Deo volente
The English phrase "God willing" can be translated into Latin as Deo volente. If unsure, use Deo volente. Wiktionary also lists Deus vult.
Meaning: God willing (intj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| Deo volente | |
| Deus vult | [ˈde.ʊs ˈwʊɫt] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈdɛː.us ˈvult] (narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
Deo volente is a combination of the noun Deo (God) and the present participle volente (willing), literally meaning "with God willing".
Which one should you use?
Deo volente is an adverbial phrase meaning "with God willing" or "if God wills it". In contrast, Deus vult is a declarative statement meaning "God wills" or "God wants it".
How does it change in a sentence?
Deo volente uses the ablative absolute construction, which is why Deo is in the dative/ablative case rather than the nominative Deus.
Did you know?
- In some languages like Persian, a word related to the same ancient root as Deus actually means 'demon', illustrating how meanings can flip over millennia.
- While Deo volente is a humble expression of hope, the phrase Deus vult was used as a powerful, authoritative battle cry to declare that God Himself demands a specific action.
Examples in context
- Deo volenteGod willing…This sentence shows how to use Deo volente as a standalone expression.Tatoeba #1272456 by jamesforsyth, translation #408911 by FeuDRenais
- I will attend the event, si Deus vult.I will attend the event, if God wills.
- We will meet again next week, Deo volente.We will meet again next week, God willing.
- Deo volente, iter mox incipies.God willing, you will begin the journey soon.
- Vincemus, Deo volente.We shall prevail, God willing.
Example conversation
Lucius and Lucia are discussing their travel plans.
- LuciusVisne cras ad forum ire?Do you want to go to the forum tomorrow?
- LuciaIta, Deo volente, ibimus.Yes, God willing, we will go.
- LuciusSpero caelum serenum futurum esse.I hope the sky is clear.
- LuciaCerte, si Deus vult.Certainly, if God wills it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “God willing” translations and entries Deus vult, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deo, Deus, Deus vult, deus, vult, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
