zerum
[ˈzeː.rũː]neuter
The English phrase zero can be translated into Latin using several forms, the default being zerum. Wiktionary also lists nihilum and zephirum.
Meaning: cardinal number before 1, denoting nothing (num)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| zerum | [ˈzeː.rũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈd͡zɛː.rum] (narrow) |
neuter |
| nihilum | [ˈni.(ɦ)ɪ.ɫũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈniː.ki.lum] (narrow) |
neuter |
| zephirum | [ˈzeː.pʰɪ.rũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈd͡zɛː.fi.rum] (narrow) |
Mediaeval, masculine |
| cifra | [ˈkiː.fra] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈt͡ʃiː.fra] (narrow) |
Mediaeval, feminine |
| nūlla | Mediaeval, numeral |
In Latin, zero can be expressed as a cardinal number representing nothing or in specific contexts related to mathematical digits and ciphers.
Which one should you use?
zerum is the default neuter form for the number zero. nihilum is also a neuter form. In Medieval Latin, zephirum is used as a masculine form, while cifra is used as a feminine form specifically in the context of mathematical digits or ciphers. nūlla is a Medieval numeral form.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
cifra is a Medieval Latin term used specifically when referring to mathematical digits or ciphers.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
zerum and nihilum are neuter, zephirum is masculine and cifra is feminine. The related adjective nullus can be used informally to mean 'virtually none'.
Did you know?
- Classical Latin lacked a word for the number zero because the Romans did not use a placeholder digit in their numeral system.
- The word zerum is actually a Medieval Latin way of saying 'nothing' by borrowing from the Arabic word ṣifr.
- The Latin root for nihilum is closely tied to the English word 'nihilism', the philosophical belief that life is without objective meaning.
Examples in context
- Numera a decem usque ad nihilum.Count from 10 down to zero.This sentence demonstrates how to use nihilum when counting down to zero.Tatoeba #10690645 by carlosalberto, translation #73474 by CK
Example conversation
Julia and Quintus are discussing a math problem.
- JuliaQuot puncta habes, Quinte?How many points do you have, Quintus?
- QuintusInfeliciter, habeo zerum.Unfortunately, I have zero.
- JuliaCur nihil probasti?Why did you prove nothing?
- QuintusQuia errores multi erant.Because there were many mistakes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zero” translations and entries zerum, nihilum, zephirum, cifra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cifra, nihilum, zephirum, zerum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
