bibo
[ˈbɪ.boː]
The English verb 'drink' can be translated into Latin as bibo or poto.
Meaning: consume liquid through the mouth (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| bibo | [ˈbɪ.boː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈbiː.bo] (narrow) |
| poto | [ˈpoː.toː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpɔː.to] (narrow) |
Both words mean to consume liquid through the mouth. While bibo is the standard way to express the act of drinking, the related noun potio refers to a specific liquid being drunk, often a medicinal potion or a specific concoction.
Which one should you use?
bibo is the standard, neutral verb for the act of drinking. In contrast, poto is another form used to express the same action.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb bibo is bibere. For the first person singular perfect tense (I drank / I have drunk), use bibi. In the third person singular present indicative (he/she/it drinks), use bibit.
Did you know?
- Ancient Romans used bibere not just for liquids, but occasionally in a metaphorical sense to describe 'soaking up' information or experiences.
- Latin has two distinct verbs for 'drink', and while they are similar, poto is more closely linked to the noun potio, which is the root of the English word 'potion'.
Examples in context
- Multum vini non bibo.I don't drink much wine.This sentence shows how to use bibo when discussing wine.Tatoeba #1321932 by alexmarcelo, translation #252983 by CK
- Neque fumo neque bibo.I neither smoke nor drink.This sentence uses bibo to contrast drinking with smoking.Tatoeba #5039251 by alexmarcelo, translation #258475 by U2FS
- Neque bibo neque fumo.I don't drink or smoke.This sentence provides another way to use bibo when contrasting it with smoking.Tatoeba #5039585 by alexmarcelo, translation #509627 by blay_paul
- Amici convivium celebrabant et multas horas potabant.The friends were celebrating a dinner party and drinking for many hours.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Claudia are sitting at a table with drinks.
- LuciusAquam frigidam bibo.I am drinking cold water.
- ClaudiaVisne vinum bibere?Do you want to drink wine?
- LuciusNon, ego bibo tantum aquam.No, I drink only water.
- ClaudiaBene, et ego bibo aquam.Fine, and I am drinking water too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drink” translations and entries bibo, poto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bibo, poto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
