parvus
[ˈpar.wʊs]
The English word "small" is translated into Latin as parvus. Wiktionary also lists paulus.
Meaning: not large (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| parvus | [ˈpar.wʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpar.vus] (narrow) |
| paulus | [ˈpau̯.ɫʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpaːu̯.lus] (narrow) |
parvus is used to describe something that is not large in physical size or dimensions. If you wish to describe something as very small or tiny, you can use the diminutive form parvulus. For a more formal way to say small, you may use exiguus.
Which one should you use?
While parvus is used for physical size or dimensions, paulus is often used to denote a small amount or a 'little' degree of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Latin, the adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. While parvus is the masculine form, you should use parva for feminine nouns and parvum for neuter nouns.
Did you know?
- The English word 'pauper', used for a very poor person, is an unexpected relative of the Latin word for 'small'.
- The word paulus is etymologically connected to the word puer, meaning 'boy' or 'child'.
- The word parvus is a result of a linguistic phenomenon called metathesis, where the sounds 'r' and 'v' swapped places from an older version of the word.
Examples in context
- Hic liber parvus est.This is a small book.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a book using parvus.Tatoeba #906074 by alexmarcelo, translation #55573 by CK
- Hic panis parvus est.This loaf of bread is small.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a loaf of bread using parvus.Tatoeba #5281505 by alexmarcelo, translation #1771771 by gone2bacolod
- Hīc vīcus parvus est.This is a small village.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a village using parvus.Tatoeba #11152788 by alexmarcelo, translation #3933907 by felvideki
- Parva manus potest multa.A small hand can accomplish much.
- Parvulus canis est fidelissimus.A small dog is most faithful.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Julia are looking at a puppy.
- LuciusVide, catulus parvus est!Look, the puppy is small!
- JuliaIta, sed oculi eius magni sunt.Yes, but his eyes are large.
- LuciusVisne hunc canem parvum?Do you want this small dog?
- JuliaSic, eum amo.Yes, I love him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “small” translations and entries parvus, paulus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
