in
[ˈɪn]
The English word 'on' can be translated into Latin using several forms, primarily in. Wiktionary also lists super and supra.
Meaning: positioned at or resting against the outer surface of, attached to (prep)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| in | [ˈɪn] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈin] (narrow) |
| super | [ˈsʊ.pɛr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsuː.per] (narrow) |
| supra | [ˈsʊ.praː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsuː.pra] (narrow) |
In Latin, the concept of being positioned at, resting against or attached to the outer surface of something is expressed using prepositions.
Which one should you use?
super and supra also express the spatial sense of being 'on'.
Did you know?
- The word super is an ancient cousin to the German word 'über', the Hindi word 'ūpar' and the Punjabi word 'uppar'.
- If you use the preposition in to mean 'on', you must pay close attention to the noun's case to avoid confusion. In Latin, the case used can change the meaning from 'resting on' to 'moving towards'.
- The Latin phrase in situ, meaning 'on site' or 'in its original place', is still used in modern English archeology and medicine.
Examples in context
- Cibus super mēnsam est.The food is on the table.This sentence shows the use of super to indicate food is on a table.
- Avis in tecto est.The bird is on the roof.This sentence uses in to describe a bird being on a roof.Tatoeba #11175407 by carlosalberto, translation #11175388 by carlosalberto
- Cena in mensa est.Dinner is on the table.This sentence uses in to describe dinner being on a table.Tatoeba #13760931 by carlosalberto, translation #2646089 by CK
- In scaena stetit.He stood on the stage.
- 541 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia and Gaius are in a room looking for a book.
- AureliaEstne liber in mensa?Is the book on the table?
- GaiusNon, liber in lectō est.No, the book is on the bed.
- AureliaIn lectō? Gratias tibi ago.On the bed? Thank you.
- GaiusLibenter, Aurelia.You're welcome, Aurelia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on” translations and entries in, super, supra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries in, super, supra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
