in
[ˈɪn]
The English word "in" is translated into Latin as in.
The preposition in is used to indicate that something is contained by or located within something else.
Meaning: contained by (prep)
Which one should you use?
The meaning of in changes depending on the grammatical case of the noun that follows it. Use in with the ablative case to express a static location, meaning something is already inside a place. Use in with the accusative case to express motion into a place.
How does it change in a sentence?
When in means 'contained by' or 'located within', it must be followed by a noun in the ablative case. If you wish to express 'into', the preposition must be followed by a noun in the accusative case.
Did you know?
- In legal Latin, the phrase in situ means 'in its original place'. It is used today by archaeologists and surgeons to describe something that has not been moved.
- The Latin in is a direct ancestor of the English word 'in'. Both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁én.
- While in usually means 'inside', when used with certain verbs it can mean 'against' or 'upon'. For example, incursio describes a running 'into' or 'against' a territory.
Examples in context
- In te spes est.There's hope in you.This sentence shows how to express something being contained by a person using in.Tatoeba #5147154 by alexmarcelo, translation #13852149 by rul
- In Sina non sum.I'm not in China.This sentence shows how to express location within a country using in.Tatoeba #11797270 by soridsolid, translation #11324274 by Luornu
- In dubio pro reo.When in doubt, in favour of the accused.This sentence demonstrates the use of in within a legal expression.Tatoeba #369521 by MUIRIEL, translation #369520 by MUIRIEL
- Antonius est in aula.Antonius is in the hall.
- In horto ambulamus.We walk in the garden.
- Domi manere volo.I want to stay at home.
- Amicus apud me est.My friend is at my place.
- 2605 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Lucia are looking for a lost book in a room.
- GaiusUbi est liber, Lucia?Where is the book, Lucia?
- LuciaLiber in arca est.The book is in the chest.
- GaiusNon video eum in arca.I do not see it in the chest.
- LuciaAspice iterum in arca!Look again in the chest!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in” translations and entries in, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries in, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
