nihil paenitet
The English phrase "no regrets" is translated into Latin as nihil paenitet.
The phrase is used to express that one does not feel sorry or remorseful about past actions or decisions.
Did you know?
- The word nihil is built from the idea of 'not even the smallest bit', combining the prefix 'ne-' with 'hīlum', which meant 'a tiny particle' or 'a mote of dust'.
- The root of paenitet is related to the word poena, meaning 'punishment' or 'penalty'. To feel regret in Latin is linguistically linked to the idea of paying a price.
- While we say 'I have no regrets' in English, a Roman might more naturally express the idea as 'nothing regrets me', implying that the situation itself holds no weight of sorrow.
