simia
[ˈsiː.mi.a]feminine, masculine
The English word "monkey" translates to Latin as simia. Wiktionary also lists simius.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| simia | [ˈsiː.mi.a] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsiː.mi.a] (narrow) |
feminine, masculine |
| simius | [ˈsiː.mi.ʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsiː.mi.us] (narrow) |
masculine |
The term refers to a primate. In more technical or formal contexts, one might refer to the genus of guenons as Cercopithecus.
Which one should you use?
While simia is often used as a feminine noun, simius is a specifically masculine form for a monkey.
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form of simia is simiae, used to mean "of the monkey". The accusative plural for the feminine form simia is simias, used to mean "monkeys".
Did you know?
- The Latin word simia is actually a description of a physical feature, specifically meaning 'snub-nosed'.
- In Roman comedy, calling a person a simia was a common insult, implying they were a mere mimic of a human.
Examples in context
- Non porcus, simius est.It's not a pig, it's a monkey.This sentence is useful for identifying a simius by contrast.Tatoeba #1386168 by alexmarcelo, translation #59088 by Eldad
- Annus MMXVI simiae est.2016 is the year of the monkey.This sentence shows how to use the genitive form simiae to indicate a year belonging to the monkey.Tatoeba #5029936 by alexmarcelo, translation #4823079 by Hybrid
- Simia de arbore cecidit.The monkey fell from the tree.This sentence uses the feminine form simia to describe an action involving a monkey.Tatoeba #8455720 by alexmarcelo, translation #402354 by CK
- Simia est animal terrestreA monkey is a terrestrial animal
- Cercopithecus pygerythrus est simia AfricanaCercopithecus pygerythrus is an African monkey
- Salve, simiola!Hello, little monkey!
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Julia are visiting a zoo.
- LuciusEcce, simia in arboribus ludit!Look, the monkey is playing in the trees!
- JuliaIta, simia illa valde parva est.Yes, that monkey is very small.
- LuciusQuid simia edere vult?What does the monkey want to eat?
- JuliaFortasse simia bananam vult.Perhaps the monkey wants a banana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries simia, simius, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries simia, simius, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
