fābula
feminine
The Latin word for story is fābula.
fābula is used to refer to a story or a tale.
Meaning: account of events (noun)
Which one should you use?
While fābula refers to a story or tale, the word ratiō is used for a more formal or logical account of events.
How does it change in a sentence?
fābula is a feminine noun. Use the form fābulam when the story is the direct object of a verb, and use the genitive singular form fābulae to say 'of the story'.
Did you know?
- The word fābula comes from the root fāre, meaning 'to speak'. This links it to other Latin words like fātum, meaning 'fate' or that which has been spoken by the gods.
- Ancient Romans distinguished between fābula palliata, a story featuring Greek characters in cloaks, and fābula togata, a story featuring Roman characters in togas.
- In ancient Rome, fābula was used to describe a theatrical play. A Roman citizen would go to see a fābula just as a modern person goes to see a drama or comedy.
Examples in context
- Crēdō fābulam vēram esse.I believe that the story is true.This sentence shows the use of fābula as a direct object.Tatoeba #11110397 by alexmarcelo, translation #253766 by CK
- Crēdit fābulam vēram esse.He believes that the story is true.Tatoeba #11110399 by alexmarcelo, translation #291388 by CK
- The ancient Romans loved to share fabulae (stories) about their gods and heroes.The ancient Romans loved to share stories about their gods and heroes.
Example conversation
Julia and Lucius are talking about a book.
- JuliaHanc fābulam ego dīcō.I am telling this story.
- LuciusEstne fābula vēra?Is the story true?
- JuliaIta, fābula vēra est.Yes, the story is true.
- LuciusGrātiās tibi, Iūlia.Thank you, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “story” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
