res
[ˈreːs]
The English word "stuff" is translated into Latin as res.
res is used to refer to miscellaneous items or things.
Meaning: miscellaneous items, things (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word res can mean a thing, matter, affair, property or circumstance.
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between 'thing' (singular) and 'stuff' (uncountable/plural), the Latin res can function as both a singular 'thing' and a plural 'things/stuff' depending on the context and grammatical number.
How does it change in a sentence?
res is a fifth-declension feminine noun. It can be used in both the singular and plural to mean "thing" or "stuff". The genitive plural form is rerum, which is used to express possession or relationship to "stuff" (e.g., 'the nature of things').
Did you know?
- The phrase res publica literally means 'the public stuff' or 'the public thing', but it is the root of the English word 'republic'.
- The plural phrase res novae, literally 'new things', was the standard Latin way to describe a political revolution.
Examples in context
- Res tuae omnes extra sunt.Your stuff is all outside.This sentence uses res to describe your belongings being outside.Tatoeba #8426227 by Vibius_Marcus, translation #3831377 by CK
- Hae res in ludis non docentur.They don't teach this stuff in schools.This sentence uses res to refer to topics not taught in schools.Tatoeba #13134481 by rul, translation #13125592 by rul
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Julia are cleaning a room together.
- GaiusUbi sunt res tuae, Julia?Where is your stuff, Julia?
- JuliaRes meae in illa arca sunt.My stuff is in that chest.
- GaiusHae res sunt valde graves.These things are very heavy.
- JuliaTene res eas, amice.Hold those things, friend.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry res, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries res, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
