de
[ˈdeː]
The English word 'about' can be translated into Latin as de when it means 'concerning'. Wiktionary also lists super.
Meaning: concerning (prep)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| de | [ˈdeː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈdɛː] (narrow) |
|
| super | [ˈsʊ.pɛr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsuː.per] (narrow) |
with ablative |
The primary way to express 'about' in the sense of 'concerning a subject' is with the preposition de. This is the standard choice for topics and is frequently seen in the titles of written works, such as De Bello Gallico (About the Gallic War).
Which one should you use?
While de is the standard preposition for 'about' meaning 'concerning a subject', you should use circiter if you mean 'about' in the sense of 'approximately'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition super can also mean 'about' or 'concerning' when it is used with the ablative case, although it more commonly means 'above' or 'over'.
Did you know?
- In Latin, the same preposition de can mean 'about' as well as 'down from'.
- The word super is a direct cognate to the German word 'über', which also means 'over' or 'above'.
- While de is the standard for titles, the word super changes meaning based on whether it uses the accusative or ablative case.
Examples in context
- Narra mihi de eo.Tell me about him.This sentence shows how to use de to mean 'about' a person.Tatoeba #8453624 by alexmarcelo, translation #285332 by CH
- Nihil de eo scio.I know nothing about him.This sentence demonstrates the use of de to express knowing nothing 'about' someone.Tatoeba #8932872 by alexmarcelo, translation #285310 by CK
- Nihil de ea scio.I know nothing about her.This sentence illustrates using de to express having no knowledge 'about' a female subject.Tatoeba #8932874 by alexmarcelo, translation #308672 by CH
- Disputatio de naturaA discussion about nature
- Librum de Italia scribereTo write a book about Italy
- Docere de lingua LatinaTo teach about the Latin language
- Circa quadragesimum annumAbout the fortieth year
- Mensa circa quinque libras pesabatThe table weighed about five pounds
- Circa mensemAbout a month
- Quod attinet ad meam sententiamAs for my opinion (about)
- Quod attinet ad hoc argumentumAs relates to this argument (about)
- Quod attinet ad linguam LatinamAs regards the Latin language (about)
- Disputatio de quaestione moraliA discussion about the moral question
- 340 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Lucius are discussing a new book.
- LuciaLegistine librum de historia?Did you read the book about history?
- LuciusIta, sed non omnia de eo intellego.Yes, but I do not understand everything about it.
- LuciaQuid putas de scriptore?What do you think about the writer?
- LuciusPutō eum esse optimum.I think he is the best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “about” translations and entries de, super, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, super, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
