Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| filius | [ˈfiː.li.ʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈfiː.li.us] (narrow) |
masculine |
| filia | [ˈfiː.li.a] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈfiː.li.a] (narrow) |
feminine |
The terms used to describe a child in Latin depend on the gender of the child and the level of formality required. While filius and filia are the standard terms for a son or daughter, you may encounter more specific words. For example, infans is a formal term used for an infant or a very young child, typically under the age of seven. In a more formal context referring to offspring or descendants, you might use proles.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two primary forms is determined by gender: filius refers specifically to a male child (son), while filia refers specifically to a female child (daughter).
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms change when referring to more than one child. The masculine plural form of filius is filii (sons or children), and the feminine plural form of filia is filiae (daughters).
Did you know?
- In Roman law, a filius remained under the legal power of the father, called patria potestas, regardless of how old the adult son became.
- Romans used the term proles to describe offspring, which is the direct ancestor of the English word 'proletariat'.
- The term infans literally means 'unable to speak', coming from the prefix in- meaning 'not' and fans meaning 'speaking'.
Examples in context
- Unus filius iis erat.They had one child.This sentence shows how to use filius to indicate a single male child.Tatoeba #6978074 by alexmarcelo, translation #6976176 by Hybrid
- Filia sua ab ea rapta est.Her child was snatched away from her.This sentence demonstrates the use of filia when referring to a female child.Tatoeba #1108096 by carlosalberto, translation #1108029 by Scott
- Quid agit filius tuus solus?What does your child do alone?This sentence shows the use of filius in a question about a male child.Tatoeba #11170844 by carlosalberto, translation #11170831 by carlosalberto
- Hic puer est fortis et diligens.This boy is strong and diligent.
- Haec proles est nobilis.This child is noble.
- Brevis est vita unius liberi.The life of a single child is short.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are talking about their families.
- MarcusUbi est filius tuus, Aurelia?Where is your son, Aurelia?
- AureliaFilius meus in horto ludit.My son is playing in the garden.
- MarcusEstne filius bonus et quietus?Is he a good and quiet son?
- AureliaNon semper, sed eum amo.Not always, but I love him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “child” translations and entries filius, filia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
