carpe diem
[ˈkar.pɛ ˈdi.ẽː]
The English phrase "seize the day" is expressed in Latin as carpe diem.
Meaning: enjoy the present (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb carpe comes from a root meaning to pluck, harvest or gather, much like picking a flower or fruit. The word diem is the accusative singular form of dies, which means "day".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the imperative singular form of the verb, which means it is a command directed at one person.
Did you know?
- In its original context, the phrase is a warning to be skeptical of the future rather than just a call to party.
- The verb carpe shares a root with the word for 'picking a fruit', suggesting that the day should be treated as a ripe piece of produce to be harvested before it spoils.
Examples in context
- Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.Seize the day and trust as little as possible in tomorrow.This sentence shows how to use carpe diem alongside a warning to trust the future as little as possible.Tatoeba #11339787 by AmarMecheri, translation #13624916 by carlosalberto
- Carpe diem.Seize the day.This is a simple way to state carpe diem.Tatoeba #379198 by pullnosemans, translation #591194 by Shoyren
- Carpe diem!Seize the day!This is an exclamatory way to say carpe diem.Tatoeba #2487920 by Esperantostern, translation #9363409 by Nylez
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seize the day” translations and entries carpe diem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carpe diem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
