bonus
[ˈbɔ.nʊs]
The English phrase 'good' is translated into Latin as bonus.
The word bonus is a general and versatile term for expressing 'good' in Latin. It is used to describe things that are pleasant or enjoyable.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While bonus is the general term, praeclarus is a formal term for 'good' that denotes excellence. In Late Latin or Medieval Latin, the neutral form bonum is commonly used to express 'good'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, use bona for feminine nouns and bonum for neuter nouns. The endings change to match the noun, such as using boni for masculine plural. Note that the form boni can also serve as the genitive singular form, meaning 'of a good man'.
Did you know?
- The Latin word bonus is a direct ancestor of the English word 'bonus', which refers to an extra payment or reward.
- Early inscriptions spell the word duenos , the older form from which bonus developed.
- In Roman law, the term bona refers to a person's estate or goods, treating 'good things' as a legal category of property.
Examples in context
- Nescio an bonus sit.I don't know if it is good.This sentence shows how to use bonus to express uncertainty about whether something is good.Tatoeba #7031119 by alexmarcelo, translation #43075 by CC
- Hodie dies bonus est.Today is a good day.This sentence uses bonus to describe a day.Tatoeba #1238162 by Hans07, translation #922232 by aye1995
- John amicus bonus est.John is a good friend.This sentence uses bonus to describe a friend.Tatoeba #1186361 by Hans07, translation #4515083 by kunwoo
- Vidisti bonum.You saw the good.
- Hoc est praeclarum opus.This is a good work.
- Filius praeclarus es.You are an excellent son.
- Facis bene.You are doing well/good.
- Pulchra et bona anima est.She has a beautiful and good soul.
- Optime! Et tu?Very well! And you?
- Optime factum!Well done!
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Lucia are discussing a recent feast.
- GaiusCena bona fuit.The dinner was good.
- LuciaIta, locus bonus erat.Yes, the place was good.
- GaiusVino bono delectabamur.We were delighted by the good wine.
- LuciaOmnia bona erant.Everything was good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bonus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bonus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
