Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| fessus | [ˈfɛs.sʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈfɛs.sus] (narrow) |
| dēfessus | |
| lassus | [ˈɫas.sʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈlas.sus] (narrow) |
The primary way to express being in need of rest or sleep is using the adjective fessus. For example, you can use the adverb valde with fessus and the verb sum to say 'I am very tired' (valde fessus sum).
Which one should you use?
While fessus is the general term for being tired, dēfessus implies being specifically exhausted or worn out by labor. Lassus is another option that often carries a connotation of being weary or faint, sometimes describing a physical sensation of weakness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the subject it describes. While fessus is the masculine form, a woman would use the feminine form fessa. If you are describing a neuter noun, such as a body (corpus), you would use the neuter form fessum. Similarly, when using the phrase fatigatus sum, it becomes fatigata sum when referring to a female.
Did you know?
- The Latin term fatīscō, related to fessus, specifically describes the process of falling apart or decaying over time.
- The word fatīgō is a close relative of fessus, and it is the direct ancestor of the English word 'fatigue'.
Examples in context
- Jam valde fessus sum.I'm so tired already.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are already quite tired using fessus.Tatoeba #7593101 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #7593078 by feudalism
- Nunc valde fessus sum.I'm very tired now.This sentence shows how to say you are very tired right now using fessus.Tatoeba #8015093 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #1090175 by megamanenm
- Hodie paulum fessus sum.I'm a little bit tired today.This sentence demonstrates how to say you are a little bit tired today using fessus.Tatoeba #9072644 by soridsolid, translation #5276156 by CK
- Post longam viam, sum fatigatus.After a long journey, I am tired.
- Vigiliis nocturnis lassus/-a/-um sum.I am tired from staying up all night.
- Diurno labore fatigatus sum.I am tired from a day's work.
- Sum fatigatus ex via longa.I am tired from the long journey.
- Sum lassus ab exercitio.I am tired from exercise.
- Sum fatigata ex verborum contentione.I am tired from arguing.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus returns home after a long walk.
- LuciaSalve! Cur tristis es?Hello! Why are you sad?
- QuintusNon tristis, sed fessus sum.I am not sad, but I am tired.
- LuciaVisne nunc requiescere?Do you want to rest now?
- QuintusIta, fessus sum et dormire volo.Yes, I am tired and I want to sleep.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tired” translations and entries fessus, lassus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fessus, lassus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
