Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| noctua | [ˈnɔk.tu.a] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈnɔk.tu.a] (narrow) |
feminine |
| būbō | masculine | |
| strix | [ˈstriːks] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈstrɪks] (Classical Latin, narrow) |
feminine |
| ulula | [ˈʊ.ɫʊ.ɫa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈuː.lu.la] (narrow) |
feminine |
| parra | /ˈparra/ | feminine |
Latin uses different terms to describe various species and characteristics of owls. noctua is a general term for a small owl, while strix can refer to a screech owl or a more predatory bird. The word ulula is often associated with the bird's screeching sound, and būbō refers to larger species like the eagle owl. The word parra is also a form used for an owl.
What does it mean word for word?
The word noctua is derived from the root for night, nox, literally meaning "little night bird".
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the gender and the specific type of bird. būbō is a masculine noun, whereas noctua, strix, ulula and parra are all feminine. Additionally, while noctua is a general term for a small owl, strix often refers specifically to a screech owl or a more predatory bird. The term ulula is linked to the sound of the bird, being related to the verb ululare, which means "to howl" or "to screech".
How does it change in a sentence?
The nouns have different genders: būbō is masculine, while the others are feminine.
When do people say it?
In Roman literature and folklore, the word strix can carry a malevolent connotation, referring to a supernatural bird or a "night hag" that preys on humans.
Did you know?
- The Latin word strix is the linguistic ancestor of the word 'strix' used in modern fantasy and folklore to describe a witch or a vampire.
Examples in context
- Bubo ululat 'u u'.The owl hoots 'woo woo'.This sentence shows how to use the verb related to ulula to describe an owl's sound.Tatoeba #7137625 by jimkillock, translation #7137627 by jimkillock
- Quomodo Graece dicitur "noctua"?What is the Greek word for "owl"?This sentence uses noctua to ask for a translation.Tatoeba #7077611 by alexmarcelo, translation #5453068 by Adelpa
- Būbō erat.That was an eagle owl.This sentence uses būbō to identify a specific type of owl.Tatoeba #10801993 by alexmarcelo, translation #1610322 by human600
- Noctua est avis nocturna et sapientissima.The owl is a nocturnal and wise bird.
- Ulula est noctua parva, sed vocem terribilem habet.The ulula is a small owl, but it has a terrifying voice.
- Bubo venit et clamorem suum facit.The owl comes and makes its cry.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia and Marcus are walking in the woods at night.
- AureliaVide! Noctua in arbore sedet.Look! An owl is sitting in the tree.
- MarcusUbi est? Nihil video.Where is it? I see nothing.
- AureliaHaec noctua est magna et alba.This owl is large and white.
- MarcusAh, nunc eam video!Ah, now I see it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “owl” translations and entries noctua, strix, ulula, parra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries noctua, strix, ulula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
