caelum
[ˈkae̯.ɫũː]neuter
The English phrase 'heaven' is translated into Latin as caelum.
caelum is used to refer to paradise and the upper-world. In non-religious or non-metaphysical contexts, it can also mean the physical sky or the atmosphere.
Meaning: paradise and upper-world (noun)
Which one should you use?
While caelum is the standard term, other formal words exist for specific nuances: Aether refers to the upper regions of the sky and the celestial abode, Empyreum denotes the highest region of heaven and the dwelling place of God and the blessed souls and Paradisus refers to a heavenly paradise (a term derived from the Greek word for an enclosed garden).
Is it said differently in some regions?
Coelum is a spelling variation of caelum found mainly in Medieval Latin.
How does it change in a sentence?
caelum is a neuter noun. Its genitive singular form is caeli (of the heavens), and its neuter plural form is caela (heavens).
Did you know?
- Some linguists suggest caelum comes from a root meaning 'to cut' or 'to hew', potentially referring to the sky as a carved dome.
- While caelum is the general term, Aether specifically describes the 'pure' air that gods breathe, which is distinct from the air humans breathe.
- The word caelum is a neuter noun, but its history shows an irregular shift toward masculine usage in some early forms.
Examples in context
- Deus creavit caelum et terram.God created the heaven and the earth.This sentence shows caelum used in the context of creation.Tatoeba #5213645 by alexmarcelo, translation #269661 by CK
- Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram.In the beginning God created Heaven and Earth.Tatoeba #3850107 by alexmarcelo, translation #1215976 by Kristinka
- In principio creavit Deus caelum et terram.In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.Tatoeba #1048533 by Wadimiy, translation #3286750 by Abcormal
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia and Lucius are discussing the afterlife.
- AureliaCredisne in caelum?Do you believe in heaven?
- LuciusIta, spero me ibi esse.Yes, I hope to be there.
- AureliaCaelum est locus pacis aeternae.Heaven is a place of eternal peace.
- LuciusCerte ita est, Aurelia.That is certainly true, Aurelia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heaven” translations and entries caelum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caelum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
