asinus
[ˈa.sɪ.nʊs]masculine
The English word "donkey" is translated into Latin as asinus. Wiktionary also lists asellus.
Meaning: a domestic animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| asinus | [ˈa.sɪ.nʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaː.s̬i.nus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| asellus |
The term refers to the domestic animal. In highly formal or scientific contexts, you may also see the expression equus africanus asinus.
Which one should you use?
The form asellus is a diminutive of asinus and is typically used to mean a little donkey or a foal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form asinus is a masculine noun that follows second declension patterns.
Did you know?
- Linguists believe asinus entered Latin after the 4th century BCE because it lacks 'rhotacism', a phonetic shift that would have turned the 's' into an 'r'.
- In Roman comedy, such as the plays of Plautus, the asinus is a frequent trope used to represent a character of low intelligence or social standing.
- The term asellus uses the suffix -lus, a common Latin diminutive that can indicate not just small size but also affection.
Examples in context
- Asinus meus est velocior quam raeda tua.My donkey is faster than your car.This sentence uses asinus to compare the speed of a donkey and a car.Tatoeba #11632698 by carlosalberto, translation #11632680 by carlosalberto
- Asinus rudit.The donkey is braying.This sentence uses asinus to describe the sound a donkey makes.Tatoeba #8907622 by alexmarcelo, translation #1665669 by Amastan
- Asinus est animal domesticum utile et efficiens.The donkey is a useful and efficient domestic animal.
- Asellus meus tardus est sed pulcher!My donkey is slow but beautiful!
- Asinus in horto dormit.The donkey is sleeping in the garden.
Example conversation
Marcus and Claudia are walking past a farm.
- MarcusVide, Claudia! Ecce asinus!Look, Claudia! Look, a donkey!
- ClaudiaIta, Marce. Quam lepidus est!Yes, Marcus. How cute it is!
- MarcusAsinus onera gravia portat.The donkey carries heavy loads.
- ClaudiaVerum est, animal laboriosum est.That is true, it is a hardworking animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “donkey” translations and entries asinus, asellus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asellus, asinus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
