Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| anima | [ˈa.nɪ.ma] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaː.ni.ma] (narrow) |
feminine |
| animus | [ˈa.nɪ.mʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaː.ni.mus] (narrow) |
masculine |
The term refers to the spirit or essence of a person, often believed to live on after death. It can also represent the vital principle or the breath of life that animates a living being. A common idiomatic expression is ex animō, which means "from the soul" and is used to convey that an action or feeling is done sincerely or from the bottom of one's heart.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the aspect of the soul you wish to emphasize. Use the feminine anima to refer to the breath of life or the vital principle. Use the masculine animus to refer to the rational mind, the seat of emotions or a person's spirit and courage. Additionally, the word umbra, which literally means "shade" or "shadow", can be used poetically or metaphorically to convey the concept of the soul.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its role in a sentence. For example, the genitive singular animī is used to indicate possession or a relationship, such as "of the soul". The ablative singular animō is used in prepositional phrases, such as ex animō to mean "from the soul".
Did you know?
- The English word 'animal' is a direct relative of anima, as both stem from the idea of being 'animated' or having the breath of life.
- The Latin word anima is cognate with the Danish word ånde, which means 'breath'.
- The Latin word for soul, anima, is the root of the English word 'animate', which means to bring something to life.
Examples in context
- Tibi bene ex animō volō.I wish you well from my soul.This sentence shows the use of the ablative form animō to express sincerity.
- Musica lingua animae est.Music is the language of the soul.This sentence uses the genitive singular form animae to show possession.Tatoeba #12734455 by rul, translation #8582012 by Ooneykcall
- Ars musica animae est mira.Music is wonderful for the soul.This sentence also uses the genitive singular form animae to show what music is for.Tatoeba #3868595 by alexmarcelo, translation #3865464 by patgfisher
- Animam meam aeternam amoI love my eternal soul
- Mea animula est apud teMy dear little soul is with you
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Aurelia are discussing the afterlife.
- QuintusCredisne anima post mortem vivere?Do you believe the soul lives after death?
- AureliaIta, anima aeternam vitam habet.Yes, the soul has eternal life.
- QuintusUbi habitat haec anima?Where does this soul dwell?
- AureliaIn caelo luceat anima nostra.May our soul shine in heaven.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soul” translations and entries anima, animus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anima, animus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
