geminus
[ˈɡɛ.mɪ.nʊs]masculine
The English word 'twin' can be translated into Latin as geminus. Wiktionary also lists connascor and connatus.
Meaning: either of two people who shared the same uterus, or of two similar or closely related objects (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| geminus | [ˈɡɛ.mɪ.nʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈd͡ʒɛː.mi.nus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| connascor | ||
| connatus | masculine | |
| connata | feminine | |
| gemellus | [ɡɛˈmɛl.lʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [d͡ʒeˈmɛl.lus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| gemella | feminine |
The term is used to describe either of two people who shared the same uterus or to describe two similar or closely related objects.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the specific nuance or gender you wish to convey. The word geminus refers to twins as a pair of similar things, whereas connatus (masculine) and connata (feminine) emphasize the biological fact of being born at the same time. If you wish to imply endearment or refer to 'little twins', use the diminutive form gemellus (masculine) or gemella (feminine).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word connascor is a deponent verb, which means it uses passive forms to express an active meaning. It is used to say 'to be born as a twin'.
Did you know?
- Ancient Romans often used gemini to refer to the constellation Gemini, which represents the mythological twins Castor and Pollux.
- The Latin root in geminus is the ancestor of the English word 'geminate', which linguists use to describe consonants that are doubled in pronunciation.
- The root of geminus is potentially linked to the Old Irish word emon, showing how the concept of 'twin' travelled through ancient Celtic and Italic languages.
Examples in context
- Thimotheus Thomae frater germanus geminus est.Tim is Tom's twin brother.This sentence shows how to use geminus to identify a twin brother.Tatoeba #8584580 by whatzitdoe, translation #6121851 by Mandalay
- Fratres gemelli ambulabant in via.The twin brothers were walking on the street.
- Videte hos parvulos? Sunt gemelli!Do you see these little ones? They are twins!
- Gemelli identici se mutuo intellegunt.Identical twins understand each other mutually.
- Hic puer geminus est.This boy is a twin.
- Geminus meus adest.My twin is here.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Lucia are looking at a portrait of two brothers.
- LuciusNum hic geminus est?Is this one a twin?
- LuciaIta, Luci, geminus est.Yes, Lucius, he is a twin.
- LuciusUbi est frater eius?Where is his brother?
- LuciaFrater eius hic est.His brother is here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “twin” translations and entries geminus, gemellus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries geminus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
