cor
[ˈkɔr]neuter
The English word heart is translated into Latin as cor.
cor refers to the heart as a biological organ. In ancient Roman literature, cor often represents the heart figuratively, emphasizing emotional or moral aspects.
Meaning: an organ (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cor is the standard term, the word pectus can also be used to mean heart in a metaphorical sense, such as the seat of emotions or character.
How does it change in a sentence?
cor is a neuter noun. To say "of the heart" in the singular, use cordis. For the plural "hearts", use corda and for "of the hearts" in the plural, use cordium". If you wish to say "to/for the heart" in the singular, use cordi.
Did you know?
- The Latin cor is a direct relative of the Sanskrit word hṛ́daya, since both go back to the same Indo-European word for 'heart'.
- The Latin term concordia, meaning 'harmony', literally translates to 'hearts together', combining con and cor.
- Ancient Romans believed the cor was the center of the spirit, and in some medical texts, it was viewed as the primary source of heat for the entire body.
Examples in context
- Cor bonum tibi est.You have a good heart.This sentence shows how to describe someone having a good cor.Tatoeba #2635307 by alexmarcelo, translation #2546883 by CK
- Cor eius fractum est.His heart is broken.This sentence shows how to describe a broken cor.Tatoeba #1142269 by alexmarcelo, translation #302922 by Zifre
- Cor meum deletum est.My heart has been destroyed.This sentence shows how to describe a destroyed cor.Tatoeba #5045809 by alexmarcelo, translation #4597876 by Ricardo14
- Amor est in pectoribus nostris.Love is in our hearts.
- Scio quod in corde meo vives in aeternum.I know that you will live forever in my heart.
- Ille vir animo magnifico et generoso est.That man has a brave and noble heart.
- 68 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining a medical condition to a patient.
- ClaudiaCor tuum sanum est.Your heart is healthy.
- QuintusGratias tibi ago.I thank you.
- ClaudiaTamen cor valde laborat.However, the heart is working very hard.
- QuintusCur ita dicis?Why do you say that?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heart” translations and entries cor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
