57 Cool Latin Quotes About Death

January 23, 2023

Famous Latin Expressions About Death

The ancient Romans certainly had a way with words, and when it came to Latin quotes about death, they didn’t disappoint.

Check out these impactful Latin quotes about death, below.

11 Popular Latin phrases about life and death

Ars longa, vita brevis

This quote certainly puts the shortness of life into perspective; skillfulness takes time and life is short;

Non est ad astra mollis e terris

There is no easy way from earth to the stars. This epic quote really puts life in perspective.

Qui totum vult totum perdit

He who wants everything loses everything is a Latin term attributed to Seneca.

Amor est vitae essentia

If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to live your life then take this latin phrase on board; love is the essence of life.

Alea iacta est

We love this pivotal quote from Julius Caesar that means; the die is cast.

Aegroto dum anima est

This is an excellent latin quote for the eternally optimistic; as long as there is life there is hope.

Qui bene amat, bene castigat

A warning for any good lovers out there by the sounds of it; he who loves well, castigates well.

Fas est ab hoste doceri

A wise man once said; ‘I must be taught by the enemy.’ We have no idea who that was by the way.

Ignis aurum proat, miseria fortes viros

This is part of a Latin quote from the Roman philosopher, Seneca; Fire provides proof of gold; adversity, proof of strong men.

Facilius est vitae risus

A quote with an unknown origin but one that we can certainly get behind; life is easier with a smile.

Tabula rasa

We should all be allowed the privilege of starting with a “clean slate.”

15 Cool Latin phrases about death

Sic semper tyrannis

John Wilkes Booth certainly had death in mind when he shouted this at the assasination of Abraham Lincoln.

Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo

From Virgil’s Aeneid, this phrase means; if I cannot move heaven, I will raise hell.

Carthago delenda est

The most bitter of enemies, you can imagine that this phrase was uttered numerous times in ancient Rome; Carthage must be destroyed

Tempus fugit

Time flies…when you’re having fun?

Pulvis et umbra sumus

A great Latin quote about death that was made famous by Proximo in the film Gladiator; we are but dust and shadow.

Primus inter pares

First among equals; one of the reasons that his conspirators sought the need to kill Julius Caesar

Respice finem

A reminder of one’s mortality, this phrase means; consider the end, and is the motto of several universities.

Malo mori quam foedari

We love this true warrior quote that translates as; death rather than dishonour.

Omnes una manet nox

From Horace’s Odes, this Latin phrase translates into; one night is awaiting us all, and serves as a reminder that we’re all mere mortals.

Vivamus morendium est

Let us live, since we must die

Et tu Brute?

“And you Brutus?” The last words of Julius Caesar according to William Shakespeare. However no one truly knows what Julius Caesar actually said before he drew his last breath.

Aut neca aut necare

We love this bold phrase which translates as; either kill or be killed.

Dulce periculum

Danger is sweet, is sure to raise a few eyebrows at your next dinner party.

Audentes fortuna iuvat

This term is a favorite amongst ancient writers, it translates as; fortune favours the bold.

Faber est suae quisque fortunae

Every man is the artisan of his own fortune, is a great Latin phrase for the ambitious.

11 Common Latin phrases

Ergo sum

Use this in whichever way you see fit, I am.

Acta non verba

Another powerful latin phrase; actions not words

Non ducor, duco

A bold statement if we’ve ever read one, I am not led; I lead.

Et cetera

We probably don’t appreciate the actual meaning of this when we abbreviate it to etc. The phrase means; and the others.

Caveat emptor

Let the buyer beware is a common term found in most legal contracts, for what reason? We have no idea.

Pro bono

Try getting your local lawyer to give you some free advice, apparently they do it; for good.

Status quo

The existing state of affairs.

Et tu

Although simple, this connecting phrase can be quite cryptic; and you.

Alter ego

We all know someone with an alter ego, the English translation is; other I.

Vox populi

A common phrase used in modern day journalism, themeaning of which is; voice of the people.

Nota Bene

A fairly unremarkable Latin phrase that translates as; note well. In modern terms it can be found at the bottom of a letter, in the form NB.

10 Famous Latin quotes about life

Carpe diem

It’s an oldie, but a good latin quote nonetheless; seize the day.

Memento mori

Perhaps the poignant latin phrase about death in this article; remember that you have to die.

Semper fidelis

This is the proud motto of the US Marine Corps, check out some of the awesome USMC quotes in this article

Amor vincit omnia

Love conquers all is easy to say when you’ve conquered most of the known world but the barbarians probably wouldn’t agree!

Carpe vinum

Never let it be said that Rome was a dry state, seize the wine!

Vino veritas

Ever had a few too many and decided to speak your mind? Well according to the ancients; in wine there is truth.

Carpe noctem

Simply put, seize the night

Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

Strong words from the ancients, this saying that means; never tickle a sleeping dragon, is an ominous warning for any wrongdoers.

Aqua vitae

Those Romans weren’t too pius, this literal translation means; water of life, but actually refers to wine!

Cogito ergo sum

“I think, therefore I am” is a philosophical statement that was made by René Descartes. The phrase originally appeared in French as je pense, donc je suis.

10 Best Latin quotes about love

Amor omnia vincit

So nice we had to name it twice, love conquers all.

Amor est vitae essentia

I’m sure all of us have felt this way at some point in our lives; Love is the essence of life.

O ego quam videor felix, immobile pectus Pectoris immoti semper amantis amans

One of the world’s most outstanding playwrights, William Shakespeare coined this phrase which means; “Then happy I, that love and am beloved, Where I may not remove nor be removed.”

Nunc scio quid sit Amor

The Roman poet Virgil was something of an expert when it came to romance…or at least writing about it. This phrase translates as; now I know what love is.

Amor caecus est

Loving someone often makes you unable to see their faults; love is blind, is the literal translation for this quote.

Amor omnibus idem

Not everyone will agree with this quote but the sentiment is there all the same! Love is the same for all, is the translation for this.

Quos amor verus tenuit, tenebit

True love will hold on to those whom it has held, for anyone that has loved and lost this quote will certainly resonate.

Si vis amari, ama

Sometimes opening up can be tough but the Romans knew the answer; if you want to be loved, love.

Homo sine amore vivere nequit

Strong words: A man without love cannot live.

Amor magnus doctor est

Love is a great teacher, never a truer phrase has been spoken!