The best Latin dictionaries, and other resources to learn this language

Sculpture in front of a wall with Latin engravings.

Wall with Latin engravings.

Latin is a very interesting language, which can express things that today's languages ​​may not be able to do so elegantly. This language, today, is used in the medical, scientific and legal fields, mainly, so being able to handle it more or less easily could mean an advantage. This without counting the pleasure it would mean to read the classics in one of their original languages.

The first thing to have when starting to study this language is a dictionary. The next step is to take courses or use the translators and tutorials that are available on the internet, so that the learning is as complete as possible.

The best Latin dictionaries

When choosing a dictionary there are many things to take into account, from size and weight to price. And there are many types of dictionaries, some bring exercises and others even audios to help with pronunciation.

In this list, 3 dictionaries are mentioned and explained, two physical and one digital, which have the minimum necessary to be able to translate Latin:

Latin Dictionary Editions SM

Latin dictionary

This dictionary only works to translate from Spanish to Latin, but not the other way around. However, it is perfect for students.

You want it? Buy it here.

Latin root dictionary

Dictionary by Latin roots.

Excellent for professional or student-level translations. Its price is a bit high compared to others, however, the material it provides to the user justifies the money invested. If you are someone who is characterized by seeking excellence, get this dictionary.

Digital Latin Dictionary For Students

Digital Latin Dictionary For Students.

This dictionary has the particularity of being digital, just as its name says. It can be read on virtually any electronic device, making it extremely convenient. Unfortunately it is not available in Spanish, it only comes for English.

Illustrated Latin Dictionary. Latin-Spanish / Spanish-Latin (Vox - Classic Languages)

Illustrated Latin dictionary.

An extremely easy to use dictionary, it can be said that it is even intuitive. It has an interesting Latin grammar addition. This complement, if used well, can be very helpful. It is a great investment in its physical format due to the resistance of the materials with which it was made.

Get it here.

New Latin-Spanish etymological dictionary and derived voices: Fifth edition (Letters)

This dictionary is extremely important because It allows the user to know about how Latin influenced Basque, English, and German. This didactic resource facilitates the reader to understand what concerns the relations between Latin and Greek, as well as its repercussion in the different sciences.

Do not miss yours.

Latin. Didactic dictionary

Latin didactic dictionary.

This dictionary, prepared by Javier Aramburu, offers a very complete Latin teaching system. The author made use of illustrations and extremely detailed explanations for each word, so that nothing escaped, and thus the language could be understood in the best way. By obtaining it, you will enjoy 64 pages where you can appreciate what is related to Latin culture, and another 32 to know, in a systematic way, about the grammar of such an excellent language.

Get a copy here.

Online translators

Image from a Latin dictionary.

Latin dictionary.

In case a dictionary is not a possibility, online translators are a great, free option. The use of this resource is perfect for those who only need to do a few translations and has the advantage that it can usually be used from Spanish to Latin or vice versa, in addition to a wide variety of languages.

Google Translate has Latin among its languages ​​to translate. Because it is the easiest and quickest to access, it is one of the most used translators. What you have to keep in mind in this case is that their translations are not exact in terms of expressions, so it only works for a few joint words or very short sentences.

There are an infinity of online translators, most of them free and very simple. However, it is important to note that these translators are quite limited and should only be used for support.

Latin tutorials

In the case of wanting or needing to learn the correct pronunciation, online tutorials are the best option. The most common is that these tutorials are free, so they can have concrete information, but they are not likely to work in case you want to learn Latin in a more profound way.

YouTube is a great way to find tutorials of almost any subject, including Latin. In this network there is a great variety of videos with complete courses for beginners, intermediate or advanced level in Latin. Again, this does not necessarily mean that it is the most appropriate way to learn a dead language, but it is certainly very supportive.

Online Latin courses

Latin calligraphy image.

Latin calligraphy.These courses usually have a cost, however, there are some very good and, best of all, free. In this type of course the study is usually a little deeper, so the learning is usually also more complete.

linguim.com It is a page that has a Latin course, clearly written, quite complete. Its course is aimed at beginners, it has exercises, very clear explanations and they speak a lot about the history and evolution of the language. It also has common prayers and poems.

Another excellent online course to learn Latin is latinonline.es. Focused in the form of a blog, this page has video-classes in which each specific topic is explained. It is practically like taking a class. The explanations are very complete and a new class is set up every week, so they are always being updated.

The Spanish Pedro León created a blog to teach Latin through exercises and very clear explanations. Your blog, Learn Latin online, has the list of topics for your course, from there you can access each class and perform the exercises provided by the creator, which can be downloaded without any problem.

Whether for pleasure or work, having knowledge of this dead language will always be an advantage. Studying this language results in the study of its literature, its heroes and villains, its history.

Learning about Latin is another way to learn the history of the world and humanity. Latin was there since before Ancient Rome, but it was thanks to it that it became such a powerful language.

Latin: conceptually dead, but very much alive in practice

It is already more than proven that Latin is and will be among usat the works of the great Marco Tulio Cicero, even every Romance language derived from it. This language, mother and father of Spanish, Romanian, Italian, French, Portuguese, and many other languages, is still in force more than ever.

The theory, because there is no one to be born and develop him as a mother tongue, considers him dead, yes, and it makes sense, however, his presence is insurmountable. Studying law or medicine, without using their words, is impossible.

Part of the magic of Latin, although it sounds strange, lies in its supposed death, because it is not acquired by being part of a particular culture, but because you choose to learn it. The one that arouses that interest makes it more powerful; And it is to speak it is to move to the times of ancient civilizations, and to read it, then, an open door to infinity of knowledge.


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