gustātus
masculine
The English word 'taste' (as a sensation) is translated into Latin as gustātus or sapor.
Meaning: one of the sensations produced by the tongue (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gustātus | masculine | |
| sapor | [ˈsa.pɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsaː.por] (narrow) |
masculine |
In Latin, there are two primary ways to express the concept of taste. gustātus is used to describe the physiological sensation produced by the tongue or the actual act of tasting. sapor is used to refer to the specific flavor, quality or savor of something, such as its sweetness or saltiness.
Which one should you use?
Use gustātus when you are discussing the sense of taste or the physical process of tasting. Use sapor when you are describing the specific characteristics or the quality of a flavor.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb sapiō, which is related to the noun sapor, can mean both 'to have a taste' and 'to be wise'. This reflects a connection in Latin between the ability to discern flavor and the ability to discern truth.
Did you know?
- The English word 'sage' is a distant relative of the Latin sapiō, linking the idea of a wise person back to the ability to taste and perceive.
- The word gustātus comes from the verb gustāre, which is also the root of the English word 'gusto', meaning enjoyment or zest.
- In Latin literature, the ability to distinguish sapor was often used as a metaphor for the ability to distinguish truth from lies.
Examples in context
- Ille cibus dulcem gustum habet.That food has a sweet taste.
- Istud vinum bene sapit.This wine tastes good.
- Gustātus vinī est fortis.The taste of the wine is strong.
- Gustātus cibī est malus.The taste of the food is bad.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Gaius are trying a new dish.
- AureliaGai, quid putas de gustātū?Gaius, what do you think of the taste?
- GaiusGustātus est valde acerbus.The taste is very sour.
- AureliaEgo puto eum esse optimum.I think it is the best.
- GaiusFortasse tu recte dicis, Aurelia.Perhaps you are right, Aurelia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “taste” translations and entries sapor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
