vivat
In Latin, "long live" is expressed using the verb vivat. Wiktionary also lists vivant.
Meaning: prosper (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin |
|---|
| vivat |
| vivant |
What does it mean word for word?
The word vivat literally translates to "may he/she/it live".
Which one should you use?
Use vivat for a single subject, such as Vivat Caesar! and use vivant for multiple subjects, such as Vivant reges!
Is it said differently in some regions?
The related phrase Vivat et Floreat carries a touch of British influence and means "long live and prosper".
How does it change in a sentence?
Vivat is the third-person singular present subjunctive, used here to express a wish for a single subject. Vivant is the third-person plural present subjunctive, used when the subject of the wish is plural.
Did you know?
- The word vivant is used in English as a noun to describe a 'bon vivant', or someone who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle.
- In academic traditions at universities like Oxford and Cambridge, vivat is still shouted during celebratory processions for new dignitaries.
- The word vivat is the ancestor of the English word 'vivacious', which describes someone full of life.
Examples in context
- Rex mortuus est. Vivat rex!The king is dead. Long live the king!This sentence shows how to express the wish for a single king using vivat.Tatoeba #10854435 by carlosalberto, translation #10854429 by carlosalberto
- Vivat chaos!Long live chaos!This sentence uses vivat to express a wish for chaos.Tatoeba #9714217 by shekitten, translation #1795307 by Espi
- Vivat India!Long live India!This sentence uses vivat to express a wish for India.Tatoeba #9714246 by shekitten, translation #7009502 by sabretou
- Vivat Regina!Long live the Queen!
- Vivat et crescat familia nostra!Long live and grow our family!
- Vivat et floreat patria mea!Long live and prosper my homeland!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Quintus are celebrating the victory of their favorite athlete.
- LuciaVivat campio noster!Long live our champion!
- QuintusIta, optimus est.Yes, he is the best.
- LuciaVivat in aeternum!May he prosper forever!
- QuintusCertissime, Lucia.Certainly, Lucia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “long live” translations and entries vivat, vivant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
