The basic Latin vocabulary: Essential words to know

Learn about the essential words in Latin. Discover more than 120 key words, from greetings and numbers to colors and family members. Expand your knowledge, whether for historical studies or linguistic curiosity, and delve into the world of Latin. Start your Latin journey today!.

Latin, an ancient and foundational language, continues to exert a significant influence on many modern languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Italian. For beginner learners, it is essential to master the basic vocabulary words in order to understand and communicate effectively in this classical language. This article will present a list of essential words in Latin, covering key areas such as greetings, numbers, colors, family members, and more.

Greetings and Common Expressions

Latin	English
Salve	Hello
Ave	Greetings (formal)
Vale	Goodbye
Quomodo vales?	How are you?
Gratus tibi	Thank you

Numbers and Calculations

Latin	English
Unus	One
Duo	Two
Tres	Three
Quattuor	Four
Quinque	Five
Sex	Six
Septem	Seven
Octo	Eight
Novem	Nine
Decem	Ten

Colors

Latin	English
Nigrum	Black
Candidum	White
Rubrum	Red
Caeruleum	Blue
Viride	Green
Flavum	Yellow
Purpureum	Purple

Family Members

Latin	English
Pater	Father
Mater	Mother
Frater	Brother
Soror	Sister
Filius	Son
Filia	Daughter
Avus	Grandfather
Avia	Grandmother

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Animals

Latin	English
Canis	Dog
Felis	Cat
Equus	Horse
Bos	Cow
Porcus	Pig
Avis	Bird
Leo	Lion
Ursus	Bear
Lepus	Rabbit
Serpens	Snake

Body Parts

Latin	English
Caput	Head
Manus	Hand
Pes	Foot
Oculi	Eyes
Auris	Ear
Nasus	Nose
Os	Mouth
Dens	Tooth
Lingua	Tongue
Cor	Heart

Food and Drinks

Latin	English
Panis	Bread
Vinum	Wine
Aqua	Water
Caro	Meat
Caseus	Cheese
Ovum	Egg
Fructus	Fruits
Legumen	Vegetable
Sal	Salt
Oleum	Oil

Nature

Latin	English
Sol	Sun
Luna	Moon
Stellae	Stars
Mare	Sea
Flumen	River
Montes	Mountains
Arbor	Tree
Herba	Grass
Rosa	Rose
Ventus	Wind

Common Verbs

Latin	English
Amo	I love
Video	I see
Audio	I hear
Dico	I say
Facio	I do/make
Venio	I come
Volo	I want
Credo	I believe
Spero	I hope
Nego	I refuse

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Time and Seasons

Latin	English
Tempus	Time
Dies	Day
Nox	Night
Hora	Hour
Mane	Morning
Meridies	Noon
Vesper	Evening
Ver	Spring
Aestas	Summer
Autumnus	Autumn
Hiems	Winter

Places and Directions

Latin	English
Domus	House
Via	Street
Civitas	City
Urbs	Town
Porta	Gate
Forum	Forum
Sinistra	Left
Dextra	Right
Ad	Towards

Emotions

Latin	English
Gaudium	Joy
Tristitia	Sadness
Amor	Love
Odium	Hatred
Metus	Fear
Spes	Hope
Laetitia	Pleasure
Desiderium	Desire
Ira	Anger
Timor	Dread

Objects and Tools

Latin	English
Liber	Book
Tabula	Table
Scrinium	Desk
Calamus	Pen
Gladius	Sword
Scutum	Shield
Cista	Chest
Tela	Canvas
Scalpellum	Scalpel
Linteum	Cloth

Conclusion

These basic vocabulary words serve as an excellent foundation for beginning to learn Latin. They will enable you to understand and communicate in various everyday contexts. It is important to practice them regularly to effectively memorize them.

Remember that Latin is a living language in many fields, such as medicine, religion, law, and linguistics. By knowing these basic words, you can delve deeper into your understanding of these specialized areas and better appreciate the influence of Latin in our culture.

Whether you wish to study history, literature, or simply expand your language knowledge, mastering the basic Latin vocabulary is a valuable asset. So, don't hesitate to explore further and immerse yourself in the rich and fascinating world of the Latin language.