dōnum
neuter
The English word gift can be translated into Latin as dōnum, mūnus or xenium depending on the context.
Meaning: something given to another voluntarily, without charge (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dōnum | neuter | |
| mūnus | neuter | |
| xenium | [ˈksɛ.ni.ũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈksɛː.ni.um] (narrow) |
neuter |
All three forms refer to something given to another voluntarily and without charge. The verb dōnāre is used when the focus is on the act of presenting or bestowing a gift, while dare simply means to give.
Which one should you use?
dōnum is the general term for a gift. mūnus refers to a gift that carries an obligation, such as a public service, a ceremonial gift or a duty. xenium is a specific term for a guest-gift or a gift brought to a new home.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All three nouns are neuter. The related verbs are dare (to give) and dōnāre (to present with a gift).
Did you know?
- The term mūnus was used to describe the gladiatorial games provided by an editor as a gift to the Roman people.
- The word mūnus also refers to a penalty or a duty. In Roman law, it could describe a burden that someone was forced to carry for the state.
- The English words 'remunerate' and 'municipal' both come from mūnus.
Examples in context
- Quisque puer dōnum accipiet.Every child will receive a gift.This sentence shows how to use dōnum to indicate receiving a gift.Tatoeba #11154980 by alexmarcelo, translation #10933189 by CK
- Hoc donum tibi do.I give you this gift.
- Illud munus grato animo accipio.I accept that gift with gratitude.
- Dōnum amico meo dedi.I gave a gift to my friend.
- Munusculum tibi ex Roma attuli!I brought you a little gift from Rome!
Example conversation
Lucia gives Quintus a present for his birthday.
- LuciaEcce dōnum pro te, Quinte!Look, a gift for you, Quintus!
- QuintusGrātias tibi agō, Lūcia.I thank you, Lucia.
- LuciaSpērō dōnum tibi placēre.I hope the gift pleases you.
- QuintusIta est, valdē mihi placet!It does, I like it very much!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gift” translations and entries xenium, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
