nōsce tē
The English phrase "know thyself" is translated into Latin as nōsce tē.
This phrase is a proverb used to advise someone to be aware of both their strengths and their limitations.
Meaning: be aware of both your strengths and limitations (proverb)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of the verb nōsce, which is the singular imperative form of nōscere meaning "know" or "recognize" and the reflexive pronoun tē in the accusative case, meaning "yourself".
Did you know?
- The Latin nōsce tē is a translation of the Greek gnōthi seauton, which was famously inscribed on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.
- During the Renaissance, Latin translations of 'know thyself' became central to the 'humanist' movement, which shifted focus from divine laws to human psychology and agency.
- The word nōscere is the ancestor of the English word 'notice', sharing a root that implies becoming aware of something through the senses.
Examples in context
- Nōsce tē ipsum ut rectē vivās.Know thyself so that you may live correctly.
- Sapiens est qui dīcit: nōsce tē.The wise man is the one who says: know thyself.
- Antequam aliōs iudicās, nōsce tē.Before you judge others, know thyself.
Example conversation
Claudia and Lucius are discussing a philosophy book.
- ClaudiaLūcie, nōsce tē et tūmoderāris.Lucius, know thyself and you will be moderate.
- LuciusEstne hoc dīfficile?Is this difficult?
- ClaudiaIta, sed est necessārium.Yes, but it is necessary.
- LuciusGrātias tibi, Claudia.Thank you, Claudia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “know thyself” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
