nūntius
masculine
The English phrase 'information' can be translated into Latin, primarily using nūntius. Wiktionary also lists scientia and indicium.
Meaning: communicable knowledge (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nūntius | masculine | |
| scientia | [skiˈɛn.ti.a] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ʃiˈɛn.t͡si.a] (narrow) |
feminine |
| indicium | [ɪnˈdɪ.ki.ũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [inˈdiː.t͡ʃi.um] (narrow) |
neuter |
In Latin, the choice of word for 'information' depends on whether you mean a message being delivered, the body of knowledge itself or information that serves as evidence.
Which one should you use?
nūntius is a masculine noun that refers more specifically to a message or a messenger carrying news. scientia is a feminine noun used for 'knowledge' or 'skill', referring to the state of knowing or the body of knowledge itself. indicium is a neuter noun used for information that serves as a sign, proof or evidence of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form of scientia is scientiae, which is used to express the phrase 'of knowledge'.
Did you know?
- The word nūntius describes both the information being sent and the person delivering it. In Latin, the 'message' and the 'messenger' are expressed by the same word.
- The English word 'science' is a direct descendant of the Latin scientia, which originally meant the state of knowing or the body of knowledge rather than just a systematic study.
- In Roman law, indicium could refer specifically to a formal denunciation or a legal tip-off. It was not just general information but information used to accuse someone of a crime.
Examples in context
- Homines mira perficiunt, quia per linguam informationes de scientia et intentionibus suis commutare possunt.Humans accomplish amazing things, because they can exchange information about their knowledge and intentions via the medium of language.This sentence is useful for showing how to use scientia in the context of exchanging information via language.Tatoeba #13760063 by carlosalberto, translation #4801952 by al_ex_an_der
- Utinam notitiam de eius consilio habeam.I wish I had information about his plan.
- Scientia de rebus ad examen pertinet.Information about the matter is relevant to the investigation.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Gaius are discussing a secret report.
- AureliaHabesne nūntium de bello?Do you have information about the war?
- GaiusIta, Aurelia, habeo.Yes, Aurelia, I do.
- AureliaDa mihi nūntium statim.Give me the information immediately.
- GaiusEcce, hic est.Here, this is it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “information” translations and entries scientia, indicium, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries indicium, scientia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
