serpēns
feminine, masculine
The English word snake is translated into Latin using several forms, most commonly serpēns. Wiktionary also lists anguis and vīpera.
Meaning: legless reptile (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| serpēns | feminine, masculine | |
| anguis | [ˈaŋ.ɡʷɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaŋ.ɡʷis] (narrow) |
masculine |
| vīpera | feminine | |
| coluber | [ˈkɔ.ɫʊ.bɛr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkɔː.lu.ber] (narrow) |
masculine |
| colubra | [ˈkɔ.ɫʊ.bra] (Classical Latin, narrow) [kɔˈɫʊb.ra] (Classical Latin, narrow) |
feminine |
| dracō | masculine |
Latin uses different words depending on whether you are describing a general snake, a specific type of snake or a mythical creature.
What does it mean word for word?
The word serpēns is a present participle and literally means a creeping thing.
Which one should you use?
While serpēns is a general term, vīpera refers specifically to a viper or a venomous snake. dracō can be used to describe a large snake, but it is most commonly understood to mean dragon.
How does it change in a sentence?
anguis is a third-declension masculine noun, meaning its genitive singular form is also anguis. coluber is a second-declension masculine noun.
Did you know?
- The word serpēns shares a common root with the English word 'serpent', which is a direct descendant of the Latin participle.
Examples in context
- Anguis non sum.I'm not a snake.This sentence is useful for practicing the word anguis.Tatoeba #9764338 by shekitten, translation #9741917 by shekitten
- Mordetne serpēns tua?Does your snake bite?This sentence is useful for practicing the word serpēns.Tatoeba #13178431 by Vortarulo, translation #6602086 by Eccles17
- Fiat Dan coluber in via, cerastes in semita, mordens calcanea equi, ut cadat ascensor eius retro.Let Dan be a snake in the way, a serpent in the path, that biteth the horse's heels, that his rider may fall backward.This sentence is useful for practicing the word coluber.Tatoeba #7923892 by carlosalberto, translation #7923894 by carlosalberto
- video serpentesI see snakes
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Claudia are walking in a garden.
- LuciusVide, Claudia! Serpēns in herba est.Look, Claudia! There is a snake in the grass.
- ClaudiaUbi est? Non video eum.Where is it? I do not see it.
- LuciusHic est. Serpēns magnus et longus est.It is here. The snake is large and long.
- ClaudiaCurramus! Fugiamus a serpente!Let's hurry! Let's flee from the snake!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snake” translations and entries anguis, coluber, colubra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anguis, coluber, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
