vīnum
neuter
The English word 'wine' is translated into Latin as vīnum. Wiktionary also lists merum and Bacchi humor.
Meaning: alcoholic beverage made from grapes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vīnum | neuter | |
| merum | [ˈmɛ.rũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmɛː.rum] (narrow) |
neuter |
| Bacchi humor | masculine |
The most common and general way to say 'wine' in Latin is vīnum. You can specify the type of wine by adding adjectives: vinum rubrum is red wine, vinum album is white wine and vinum mustum describes 'young wine' or 'new wine'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Bacchi humor literally translates to the 'juice of Bacchus' (the god of wine), used as a poetic or euphemistic way to refer to wine.
Which one should you use?
While vīnum is the general word for wine, merum specifically refers to undiluted or pure wine, often used in a context where wine might otherwise be mixed with water.
How does it change in a sentence?
vīnum and merum are neuter, while Bacchi humor is masculine.
Did you know?
- The poetic phrase Bacchi humor links the drink to the god Bacchus, whose cult was so wild and disruptive that its rituals were sometimes banned by the Roman Senate.
- In Roman culture, vīnum was not just a drink but a primary source of calories and hydration, often mixed with spices and honey to create a drink called mulsum.
- In Roman social contexts, drinking merum could be seen as a sign of excess or even a lack of restraint compared to the more civilized practice of mixing wine with water.
Examples in context
- Hoc vīnum bonum esse putō.I think this wine is good.This sentence shows how to express an opinion about the quality of the vīnum.Tatoeba #11822505 by alexmarcelo, translation #5263710 by dynamo
- Vīnum bibō.I drink wine.This sentence demonstrates a simple way to state that one is drinking vīnum.Tatoeba #6487727 by Wezel, translation #5839914 by CK
- Amo vinum.I love wine.
- Hoc vinum rubrum est.This is red wine.
- Vinum rubrum diligo.I enjoy red wine.
- Illud vinum album est.That is white wine.
- Amo vinum album.I love white wine.
- Hic vinum bibamus!Let's drink wine here!
- Vinum mustum semper dulce et suave est.Young wine is always sweet and smooth.
- Vīnum in hoc vase est.There is wine in this vessel.
Example conversation
Gaius and Julia are eating dinner together.
- GaiusVīsne vīnum bibere?Do you want to drink wine?
- JuliaIta, vīnum laudābile est.Yes, the wine is praiseworthy.
- GaiusHoc vīnum ex Italiā venit.This wine comes from Italy.
- JuliaGrātiās tibi, Gaie.Thank you, Gaius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wine” translations and entries merum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
