tempus fugit
[ˈtɛm.pʊs ˈfʊ.ɡɪt]masculine
The English phrase "time flies" is expressed in Latin as tempus fugit.
This phrase is used to describe how time seems to pass quickly.
Meaning: time seems to pass quickly (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun tempus (time) and the third-person singular verb fugit (it flies/flees).
Did you know?
- While we use 'time flies' as a casual remark, it is a core part of the 'memento mori' tradition. It serves as a grim reminder that death is inevitable because time never stops fleeing.
- The phrase tempus fugit originates from the poet Virgil in his work 'Georgics'. He used it to warn that time escapes and the harvest must be gathered quickly.
- The Latin word for 'temples' of the head, templa, is thought to be related to tempus because the temples are the 'stretched' or 'cut' areas of the skull.
Examples in context
- Tempus fugit.Time flies.This sentence is useful for seeing the phrase tempus fugit in use.Tatoeba #349905 by human600, translation #263886 by CK
- Carpe diem, tempus volat!Seize the present moment as time flies!
- Videsne? Tempus fugit.Do you see? Time flies.
- In hoc horto tempus fugit.In this garden, time flies.
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting in a park watching the sun go down.
- QuintusSol descendit et tempus fugit.The sun is setting and time flies.
- ClaudiaIta est, Quinte.It is so, Quintus.
- QuintusHic dies praeteriit.This day has passed.
- ClaudiaVerum dicis.You speak the truth.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “time flies” translations and entries tempus fugit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
