est
[ˈɛst]
In Latin, the phrase "it is" is expressed by est.
Because the verb itself implies the subject, it is frequently used on its own to represent "he is", "she is" or "it is" without needing a separate word for "it".
How does it change in a sentence?
est is the third-person singular present indicative active form of the verb esse (to be). In Latin, the word for "it" is often omitted because est inherently implies the third-person singular subject.
Did you know?
- In Latin, the word est can be a homonym. Depending on the context, it could be the verb 'is' or a form of the verb 'to eat'.
- In certain philosophical contexts, est is used to denote not just that something 'is' in a specific place, but that it exists fundamentally in the universe.
- Latin uses est in a way that allows the word order to be completely flexible, as the verb does not need to follow the subject to be understood.
Examples in context
- Fore tertia hora est.It is almost three.This sentence shows how to use est when expressing time.Tatoeba #1322357 by alexmarcelo, translation #31620 by CK
- Et bonum et vile est.It is both good and cheap.This sentence demonstrates using est to describe the quality of things.Tatoeba #5037420 by alexmarcelo, translation #42127 by CK
- Nunc est septima hora.It is seven now.This sentence illustrates how est is used to state the current time.Tatoeba #1221978 by Hans07, translation #241586 by CK
- Hoc est liber.It is a book
- Est calidum foris.It is hot outside
- Eheu! Est fractum.Oh no! It is broken
- Est necessarium.It is necessary.
- Est tempus abire.It is time to go.
- Est magnificum!It is great!
- 185 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia and Gaius are discussing the weather.
- AureliaUtraque via aperta est.Both roads are open.
- GaiusSed pluvia gravis est.But the rain is heavy.
- AureliaIta, caelum obscurum est.Yes, the sky is dark.
- GaiusHodie dies tristis est.Today is a sad day.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry est, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries est, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
