spīritus
masculine
The English word spirit can be translated into Latin as spīritus. If unsure, use spīritus. Wiktionary also lists animus.
Meaning: soul (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| spīritus | masculine | |
| animus | [ˈa.nɪ.mʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaː.ni.mus] (narrow) |
masculine |
Spīritus is the most straightforward and commonly used term for spirit. It is a versatile word that can describe a physical breath, a divine spirit or even a gust of wind.
What does it mean word for word?
The term spīritus is etymologically related to the concept of breath or a blowing.
Which one should you use?
While spīritus is a general term, other forms offer specific nuances. Animus often refers to the rational soul, the mind or the seat of emotions and willpower. In contrast, anima typically refers to the vital principle or the life-giving soul that distinguishes living things from dead ones.
How does it change in a sentence?
Spīritus is a fourth declension masculine noun. Therefore, its genitive singular form (meaning "of the spirit") is spīritūs.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Animae duae, animus unus.Two souls, one spirit.This sentence illustrates the distinction between two souls and one spirit using animus.Tatoeba #527123 by jxan, translation #664076 by bluepie88
- In omni creatura vivit spiritus.The spirit lives in every creature.
- Quidam homines bono spiritu praediti sunt.Some people are endowed with a good spirit.
- Anima humana supra corpus regnat.The human spirit governs over the body.
- Verus orator animas audientium in se rapit.The true orator captivates the spirits of the listeners.
- Post adflictionem animus refovescit.After adversity, the spirit revives.
- Almae urbis anima saepe est silentium.The spirit of the nourishing city is often silence.
- Spīritus meus in corpore est.My spirit is in my body.
- Spīritus sanus in corpore sano.A healthy spirit in a healthy body.
Example conversation
Lucia and Marcus are discussing a philosophical text in a garden.
- LuciaMarce, quid de spīritu dicis?Marcus, what do you say about the spirit?
- MarcusSpīritus est res divina, Lucia.The spirit is a divine thing, Lucia.
- LuciaNum spīritus aeternus est?Is the spirit eternal?
- MarcusIta, spīritus perennis est.Yes, the spirit is everlasting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spirit” translations and entries animus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries animus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
