caput
[ˈka.pʊt]neuter
The English word "head" is translated into Latin as caput.
caput is a noun referring to the part of the body.
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
Which one should you use?
The adjective for "of the head" is capitalis. The diminutive form capitulum can mean a "little head" or, in later Latin, a "chapter" of a book.
How does it change in a sentence?
caput is a neuter noun. In the singular, the direct object (accusative) is identical to the subject (nominative): caput. To say "of the head" (genitive singular), use capitis. To say "to/for the head" (dative singular), use capiti. The plural form for "heads" is capita.
Did you know?
- In Roman law, the term caput was used to describe a person's legal status or 'personality'. To lose one's caput meant to lose the rights of a citizen, even if the person remained alive.
- In ancient Rome, the caput was often used in census records to count people by 'head'. This is why the English word 'per capita' means 'per person'.
- The English word 'captain' derives from the Latin caput, as the leader of a ship or army was viewed as the 'head' of the group.
Examples in context
- Caput valde mihi dolet.My head really hurts.This example shows how to express that one's head is hurting using caput.Tatoeba #5122315 by alexmarcelo, translation #3436693 by CK
- Calor caput meum dolere facit.Heat makes my head hurt.This sentence demonstrates how heat can cause head pain using caput.Tatoeba #12927689 by rul, translation #12907586 by rul
- Caput omnium sensuum sedes est.The head is the seat of all the senses.This example describes the head as the seat of the senses using caput.Tatoeba #5122367 by alexmarcelo, translation #5132103 by CarpeLanam
- Caput mihi dolet.My head hurts.
- Vidistis caput meum?Have you seen my head?
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Lucia are sitting in a garden after a walk.
- LuciusQuid est tibi?What is wrong with you?
- LuciaCaput meum valde dolet.My head hurts a lot.
- LuciusEstne caput tuum frigidum?Is your head cold?
- LuciaNon, tantum dolet.No, it just hurts.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “head” translations and entries caput, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
