Spanish word

latín

Pronunciation

IPA/laˈtin/

Meaning

  • masculine nounLatin

Example

¿Hablas latín?

Do you speak Latin?

Illustration for latín (Latin)

More examples

El lema está en latín.

The motto is in Latin.

Core concept

Classical written language of Rome used in religion, law, and scholarship.

Common phrases

  • hablar latín

    speak Latin

  • frase en latín

    Latin phrase

  • texto en latín

    Latin text

Similar words

idioma: Systematic set of words, sounds, and grammar used for communication.
lengua: Regional or community language variety spoken as the everyday tongue of a place.
lenguaje: Way of expressing ideas and feelings through words, gestures, or other symbolic means.

Definition in Spanish

Lengua de la Antigüedad usada en textos religiosos, jurídicos y académicos, conservada en la liturgia y la filología.

Word origin

The word derives from Latin Latinus, originally 'from Latium', with the adjective becoming the language name and passing into Spanish via medieval transmission of church and academic terms.

Usage tips

  • Spanish names of languages are not capitalized, so latín appears in lower case in normal text unlike English Latin, and the accent shows the final-syllable stress.

Related words

Word lists with this word