lignum
[ˈlɪŋ.nũː]
The English word 'wood' is translated into Latin as lignum.
The term lignum refers to the substance of wood itself.
Meaning: substance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
lignum is a second declension neuter noun, which means it is used as the subject or the direct object of a sentence. To say 'of the wood', use the genitive singular form ligni. The plural form ligna can be used to refer to multiple pieces of wood or several different types of wood.
Did you know?
- The word lignum is actually derived from an ancient verb meaning 'to collect'. It originally described wood specifically gathered for a purpose, such as making a fire.
- The English word 'lignite', used to describe a type of brown coal, is derived directly from lignum.
- In Latin, while lignum refers to the material, the word silva is used when you want to speak of a wood in the sense of a forest or a grove of trees.
Examples in context
- Hoc lignum durum non est.This wood isn't hard.This sentence is useful for describing the physical properties of lignum.Tatoeba #2651042 by alexmarcelo, translation #13852158 by rul
- Lignum mihi secandum est.I have to cut the wood.This sentence shows how to express a necessity regarding lignum.Tatoeba #5046176 by alexmarcelo, translation #1744893 by Amastan
- Lignum in aqua manet in superficie.Wood floats in water.This sentence demonstrates the physical behavior of lignum in water.Tatoeba #1491596 by alexmarcelo, translation #323630 by TracyPoff
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Quintus are discussing materials for a project.
- JuliaQuid ad hanc mensam opus est?What is needed for this table?
- QuintusOpus est bono ligno.Good wood is needed.
- JuliaHabesne lignum in horto?Do you have wood in the garden?
- QuintusIta, lignum ibi est.Yes, the wood is there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wood” translations and entries lignum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lignum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
