aqua
[ˈa.kʷa]feminine
The English word 'water' is translated into Latin as aqua. If unsure, use aqua. Wiktionary also lists lympha.
Meaning: inorganic compound H₂O (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| aqua | [ˈa.kʷa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaː.kʷa] (narrow) |
feminine |
| lympha | [ˈlym.pʰa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈlim.fa] (narrow) |
feminine, poetic |
The primary way to refer to the inorganic compound H₂O is through the word aqua. Other specific terms exist depending on whether you are referring to waves, a river or poetic imagery.
Which one should you use?
While aqua is the standard and most common word for water, lympha is used in poetic contexts specifically to describe clear, flowing water or spring water. For different types of water, you might use unda to emphasize waves or a body of water or flumen when referring specifically to a river.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
aqua is a first-declension feminine noun. Use the form aquam when water is the direct object of a sentence. The genitive singular form is aquae, which translates to 'of water' or 'to the water'.
Did you know?
- The word lympha is derived from the Ancient Greek νῠ́μφη, which could mean either a 'young girl' or 'spring water'.
- The word aqua provides the root for many English terms related to water, such as 'aquarium' and 'aqueduct'.
Examples in context
- Ubi est aqua mea?Where is my water?This sentence shows how to ask for the location of aqua.Tatoeba #13788688 by rul, translation #13787127 by rul
- Rana ex aqua exiit.A frog came out of the water.This sentence illustrates a frog emerging from aqua.Tatoeba #5085258 by alexmarcelo, translation #63785 by CK
- Non est aqua calida.There's no hot water.This sentence is useful for stating the absence of hot aqua.Tatoeba #2217753 by alexmarcelo, translation #2217696 by Hybrid
- Aqua est vitalis.Water is vital.
- Puer aquam portat.The boy carries water.
- 304 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Claudia and Marcus are sitting at a table in a garden.
- ClaudiaHabesne aquam pro me, Marce?Do you have some water for me, Marcus?
- MarcusIta, ecce aqua frigida.Yes, here is cold water.
- ClaudiaGratias tibi ago.Thank you.
- MarcusLibenter, Claudia.You're welcome, Claudia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “water” translations and entries aqua, lympha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aqua, lympha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
