Vetus arbustum posse transferri
“Even an old tree can be transplanted.”
Seneca, Epistulae morales 86.14
What does “Vetus arbustum posse transferri” mean?
Vetus arbustum posse transferri translates as “Even an old tree can be transplanted.”
It is never too late to change or start again.
“Vetus arbustum posse transferri” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Vetus | old | nominative singular neuter of vetus, veteris, “old”, agreeing with arbustum |
| arbustum | tree, planted tree | nominative singular neuter of arbustum, “a tree, a planted orchard tree”; subject of the infinitive clause |
| posse | can, to be able | present infinitive of possum, “I can, I am able”; here it sets up a statement about what is possible |
| transferri | to be moved, to be transplanted | present passive infinitive of transfero, “I carry across, I transfer” |
How to pronounce “Vetus arbustum posse transferri”
The two pronunciations sound almost identical; only the v of vetus differs (w in Classical, v in Church). Stress the first syllable of vetus, the second of arbustum, the first of posse and the second-to-last of transferri.
The story behind it
Word for word the line says that an old tree can be transferred. It is a short, general statement about what is possible, taken from a longer passage by Seneca.
It comes from Seneca’s Epistulae morales (Moral Letters), letter 86, a Stoic writer’s reflections addressed to his friend Lucilius. There Seneca describes watching an old farmer successfully move old trees, and takes this as a lesson for himself.
The image has lasted because it answers a common doubt: that change belongs only to the young. Today the line is quoted as encouragement for a new career, a move or a fresh start later in life.
How to use “Vetus arbustum posse transferri”
Good for a card to someone changing careers, moving house or starting again later in life, or as a tattoo or desk motto about renewal. It also suits an essay on Stoic attitudes to age and self-improvement.
- Latin
- Vetus arbustum posse transferri
- English
- Even an old tree can be transplanted.
- Source
- Seneca, Epistulae morales 86.14
- Era
- Classical
- Theme
- Change
Common mistakes
- It is a statement about what is possible, not a command, so it does not mean “transplant old trees”.
- Do not drop posse. Without it the sentence loses the sense of “can be”, and transferri alone is only an infinitive.
- In the Latin, vetus arbustum is the grammatical subject of the infinitive; it is not “old trees” in the plural. The plural would be vetera arbusta.
- Do not present it as a freestanding proverb. It is Seneca’s wording in context, even if it is often quoted alone.
Questions about “Vetus arbustum posse transferri”
What does “Vetus arbustum posse transferri” mean literally?
Literally, “that an old tree can be transferred”. It is usually rendered as “even an old tree can be transplanted”.
Who said “Vetus arbustum posse transferri”?
It comes from Seneca, in his Epistulae morales 86.14, written to Lucilius.
How do you pronounce “Vetus arbustum posse transferri”?
In Classical Latin: WEH-toos ar-BOOS-toom POS-seh trans-FEH-rree. In the Church pronunciation, only the first word changes, to VEH-toos.
Is “Vetus arbustum posse transferri” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes, it is Seneca’s own wording. Note that it is an infinitive clause, so it reads as part of a larger sentence rather than a full standalone one.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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