mens sana in corpore sano
The English phrase 'sound mind, sound body' is expressed in Latin as mens sana in corpore sano.
This phrase expresses the idea that a healthy mind is found in a healthy body. Because of its emphasis on holistic development, it may be used as a motto for educational institutions such as schools or academies.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'a healthy mind in a healthy body'. The word mens means 'mind', and the adjective sana means 'healthy' or 'sound'. The adjective sano means 'healthy' or 'sound'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, mens is a feminine noun in the nominative singular case and the adjective sana is the feminine singular nominative form that agrees with it. The adjective sano is the masculine singular ablative form that agrees with corpore.
Did you know?
- While many use the phrase as a positive slogan for fitness, the poet Juvenal actually used it to mock people who were praying for the wrong things in life.
- The word corpore comes from corpus, a root that appears in English words for physical objects or organized groups, such as 'corps' and 'corporation'.
- The word sana shares a root with the English word 'sanity'. Both come from the Latin sānus, which describes being sound in either body or mind.
Examples in context
- Mens sana in corpore sano est.A sound mind is in a sound body.
- Memini proverbium: mens sana in corpore sano.I remember the proverb: a sound mind in a sound body.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Marcus are talking after a workout.
- AureliaCurges workout hoc die, Marce?Why did you work out today, Marcus?
- MarcusQuia credo in mens sana in corpore sano.Because I believe in a sound mind in a sound body.
- AureliaRecte dicis, amice.You are right, friend.
- MarcusIta est, Aurelia.It is so, Aurelia.
