latín
/laˈtin/
The English phrase 'latin' is translated into Spanish as latín.
latín is the name of the language of the ancient Romans.
Meaning: language of the ancient Romans (name)
Which one should you use?
Use latín when referring to the language itself. In contrast, use latino to refer to something or someone of Latin origin.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Castilian Spanish, Latín and la lengua latina are the most common formal options.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the language as a subject or object, it is common to use the definite article el, forming el latín.
How do you pronounce it?
/laˈtin/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers sometimes use the expression hablar en latín to describe someone who is speaking in a way that is overly complex or impossible to understand.
- The word latín shares a common root with the Spanish word ladino, which can refer to a specific Romance language or to a person who is highly cultured and polished.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term latino or latina refers specifically to people of Latin American descent, rather than anyone of ancient Roman or general Latin origin.
Examples in context
- Los romanos hablaban latín.The Romans spoke Latin.This sentence is useful for showing the Romans speaking latín.Tatoeba #4856448 by jodafig, translation #4856365 by Hybrid
- ¿Vale la pena estudiar latín?Is it worth it to study Latin?This sentence is useful for asking about the value of studying latín.Tatoeba #1001391 by Shishir, translation #11180909 by DJ_Saidez
- Esta palabra viene del latín.The word is derived from Latin.This sentence is useful for explaining that a word is derived from latín.Tatoeba #1487033 by marcelostockle, translation #48175 by orcrist
- Estoy estudiando latín en la universidad.I'm studying Latin at university.
- La lengua latina ha influido en muchas lenguas modernas.The Latin language has influenced many modern languages.
- ¿Sabías que el latín es la base de varias lenguas romances?Did you know that Latin is the basis for several Romance languages?
- 95 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing their school subjects.
- SofíaAlejandro, ¿estás tomando clases de latín?Alejandro, are you taking Latin classes?
- AlejandroNo, Sofía, yo prefiero estudiar francés.No, Sofía, I prefer to study French.
- SofíaEl latín es muy útil para el derecho.Latin is very useful for law.
- AlejandroEs cierto, pero es un idioma difícil.That's true, but it is a difficult language.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “latin” translations and entries latín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries latín, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
