Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bellum | [ˈbɛl.lũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈbɛl.lum] (narrow) |
neuter |
| arma | [ˈar.ma] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈar.ma] (narrow) |
neuter, plural |
| duellum | [duˈɛl.lũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [duˈɛl.lum] (narrow) |
archaic, neuter |
| werra | [ˈwɛr.ra] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈwɛr.ra] (narrow) |
feminine |
| guerra | [ˈɡʷɛr.ra] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɡʷɛr.ra] (narrow) |
feminine |
Bellum is a common and generic term used to describe a state of hostility between nations or groups. While it refers to the broad concept of war, the word proelium is used to denote a specific encounter, a clash or a smaller, more localized conflict.
Which one should you use?
Bellum is the standard classical term for war. In contrast, duellum is an archaic form of the word. Additionally, while bellum describes the state of war, the plural neuter form arma refers specifically to the weapons or arms used during such a conflict.
Is it said differently in some regions?
During the medieval period, guerra was used in certain regions alongside more traditional Latin terms.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form bellum is a neuter noun belonging to the second declension. The form werra is a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- The English word 'art' shares a common ancestor with the Latin word for weapons, arma, because both concepts involve things that are 'fitted' or 'joined' together.
Examples in context
- Flavius Vegetius
Sī vīs pācem parā bellum.If you want peace, prepare for war.This sentence shows how to use bellum when discussing the preparation for war. - Fac pacem, non bellum.Make love, not war.This sentence uses bellum to express the sentiment of making peace instead of war.Tatoeba #1359421 by alexmarcelo, translation #273278 by Zifre
- Quid hoc bellum erupit?Why did this war break out?This sentence uses bellum to ask about the cause of a war breaking out.Tatoeba #10854727 by carlosalberto, translation #10854712 by carlosalberto
- Legiones duae proelio iunctae sunt.Two legions joined battle.
- Exercitus magnā virtute in conflictu hostium stetit.The army stood with great courage in the clash with the enemy.
- Imperium Romanum bella multa gessit.The Roman Empire waged many wars.
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends discuss the news of a distant conflict.
- LuciaAudi, Quinte, magnum bellum in Oriente est.Listen, Quintus, there is a great war in the East.
- QuintusCur hoc bellum nunc incipit?Why does this war begin now?
- LuciaReges de terra pugnant.Kings are fighting over land.
- QuintusUtinam bellum cito finiatur!If only the war would end soon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “war” translations and entries bellum, arma, duellum, werra, guerra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arma, bellum, duellum, werra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
