pellicula
[pɛlˈlɪ.kʊ.ɫa]feminine
The English phrase "movie" can be translated into Latin as pellicula. Wiktionary also lists pictura cinematographica.
Meaning: motion picture (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pellicula | [pɛlˈlɪ.kʊ.ɫa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [pelˈliː.ku.la] (narrow) |
feminine |
| pictura cinematographica | feminine |
In Neo-Latin, pellicula is the standard term used to refer to a motion picture or movie.
Which one should you use?
While pellicula refers to the film itself, pictura cinematographica is a more descriptive, technical term for a cinematographic picture.
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form of pellicula is pelliculae (of the movie), and the accusative plural form is pelliculas (movies).
Did you know?
- The Latin word for a movie, pellicula, literally translates to 'little skin' or 'small hide'.
- The term pictura cinematographica uses a Greek-derived root for 'motion' kinema and 'writing' graphia.
- The word pellicula itself is classical, but its meaning 'movie' is Neo-Latin, the Latin still used for new terms after the classical era.
Examples in context
- Pellicula nimis longa erat.The movie was too long.This sentence is useful for describing the length of a pellicula.Tatoeba #13835842 by carlosalberto, translation #3822970 by CK
- Hanc pelliculam jam vidimus.We've already seen this movie.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have already seen a pellicula.Tatoeba #5095935 by sicerabibax, translation #3310094 by CK
- Quam mihi pelliculam narras?What movie are you talking about?This sentence is useful for asking which pellicula is being discussed.Tatoeba #13748574 by soridsolid, translation #13748575 by soridsolid
- In eo cinematographo mirabilem pelliculam vidiIn that cinema, I saw a marvelous film
- Novae pelliculae semper me delectantNew movies always entertain me
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Aurelia are discussing their plans for the evening.
- GaiusVisne novam pelliculam hodie videre?Do you want to see a new movie today?
- AureliaIta, quae pellicula est optima?Yes, which movie is the best?
- GaiusHaec pellicula est de historia Romana.This movie is about Roman history.
- AureliaOptimum est, eam videamus!That is great, let us watch it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “movie” translations and entries pellicula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pellicula, pictura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
