Lutetia
[ɫuːˈteː.ti.a]Classical Latin, feminine
The English phrase Paris is referred to in Latin as Lutetia. Wiktionary also lists Parīsius and Lutetia Parisiorum.
Meaning: capital of France (name)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lutetia | [ɫuːˈteː.ti.a] (Classical Latin, narrow) [luˈtɛː.t͡si.a] (narrow) |
Classical Latin, feminine |
| Parīsius | Medieval Latin, masculine | |
| Lutetia Parisiorum | feminine |
Lutetia is the ancient name of Paris used as a proper name in Latin.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase Lutetia Parisiorum, the word Parisiorum means of the Parisii.
Which one should you use?
Lutetia is the standard name for the city in Classical Latin. The form Lutetia Parisiorum is a more descriptive form meaning 'Lutetia of the Parisii' (the local Celtic tribe).
How does it change in a sentence?
When Paris is the direct object of a verb (e.g., 'going to Paris'), the form changes from Lutetia to Lutetiam.
Did you know?
- The Latin word Lutetia is related to the Old Irish word loth, which means 'dirt'.
- While Lutetia was the official Latin name, the people living there were the Parisii, a Celtic tribe. The modern name 'Paris' is actually derived from the people rather than the original name of the place.
- While we use 'Paris' as a single name today, the Latin structure Lutetia Parisiorum treats the tribal name as a genitive plural.
Examples in context
- Lutetia in Gallia est.Paris is in France.This sentence is useful for stating the location of Lutetia.Tatoeba #5152448 by alexmarcelo, translation #5160184 by CarpeLanam
- Cras Lutetiam raeda ibo.I will drive to Paris tomorrow.This sentence is useful for describing travel to Lutetia.Tatoeba #1520056 by alexmarcelo, translation #699893 by rpglover64
- Num Lutetia procul abest?Is Paris far away?This sentence is useful for asking about the distance to Lutetia.Tatoeba #7055563 by alexmarcelo, translation #1131247 by FiRez
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Claudia are discussing their travel plans.
- QuintusVisne mecum ad Lutetiam ire?Do you want to go to Lutetia with me?
- ClaudiaIta, Lutetiam iam diu visitare volo.Yes, I have wanted to visit Lutetia for a long time.
- QuintusTunc mox iter ineamus.Then let us begin the journey soon.
- ClaudiaOptime, Quinte, mox ibimus!Great, Quintus, we will go soon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paris” translations and entries Lutetia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Lutetia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
