoo inscriptions with translation
Tattoos in Latin with translation
The leading place among foreign language sources is occupied by English and Latin. However, they are also in great demand. It is worth noting that tattoos with Latin text often express a philosophical meaning, since they, as a rule, were sayings of noble and great people of antiquity. Latin quotes can be seen on both men and women.
Family tattoo lettering
A woman's strength is in her family. Some representatives of the fair sex strive to show their love for loved ones. Tattoos of the word "Family" and its derivatives can be seen on the wrist, ankle, foot and neck.
Philosophical tattoo inscriptions
Representatives of the fair sex are deeper creatures than they might seem at first glance. Sometimes a simple girl can harbor such emotions, experiences and thoughts that are difficult to imagine at first. Creative people approach this, as a rule, from a philosophical point of view. Here it is no longer possible to get by with just one word. Although, as we know, one word can contain a powerful inspiring force.
Beautiful phrases in English for tattoos with translation
If you are thinking about writing in English, this list of phrases will be of interest to you:
- Battle of life - Fight for life.
- Be careful with your thoughts - they are the beginning of deeds - Be careful with your thoughts - they are the beginning of actions.
- Destroy what destroys you - Destroy what destroys you.
- Don"t break up with your past until you"re sure in your future - Don't break up with your past until you are sure of your future.
- Endless love - Endless love.
- Everyone has one's own path - Everyone has their own path.
- Everyone is the creator of one's own fate - Everyone is the creator of their own fate.
- Everyone sees the world in one's own way - Each person sees the world in his own way.
- Fear transfers the clever into the silly, and makes the strong be the weak - Fear makes the smart foolish and the strong weak.
- Follow your heart - Follow your heart.
- Free your mind - Free your mind.
- I remember too much, that"s why I"m damn sad sometimes - I remember a lot, that's why I'm sometimes damn sad.
- Live without regrets - Live without regrets.
- Music creates the feelings which you can't find in life - Music creates feelings that do not exist in life.
- Never give up - Never give up.
- Never look back - Never look back.
- Never stop dreaming - Never stop dreaming.
- Now or never - Now or never.
- People rejoice at the Sun, and I"m dreaming of the Moon - People rejoice at the sun, and I dream of the moon.
- The inevitable price we pay for our happiness is eternal fear to lose it - The inevitable price we pay for happiness is the eternal fear of losing it.
- The love of my life - The love of my life.
- The most dangerous demons live in our hearts - The most dangerous demons live in our hearts.
- Wait and see - Let's wait and see.
- We hate the ones we love because they can cause the deepest suffering - We hate those we love because they are capable of causing us the most suffering.
- While I am breathing, I love and believe. - As long as I breathe, I love and believe.
Ab altero expectes, alteri quod feceris.
Expect from another what you yourself have done to another.
Ad pulchritudinem ego excitata sum, elegantia spiro et artem efflo.
I am awakened to beauty, breathe grace and radiate art.
Abiens, abi!
Leaving go!
Adversa fortuna.
Evil rock.
Aequam memento rebus in arduis servare mentem.
Try to maintain presence of mind even in difficult circumstances.
Aetate fruere, mobili cursu fugit.
Take advantage of life, it is so fleeting.
Actum ne agas.
What you're done with, don't come back to.
Aliena vitia in oculis habemus, a tergo nostra sunt.
Other people's vices are before our eyes, ours are behind our backs.
Aliis inserviendo consumor.
I waste myself in serving others.
(The inscription under the candle as a symbol of self-sacrifice, cited in numerous editions of collections of symbols and emblems.)
Amantes sunt amentes.
Lovers are crazy.
Amicos res secundae parant, adversae probant.
Friends are made by happiness, misfortune tests them.
Amor etiam deos tangit.
Even the gods are subject to love.
Amor non est medicabilis herbis.
Love cannot be cured with herbs.
(i.e. there is no cure for love. Ovid, "Heroids")
Amor omnia vincit.
Love conquers everything.
Amor, ut lacrima, ab oculo oritur, in cor cadit.
Love, like a tear, is born from the eyes and falls on the heart.
Antiquus amor cancer est.
Old love is not forgotten.
Audi, multa, loquere pauca.
Listen a lot, talk little.
Audi, vide, sile.
Listen, watch and be silent.
Audire ignoti quom imperant soleo non auscultare.
I'm ready to listen to stupidity, but I won't listen.
Aut viam inveniam, aut faciam.
Either I’ll find a way, or I’ll pave it myself.
Aut vincere, aut mori.
Either win or die.
Aut caesar, aut nihil.
Either Caesar or nothing.
Beatitudo non est virtutis praemium, sed ipsa virtus.
Happiness is not a reward for valor, but it is valor itself.
Benefacta male locata malefacta arbitror.
I consider blessings shown to an unworthy person to be atrocities.
(Cicero)
Calamitas virtutis occasio.
Adversity is the touchstone of valor.
(Seneca)
Carpe diem.
Seize the day.
(Horace)
Usually translated as “Seize the day,” although “Seize the day” is more accurate.
Castigo te non quod odio habeam, sed quod amem.
I punish you not because I hate you, but because I love you.
Certum voto pete finem.
Set yourself only clear goals (i.e. achievable).
Cogitationes poenam nemo patitur.
No one is punished for thoughts.
(One of the provisions of Roman law (Digest))
Cogito, ergo sum.
I think, therefore I exist.
(The position based on which the French philosopher and mathematician Descartes tried to build a system of philosophy free from elements of faith and based entirely on the activity of reason. René Descartes, “Principles of Philosophy”, I, 7, 9.)
Conscientia mille testes.
Conscience is a thousand witnesses.
(Latin proverb)
Consultor homini tempus utilissimus.
Time is the most useful adviser to a person.
Corrige praeteritum, praesens rege, cerne futurum.
Correct the past, manage the present, provide for the future.
Cui ridet Fortuna, eum ignorat Femida.
Whoever Fortune smiles on, Themis does not notice.
Cujusvis hominis est errare; nullius, nisi insipientis in errore perseverare.
It is common for every person to make mistakes, but only a fool tends to persist in a mistake.
Cum vitia present, paccat qui recte facit.
When vices flourish, those who live honestly suffer.
Damant, quod non intelegunt.
They judge because they don't understand.
De gustibus non disputandum est.
Tastes could not be discussed.
(Cf. Russian. There is no comrade for taste and color.)
De mortuis aut bene, aut nihil.
About the dead it’s either good or nothing.
(A probable source is Chilo’s saying “do not speak ill of the dead.”)
Descensus averno facilis est.
The path to hell is easy.
Deus ipse se fecit.
God created himself.
Divide et impera.
Divide and rule.
(Latin formulation of the principle of imperialist policy, which arose in modern times.)
Dolus an virtus quis in hoste requirat?
Who will decide between cunning and valor when dealing with the enemy?
(Virgil, Aeneid, II, 390)
Ducunt volentem fata, nolentem trahunt.
Fate leads those who want to go, but drags those who don’t want to go.
(Cleanthes' saying, translated into Latin by Seneca.)
Dura lex, sed lex.
The law is harsh, but it is the law.
(No matter how harsh the law is, it must be obeyed.)
Dum spiro, spero!
While I breathe I hope!
Dum spiro, amo atque credo.
As long as I breathe, I love and believe.
Edite, bibite, post mortem nulla voluptas!
Eat, drink, there is no pleasure after death!
(From an old student song. A common motif of ancient inscriptions on tombstones and table utensils.)
Educa te ipsum!
Educate yourself!
Esse oportet ut vivas, non vivere ut edas.
You have to eat to live, not live to eat.
(Medieval maxim paraphrasing the ancient sayings of Quintilian: “I eat to live, but I do not live to eat” and Socrates: “Some people live to eat, but I eat to live.”)
Esse quam videri.
Be, not seem to be.
Etiam innocentes cogit mentiri dolor.
Pain makes even the innocent lie.
(Publius, "Sentences")
Ex nihilo nihil fit.
Nothing comes from nothing.
Ex malis eligere minima.
Choose the least of two evils.
Ex ungue leonem.
You can recognize a lion by its claws.
Ex ungua leonem cognoscimus, ex auribus asinum.
We recognize a lion by its claws, and a donkey by its ears.
Experientia est optima magistra.
Experience is the best teacher.
Facile omnes, cum valemus, recta consilia aegrotis damus.
When we are healthy, we easily give good advice to the sick.
Facta sunt potentiora verbis.
Acts are stronger than words.
Factum est factam.
What's done is done (a fact is a fact).
Fama clamosa.
Loud glory.
Fama volat.
The earth is full of rumors.
Feci quod potui, faciant meliora potentes.
I did everything I could, let anyone who can do it do better.
(A paraphrase of the formula with which the Roman consuls concluded their reporting speech, transferring powers to their successor.)
Felix, qui quod amat, defendere fortiter audet.
Happy is he who boldly takes under his protection what he loves.
Feminae naturam regere desperare est otium.
Having decided to pacify a woman’s temperament, say goodbye to peace!
Festina lente.
Hurry up slowly.
Fide, sed cui fidas, vide.
Be vigilant; trust, but be careful who you trust.
Fidelis et forfis.
Loyal and brave.
Finis vitae, sed non amoris.
Life ends, but not love.
Flagrante delicto.
At the crime scene, red-handed.
Forsomnia versas.
Blind chance changes everything (the will of blind chance).
Fortes fortuna adjuvat.
Fate helps the brave.
Fortiter in re, suaviter in modo.
Firm in action, gentle in handling.
(Persistently achieve the goal, acting gently.)
Fortunam citius reperis, quam retineas.
Happiness is easier to find than to maintain.
Fortunam suam quisque parat.
Everyone finds their destiny themselves.
Fructus temporum.
Fruit of time.
Fuge, late, tace.
Run, hide, be silent.
Fugit irrevocabile tempus.
Irreversible time is running out.
Gaudeamus igitur.
So let's have fun.
Gloria victoribus.
Glory to the winners.
Gustus legibus non subiacet.
Taste does not obey laws.
Gutta cavat lapidem.
A drop wears away a stone.
Heu conscienta animi gravis est servitus.
Worse than slavery is remorse.
Heu quam est timendus qui mori tutus putat!
He is terrible who considers death to be good!
Hoc est vivere bis, vita posse priore frui.
To be able to enjoy the life you have lived means to live twice.
(Martial, "Epigrams")
Homines amplius oculis, quam auribus credunt.
People believe their eyes more than their ears.
Homines, dum docent, discunt.
People learn by teaching.
Hominis est errare.
Humans tend to make mistakes.
Homines non odi, sed ejus vitia.
It is not the person I hate, but his vices.
Homines quo plura habent, eo cupiunt ampliora.
The more people have, the more they want to have.
Homo hominis amicus est.
Man is a friend to man.
Homo homini lupus est.
Man is a wolf to man.
(Plautus, "Donkeys")
Homo sum et nihil humani a me alienum puto.
I am a man, and nothing human is alien to me.
Ibi potest valere populus, ubi leges valent.
Where the laws are in force, the people are strong.
Igne natura renovatur integra.
With fire, all nature is renewed.
Ignoscito saepe alteri, nunquam tibi.
Forgive others often, never forgive yourself.
(Publilius, Sentences)
Imago animi vultus est.
The face is the mirror of the soul.
Imperare sibi maximum imperium est.
To command oneself is the greatest power.
In aeternum.
Forever, forever.
In Daemon Deus!
There is God in the Demon!
In dubio abstine.
When in doubt, refrain.
Infandum renovare dolorem.
To resurrect the terrible (literally: “unspeakable”) pain
(that is, talk about the sad past).
(Virgil, "Aeneid")
Infelicissimum genus infortunii est fuisse felicem.
The greatest misfortune is to be happy in the past.
In pace.
In peace, in peace.
Incedo per ignes.
I walk among the fire.
Incertus animus dimidium sapientiae est.
Doubt is half of wisdom.
Injuriam facilius facias guam feras.
It's easy to offend, harder to endure.
In me omnis spes mihi est.
All my hope is in myself.
In memoriam.
In memory.
In pace leones, in proelio cervi.
In times of peace - lions, in battle - deer.
(Tertullian, "On the Crown")
Inter arma silent legs.
When weapons thunder, the laws are silent.
Inter parietes.
Within four walls.
In tyrannos.
Against tyrants.
In vino veritas.
The truth is in the wine.
(Cf. Pliny the Elder: “It is generally accepted to attribute truthfulness to wine.”)
In vino veritas, in aqua sanitas.
Truth is in wine, health is in water.
In vitium ducit culpae fuga.
The desire to avoid a mistake draws you into another.
(Horace, "The Science of Poetry")
In venere semper certat dolor et gaudium.
In love, pain and joy always compete.
Ira furor brevis est.
Anger is a short-term madness.
(Horace, "Epistle")
Ira initium insaniae est.
Anger is the beginning of madness.
Jactantius maerent, quae minus dolent.
Those who show their grief the most are those who mourn the least.
Jucundissimus est amari, sed non minus amare.
It is very pleasant to be loved, but it is no less pleasant to love yourself.
Leve fit, quod bene fertur onus.
The load becomes light when you carry it with humility.
(Ovid, "Love Elegies")
Lucri bonus est odor ex re qualibet.
The smell of profit is pleasant, no matter where it comes from.
(Juvenal, "Satires")
Lupus non mordet lupum.
A wolf will not bite a wolf.
Lupus pilum mutat, non mentem.
The wolf changes its fur, not its nature.
Manus manum lavat.
The hand washes the hand.
(A proverbial expression dating back to the Greek comedian Epicharmus.)
Mea mihi conscientia pluris est quam omnium sermo.
My conscience is more important to me than all the gossip.
Mea vita et anima es.
You are my life and soul.
Melius est nomen bonum quam magnae divitiae.
A good name is better than great wealth.
Meliora spero.
Hoping for the best.
Mens sana in corpore sano.
In a healthy body healthy mind.
Memento mori.
Memento Mori.
(The form of greeting that was exchanged when meeting monks of the Trappist Order. It is used both as a reminder of the inevitability of death and, in a figurative sense, of threatening danger.)
Memento quia pulvis est.
Remember that you are dust.
Mores cuique sui fingit fortunam.
Our fate depends on our morals.
Mors nescit legem, tollit cum paupere regem.
Death does not know the law; it takes both the king and the poor man.
Mors omnia solvit.
Death solves all problems.
Mortem effugere nemo potest.
No one can escape death.
Natura abhorret vacuum.
Nature abhors a vacuum.
Naturalia non sunt turpia.
Natural is not shameful.
Nihil est ab omni parte beatum.
Nothing is good in every way
(i.e. there is no complete well-being Horace, “Odes”).
Nihil habeo, nihil curo.
I have nothing - I don’t care about anything.
Nitinur in vetitum semper, cupimusque negata.
We always strive for the forbidden and desire the forbidden.
(Ovid, "Love Elegies")
Nolite dicere, si nescitis.
Don't say if you don't know.
Non est fumus absque igne.
There is no smoke without fire.
Non ignara mali, miseris succurrere disco.
Having experienced misfortune, I learned to help those who suffer.
(Virgil)
Non progredi est regredi.
Not moving forward means going backwards.
Nunquam retrorsum, semper ingrediendum.
Not one step back, always forward.
Nusquam sunt, qui ubique sunt.
Those who are everywhere are nowhere.
Oderint dum metuant.
Let them hate, as long as they are afraid.
(The words of Atreus from the tragedy Actium named after him. According to Suetonius, this was the favorite saying of Emperor Caligula.)
Odi et amo.
I hate it and love it.
Omne ignotum pro magnifico est.
Everything unknown seems majestic.
(Tacitus, Agricola)
Omnes homines agunt histrionem.
All people are actors on the stage of life.
Omnes vulnerant, ultima necat.
Every hour hurts, the last one kills.
Omnia mea mecum porto.
I carry everything that’s mine with me.
(When the city of Priene was taken by the enemy and the inhabitants in flight tried to capture more of their things, someone advised the sage Biant to do the same. “That’s what I do, because I carry everything that’s mine with me,” he replied, meaning your spiritual wealth.)
Omnia fluunt, omnia mutantur.
Everything flows, everything changes.
Omnia mors aequat.
Death equals everything.
Omnia praeclara rara.
Everything beautiful is rare.
(Cicero)
Omnia, quae volo, adipiscar.
I achieve everything I want.
Omnia vincit amor et nos cedamus amori.
Love conquers everything, and we submit to love.
Optimi consiliarii mortui.
The best advisors are dead ones.
Optimum medicamentum quies est.
The best medicine is peace.
(Medical aphorism, authored by a Roman physician
Aulus Cornelius Celsus.)
Pecunia non olet.
Money doesn't smell.
Per aspera ad astra.
Through hardship to the stars.
(Through difficulties to a high goal.)
Per fas et nefas.
By hook or by crook.
Per risum multum debes cognoscere stultum.
You should recognize a fool by his frequent laughter.
(Medieval proverb.)
Perigrinatio est vita.
Life is a journey.
Persona grata.
A desirable or trusted person.
Petite, et dabitur vobis; quaerite et invenietis; pulsate, et aperietur vobis.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. (Matt. 7:7)
Primus inter pares.
First among equals.
(Formula characterizing the position of the monarch in a feudal state.)
Quae fuerant vitia, mores sunt.
What were vices are now morals.
Quae nocent - docent.
What harms, it teaches.
Qui nisi sunt veri, ratio quoque falsa sit omnis.
If the feelings are not true, then our whole mind will turn out to be false.
Qui tacet – consentire videtur.
Whoever remains silent is considered to have agreed.
(Cf. Russian. Silence is a sign of consent.)
Quid quisque vitet, nunquam homini satis cautum est in horas.
No one can know when to look out for danger.
Quo quisque sapientior est, eo solet esse modestior.
The smarter a person is, the more modest he is usually.
Quod cito fit, cito perit.
What is soon done, soon falls apart.
Quomodo fabula, sic vita; non quam diu, sed quam bene acta sit refert.
Life is like a play in a theater; It's not how long it lasts that matters, but how well it's played.
Respue quod non es.
Throw away what is not you.
Scio me nihil scire.
I know that I know nothing.
(Latin translation of the freely interpreted words of Socrates. Compare Russian. Learn for a century, die a fool.)
Sed semel insanivimus omnes.
We all get mad someday.
Semper mors subest.
Death is always near.
Sequere Deum.
Follow the will of God.
Si etiam omnes, ego non.
Even if everything is, it’s not me.
(i.e. Even if everyone does, I won't)
Si vis amari, ama.
If you want to be loved, love.
Si vis pacem, para bellum.
If you want peace, prepare for war.
(Source – Vegetius. Also cf. Cicero: “If we want to enjoy the world, we have to fight” and Cornelius Nepos: “Peace is created by war.”)
Sibi imperare maximum imperium est.
The highest power is power over oneself.
Similis simili gaudet.
Like rejoices in like.
Sic itur ad astra.
This is how they go to the stars.
Sol lucet omnibus.
The sun is shining for everyone.
Sola mater amanda est et pater honestandus est.
Only a mother is worthy of love, only a father is worthy of respect.
Sua cuique fortuna in manu est.
Everyone has their own destiny in their hands.
Suum cuique.
To each his own
(i.e. to each what belongs to him by right, to each according to his deserts, Provision of Roman law).
Tanta vis probitatis est, ut eam etiam in hoste diligamus.
The power of honesty is such that we value it even from an enemy.
Tanto brevius omne tempus, quanto felicius est.
The faster time flies, the happier it is.
Tantum possumus, quantum scimus.
We can do as much as we know.
Tarde venientibus ossa.
Those who come late get bones.
(Latin proverb)
Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis.
Times change, and we change with them.
Tempus fugit.
Time is running out.
Terra incognita.
Unknown land
(trans. something completely unknown or an inaccessible area on ancient geographical maps, this is how unexplored parts of the earth's surface were designated).
Tertium non datur.
There is no third; there is no third.
(In formal logic, one of the four laws of thinking is formulated this way - the law of the excluded middle. According to this law, if two diametrically opposed positions are given, one of which affirms something, and the other, on the contrary, denies, then there will be a third, middle judgment between them can not.)
Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito!
Do not submit to trouble, but boldly go towards it!
Ubi nihil vales, ibi nihil velis.
Where you are not capable of anything, you should not want anything.
Ut ameris, amabilis esto.
To be loved, be worthy of love.
Utatur motu animi qui uti ratione non potest.
He who cannot follow the dictates of the mind, let him follow the movements of the soul.
Varietas delectat.
Variety is fun.
Verae amititiae sempiternae sunt.
True friendship is eternal.
Veni, vidi, vici.
I came, I saw, I conquered.
(According to Plutarch, with this phrase Julius Caesar reported in a letter to his friend Amyntius about his victory in the battle of Zela in August 47 BC over the Pontic king Pharnaces.)
Veni, vidi, fugi.
He came, he saw, he ran away. :)
Victoria nulla est, Quam quae confessos animo quoque subjugat hostes.
True victory is only when the enemies themselves admit defeat.
(Claudian, “On the sixth consulate of Honorius”)
Vita sine libertate, nihil.
Life without freedom is nothing.
Viva vox alit plenius.
Living speech nourishes more abundantly
(i.e., what is presented orally is more successfully absorbed than what is written).
Vivamus atque amemus.
Let's live and love.
Vi veri vniversum vivus vici.
I conquered the universe with the power of truth during my lifetime.
Vivere est agere.
To live means to act.
Vivere est vincere.
To live means to win.
Aphorisms, phrases and quotes in Latin will always be popular in the context of men's tattoos. It is known that Latin is the most ancient language that has survived to this day, which emanates wisdom, mystery and depth. Having looked at the sketches of tattoos in Latin with translation for men, you can understand that they have the same characteristics as the language itself.
Depending on the semantic message, location, and execution style of tattoos, Latin inscriptions can contain either 2-3 words or form entire sentences. The subject of the inscription should resonate with the character and image of the man, and also correspond to his principles and priorities. You can learn more about this from the article below, and also view the most interesting and popular sketches.
You can depict an inscription tattoo in all sorts of interesting ways and fonts, for example, in a curved shape, in the form of a pattern or ornament. But the most important criterion that a man should identify for himself is the theme of the inscription. This could be a tattoo about love, friendship, family, God, as well as various philosophical sayings.
About love
The most popular topic for most men who want to get a tattoo in the form of an inscription is love. What is in the soul is usually conveyed in Latin, depicting beautiful quotes and aphorisms on different parts of the body. The most popular inscriptions about love in Latin are as follows:
Te amo es mecum- I love you, be with me;
Una vita, unus amor- one Love - one Life;
Fac fideli sis fidelis- be faithful to those who are faithful to you;
Amor non est medicabilis herbis– there is no cure for love;
Mea vita et anima es- you are my life and soul.
About friendship
Friends are close people who will share life's struggles or happiness. In the modern world it is difficult to find a friend, which is why the value of friendship is so high, and hence tattoos with inscriptions in Latin on this topic are increasingly appearing. For example:
Aliis inserviendo consumor- I waste myself in serving others;
Magna res est amicitia- friendship is a great thing;
Homo hominis amicus est- man is friend to man;
Amicos res secundae parant, adversae probant— happiness makes friends, misfortune tests them;
Ignoscito saepe alteri, nunquam tibi- forgive others often, never forgive yourself.
Latin words for tattoos
Meaningful inscription tattoos do not always require large text and scale. In fact, you can convey a deep message with a tattoo using just one word. And if it is in Latin, this will add even more wisdom, depth and mystery to it. The inscription words in Latin can be as follows:
Amor- I love;
Credo– I believe;
Miles– warrior;
Dux– leader;
Familia- family.
Philosophical sayings
In 80% of sketches of men's tattoos of inscriptions in Latin, philosophical sayings are used, since the nature of the language itself, as well as the depth and beauty of the meaning of such quotes, is conducive to this. You can verify this if you look at examples of philosophical sayings in Latin:
Amor, ut lacrima, ab oculo oritur, in cor cadit- love, like a tear, is born from the eyes and falls on the heart;
Ars longa, vita brevis- art is durable, but life is short (Hippocrates);
Cibi condimentum est fames- hunger is the best seasoning for food;
Corrige praeteritum, praesens rege, cerne futurum- correct the past, manage the present, provide for the future;
Cui ridet Fortuna, eum ignorat Femida- to whom Fortune smiles, Themis does not notice him.
About family
The most important goal of every adult is to create and preserve a family, and you can express devotion and love to the family with the help of beautiful tattoos of inscriptions in the popular Latin language. For example:
Proximi Mei, Meum Fundamentum- my family is my everything;
Familia Supra Omnia- family comes first;
Bonum caput familiae- respectable head of the family;
Mea familia – patria– my family is my state;
Frangere pro familia- I’ll tear it apart for my family.
About life
The most endless stream of philosophical sayings, aphorisms and quotes concerns human life and existence. You can convey love and desire for life and happiness with the help of inscription tattoos, for example:
Aetate fruere, mobili cursu fugit- enjoy life, it is so fleeting;
Ad infinitum- to infinity;
Out vincere, out mori- either win or die;
Aut viam inveniam, aut faciam- either I’ll find the road, or I’ll pave it myself;
Adversa fortuna- evil fate.
About God, religious inscriptions
Religion is another important choice of every person, which men tend to talk about or express prejudices and devotion with the help of tattoo inscriptions in Latin. Most often, religious inscriptions suggest the following text:
Angelus meus semper mecum est- my angel is always with me;
Salva et serva- bless and save;
Deus solus me iudicare potest- only God can Judge Me;
Sub alis angeli- under the wing of an angel;
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen- in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Motivational phrases
To overcome laziness, self-doubt, fears and doubts, many men get tattoos with inscriptions with a motivating message. Vivid examples of sketches:
Viam supervadet vadens- the one walking will master the road;
Numquamcede- never give up;
Impossibilia non sun- nothing is impossible;
Totus mundus ante pedes meos- the whole world at my feet;
Vel caelus mihi limes non est- even the sky is not the limit.
Why do they tattoo in Latin?
Latin is a language that has been able to maintain its original state until today. The language is officially adopted and used in the Vatican and among Catholics. And although it is not used anywhere in the conversational genre, its popularity in the context of tattoos is off the charts. It's easy to explain:
- Phrases, words or quotes in Latin suggest a deep meaning for the owner of the tattoo, and the language will help change life, according to the “work” of the tattoo.
- A tattoo in Latin looks elegant and mysterious not only for the owner himself, but also for the surrounding gaze. In addition, few people will be able to translate the words, which means that the tattoo will remain a great intrigue.
- Latin combines harmoniously with different tattoos, creating a holistic composition. It will suit any character, religious symbol, animals, birds, plants, and various objects on the tattoo.
Expert opinion
Viola Madison
Tattoo artist, 8 years experience
Only the greatest minds of mankind, scientists, doctors, researchers, historians, have always spoken Latin. From here, respect and tribute with phrases and quotes in Latin becomes clear.
Where do men most often get tattoos with Latin inscriptions?
Where the chosen sketch of the Latin inscription tattoo will be located is an important choice, as it can affect the meaning and emotional message of the tattoo.
Shoulder
On his shoulders, a man can put any phrases and quotes in Latin regarding faith, love, family.
Forearm
A tattoo on the forearm will often come into the view of people around you, so personal and deep meaning is rarely invested in them. Usually this is a demonstration of faith, principles, positions.
Wrist tattoo
Small tattoos of inscriptions are applied to the wrist, since long phrases can be difficult to see and distorted. One word would look ideal.
Tattoos on the palm, hand and fingers
A tattoo with a personal text can be tattooed on the palm; motivating phrases can be tattooed on the hands and fingers, since the hands are the most active and influential part of the body.
Tattoo sleeve
Sleeves are tattoos that cover the entire arm up and down, so in addition to the inscription there will be a whole composition. The semantic message of the picture and the inscription on the hand should be intertwined.
Neck
A tattoo of an inscription in Latin can be on the neck if a man strives for change and a new life with the help of such a body design.
Breast
Tattoos on the chest should imply a purely personal nature. Here you can put phrases that will make men lucky, turn Fortune to face him, and protect him from darkness and evil.
Side
On his side, a man puts a non-trivial tattoo of an inscription; it can relate to religion, devotion to God, love and loyalty to one woman or family.
Hip
Inscriptions relating to love, passion, family, family ties and friendship are appropriate on the hip. But religious text is prohibited from being inserted here.
Back
This area is suitable for tattooing long phrases on a large scale. Therefore, the inscription can be in the form of a quote, a philosophical saying, religious views and prejudices.
Spatula
The energy center responsible for the ego, ambitions and needs of a man is concentrated in this part of the body. Therefore, here you can write a religious text that protects you from temptations and weaknesses, as well as motivating phrases to give you a boost.
Leg
On the legs, tattoos with inscriptions in Latin can relate to motivation and moving forward, so text is applied here that gives strength, luck, and determination. Religious tattoos on legs are depicted extremely rarely.
Are there any recommendations for tattooing with Latin inscriptions?
To ensure that the tattoo becomes your faithful companion in life, and its text, manner of execution and meaning do not lose relevance, ask yourself a few important questions at the planning stage.
- What values do you prioritize in your life?
- What goal are you striving for - family, career, love, friendship?
- Are there important events in your life that you want to always remember?
- Does the Latin match the character and emotional message of the inscription?
- On what part of the body do you want to wear the lettering tattoo?
Do you have tattoos or inscriptions on your body?
YesNo
How to choose a tattoo design for a location on the body?
To select a sketch for the desired place on the body, you can rely on the principle of proportionality and proportionality. It is as follows:
- long phrases on a large scale can be applied to the back, chest, sides and arms;
- medium-sized text will look harmonious on a man’s hips, legs, shoulders, and shoulder blades;
- short sayings or one-word inscriptions are suitable for palms, fingers, hands and wrists.
Important! If you are choosing a tattoo and its location on the body, think about how often the tattoo will have to be hidden in a work or official setting. The pain threshold can also affect the choice of area on the body, since sensitivity to pain is different everywhere.
Styles and colors for tattoos with Latin inscriptions
Many different styles are used for Latin inscriptions, but most often these are the following options:
Trash polka
Graphic arts
Realism
Black work
Tribal
Brutal men with a reserved character and conservative views on life will suit tattoos in black and white. Colored sketches are often preferred by creative people and young, expressive guys.
Where is the best place to get a tattoo?
You can only get guarantees of high-quality results and safe work in a tattoo parlor with a license and experienced artists. Turning to unverified places and amateurs in pursuit of saving money, men are faced with injuries, infections and unattractive tattoos.
Conclusion
A tattoo with an inscription in Latin is the most common choice of men today. The popularity of the Latin language is explained by the fact that the language is the most ancient and accessible only to smart people. The inscriptions may suggest love, religious, motivational or other connotations, depending on the priorities and values of the owner. It is important to choose the right place on the body for the desired sketch.
