Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hasta | [ˈhas.ta] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈas.ta] (narrow) |
|
| dardus | [ˈdar.dʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈdar.dus] (narrow) |
|
| lancea | [ˈɫaŋ.ke.a] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈlan̠ʲ.t͡ʃe.a] (narrow) |
feminine |
The Latin language uses different words for a spear depending on its weight, length and intended use.
Which one should you use?
The term hasta typically refers to a heavier, thrusting spear or a pike used in infantry formations. In contrast, lancea refers to a lighter, thinner spear designed specifically for throwing, such as a javelin. Finally, dardus refers to a small, light dart or a small throwing spear. If you are referring to a rudimentary form of a spear, such as a simple pointed pole or a stake, use sudis.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express using a spear as an instrument, you should use the ablative case, such as hastā (with a spear). The word lancea is a first-declension feminine noun, meaning its genitive singular form is lancae (of the spear/javelin).
Did you know?
- Despite looking identical, the Latin hasta for 'spear' is unrelated to the Sanskrit word hasta which means 'hand'.
Examples in context
- Petere aliquem hastā.To attack someone with a spear.This sentence shows how to use the ablative form hastā to express attacking someone with a spear.
- Illum ardens infesto vulnere Pyrrhus / insequitur, jam jamque manu tenet et premit hasta, / ut tandem ante oculos evasit et ora parentum. / Concidit ac multo vitam cum sanguine fudit.At his heels, aflame / with rage, comes Pyrrhus. Lo, in act to aim, / now, now, he clutches him, – a moment more, / e'en as before his parent's eyes he came, / the long spear reached him. Prostrate on the floor / down falls the hapless youth, and welters in his gore.This sentence uses hasta to describe a spear reaching a victim during an attack.Tatoeba #6845931 by carlosalberto, translation #6845952 by carlosalberto
- "Sic fatus, validis ingentem viribus hastam / in latus inque feri curvam compagibus alvum / contorsit. Stetit illa tremens, uteroque recusso / insonuere cavæ gemitumque dedere cavernæ."So saying, his mighty spear, with all his force, / full at the flank against the ribs he drave, / and pierced the bellying framework of the horse. / Quivering, it stood, the hollow chambers gave / a groan, that echoed from the womb's dark cave.This sentence uses hastam to describe a mighty spear being driven into a target.Tatoeba #6675208 by carlosalberto, translation #6804611 by carlosalberto
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are examining military equipment in a museum.
- JuliaVide, Quinte, quam longam hanc hastam!Look, Quintus, how long this spear is!
- QuintusIta est, Julia. Est valde gravis.It is, Julia. It is very heavy.
- JuliaUtrummiles hanc hastam portabat?Which soldier carried this spear?
- QuintusFortasse miles Romanus eam portabat.Perhaps a Roman soldier carried it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spear” translations and entries hasta, dardus, lancea, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dardus, hasta, lancea, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
