mens
[ˈmẽːs]feminine
In Latin, the word for mind is mens. Wiktionary also lists animus.
Meaning: ability for rational thought (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mens | [ˈmẽːs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmɛns] (narrow) |
feminine |
| animus | [ˈa.nɪ.mʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaː.ni.mus] (narrow) |
masculine |
The term for mind in Latin can change depending on whether you are referring to intellectual capacity or the seat of emotions and will.
Which one should you use?
mens refers specifically to the rational, intellectual capacity, reason or the faculty of thought. In contrast, animus refers to the spirit, soul or will, acting as the seat of emotions and the vital spirit.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
mens is a feminine noun, while animus is a masculine noun. For the noun mens, the genitive singular form (meaning 'of the mind') is mentis and the accusative singular form (used as a direct object, meaning 'the mind') is mentem.
Did you know?
- The word mens is related to the Greek word mántis, meaning 'prophet'. This suggests that the ancients viewed the ability to predict the future as a specific faculty of the mind.
- While mens focuses on logic, animus can also mean 'courage' or 'spirit' in certain contexts. To have a strong animus often meant having the bravery to face a challenge.
- The Latin distinction between mens and animus heavily influenced early psychology and philosophy. It created a framework for separating the 'thinking' part of a human from the 'feeling' part.
Examples in context
- Mens sana in corpore sano.A sound mind dwells in a sound body.This sentence shows the relationship between a sound mind and a sound body.Tatoeba #432475 by Clavain, translation #239028 by shekitten
- Non est creator nisi mens.There's no creator besides the mind.This sentence describes the mind as the only creator.Tatoeba #9958111 by soridsolid, translation #9958103 by lucasmg123
- Hominis mens magnifica est.The human mind is magnificent.This sentence describes the magnificence of the human mind.Tatoeba #1215131 by alexmarcelo, translation #2261273 by MethodGT
- Habeo bonum animum.I have a good mind/I am of good cheer
- In animo habere.To have in mind/To intend
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Marcus are discussing a difficult philosophy book.
- JuliaHic liber mentem meam fatigat.This book tires my mind.
- MarcusSed mens tua multa intellegit, Iulia.But your mind understands many things, Julia.
- JuliaFortasse, sed mens mea requirit requiem.Perhaps, but my mind needs rest.
- MarcusTunc mens tua cras melius laborabit.Then your mind will work better tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mind” translations and entries mens, animus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries animus, mens, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
