tristis
[ˈtriːs.tɪs]
The English word 'sad' can be translated into Latin using tristis or maestus.
Meaning: feeling sorrow (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| tristis | [ˈtriːs.tɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈtris.tis] (narrow) |
| maestus | [ˈmae̯s.tʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmɛs.tus] (narrow) |
Both words are used to describe a feeling of sorrow or sadness.
Which one should you use?
tristis is the standard, general word for feeling sorrow or sadness. maestus often implies a more intense, heavy or gloomy state of sadness than tristis.
How does it change in a sentence?
tristis is a third declension adjective, meaning its nominative singular form ends in -is for both masculine and feminine genders. The genitive plural form is tristium, which is used to express 'of the sad [people/things]'. The form tristibus is used for the dative or ablative plural, meaning 'to/for the sad ones' or 'by/with the sad ones'.
Did you know?
- The word tristis shares an ancient possible connection with the Greek word drimús, which means 'sharp' or 'bitter'.
- While tristis usually means 'sad', in certain Latin contexts it can describe something 'grim', 'stern' or 'harsh', such as a 'stern' expression or a 'grim' fate.
- In Latin literature, maestus is frequently used to describe the physical appearance of sadness, such as 'heavy' eyelids or a 'downcast' face.
Examples in context
- Quid tam tristis es?Why are you so sad?This sentence is useful for asking why someone is feeling the state described by tristis.Tatoeba #12196048 by soridsolid, translation #744817 by Swift
- Maria hodie tristis est.Maria is sad today.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is feeling the state described by tristis on a specific day.Tatoeba #1297654 by alexmarcelo, translation #456349 by lukaszpp
- Huius pater tristis est.His father is sad.This sentence is useful for describing the emotional state of a person using tristis.Tatoeba #11720948 by soridsolid, translation #11720946 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- Mea anima tristis est.My soul is sad.
- In hanc tristitiam doloremque incido.I fall into this sadness and grief.
- Numquid tristulus es?Are you feeling a bit sad?
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Claudia and Lucius are talking in a garden.
- ClaudiaCur tristis es, Luci?Why are you sad, Lucius?
- LuciusAmicus meus abest.My friend is away.
- ClaudiaNoli esse tristis.Do not be sad.
- LuciusGratias tibi ago, Claudia.Thank you, Claudia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sad” translations and entries tristis, maestus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maestus, tristis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
