aurum
[ˈau̯.rũː]
The English phrase 'gold' can be translated into Latin as aurum.
aurum is the noun used to refer to the metal itself. When you want to describe something as being made of gold or being golden, you use different forms, such as the adjective aureus.
Meaning: made of gold, golden (adj)
Which one should you use?
While aurum refers to the metal, flavus, flavum or flavens are used to describe things that are yellow or blonde in color. For example, to describe golden hair or light, a speaker would more likely use flavus rather than a direct reference to the metal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective for 'golden' is aureus, which follows the standard pattern of three endings for masculine, feminine and neuter genders. For masculine plural nouns, the adjective changes its ending to aurei.
Did you know?
- The name for gold in Latin is cognate with the Tocharian word yasā. This means that the ancient, nearly extinct languages of Central Asia and Latin actually share the same distant history.
- Ancient Romans used a specific term called aurum potabile, meaning 'drinkable gold', in early medicinal and alchemical attempts to achieve immortality.
- While aureus means 'golden', the Roman Empire produced a physical coin called the aureus which served as the highest denomination of gold currency.
Examples in context
- Aurum carius est plumbo.Gold is more expensive than lead.This sentence is useful for comparing the value of aurum to lead.Tatoeba #5031065 by alexmarcelo, translation #2847993 by mervert1
- Aurum pretiosius est ferro.Gold is more precious than iron.This sentence is useful for comparing the value of aurum to iron.Tatoeba #5031002 by alexmarcelo, translation #18579 by Eldad
- Aurum colore simile est aeri.Gold is similar in color to brass.This sentence is useful for noting how the color of aurum compares to brass.Tatoeba #5234109 by alexmarcelo, translation #18585 by CK
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Quintus are looking at a piece of jewelry.
- LuciaVide hoc anellum aurum!Look at this gold ring!
- QuintusEstne aurum purum?Is it pure gold?
- LuciaIta, aurum optimum est.Yes, it is the best gold.
- QuintusAurum pulcherrimum est, Lucia.The gold is very beautiful, Lucia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aurum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aurum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
