somnium
[ˈsɔm.ni.ũː]neuter
The English word "dream" is translated into Latin as somnium. Wiktionary also lists nox.
Meaning: imaginary events seen while sleeping (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| somnium | [ˈsɔm.ni.ũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsɔm.ni.um] (narrow) |
neuter |
| nox | [ˈnɔks] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈnɔks] (narrow) |
feminine |
somnium refers to imaginary events seen while sleeping. In ancient Roman literature, this word was used to denote both ordinary dreams and prophetic dreams.
What does it mean word for word?
The related verb somniō is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb meaning 'to dream', which translates to 'I dream'.
Which one should you use?
The noun somnium is used for the concept of a dream, whereas the verb somniō describes the act of dreaming.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
somnium is a neuter noun of the second declension. The plural form of somnium is somnia.
Did you know?
- The Latin root for 'sleep' found in somnium is the source of the English word 'insomnia', describing the inability to sleep.
- The Latin root for sleep in somnium is also found in the English word 'somnolent', which describes someone who is drowsy.
Examples in context
- forsan nōn sit somnium.It may not be a dream.This sentence is useful for expressing doubt about whether something is a somnium.Tatoeba #3213794 by Andreas, translation #322750 by CK
- Vita est solum somnium.Life is only a dream.This sentence is useful for describing life as a somnium.Tatoeba #11037473 by carlosalberto, translation #2749412 by Hybrid
- Somnium hoc esse debet.This must be a dream.This sentence is useful for stating that something must be a somnium.Tatoeba #12148702 by carlosalberto, translation #11451264 by shekitten
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Julia are talking about their sleep.
- GaiusHeri nocte magnum somnium habui.I had a big dream last night.
- JuliaQuid in somnio vidisti, Gaie?What did you see in the dream, Gaius?
- GaiusSomnium erat perplexum et incredibile.The dream was confusing and incredible.
- JuliaSomnia saepe sunt mira.Dreams are often strange.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dream” translations and entries somnium, nox, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nox, somnium, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
