Animus risu novatur
“The mind is renewed by laughter.”
Latin saying
What does “Animus risu novatur” mean?
Animus risu novatur translates as “The mind is renewed by laughter.”
Laughter refreshes the spirit.
“Animus risu novatur” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Animus | the mind, the spirit | nominative singular masculine of animus, “mind, spirit”; the subject of the sentence |
| risu | by laughter | ablative singular of risus, “laughter”; ablative of means (by, through laughter) |
| novatur | is renewed | 3rd person singular present passive indicative of novo, “I make new, renew” |
How to pronounce “Animus risu novatur”
The differences are the v (w in Classical, v in Church Latin) and the s in risu, which is often voiced like z in Church Latin. Stress falls on the first syllable of animus, the first of risu and the second of novatur.
The story behind it
Word for word the saying reads “the mind is renewed by laughter”. The grammar is simple: a subject (animus), a means (risu) and a passive verb (novatur), which is why it is easy to remember.
No author or source is known. It belongs to the large stock of anonymous Latin sayings and proverbs, so it should be quoted as a Latin saying and not credited to any named writer.
The thought itself is old and widely shared: ancient and later writers often praised cheerfulness and humour as a relief for the tired mind. Today the line suits anyone who wants a short Latin reminder that laughter restores energy and mood.
How to use “Animus risu novatur”
It fits a caption on a happy photo, a card for a friend who needs cheering up, a desk motto for a stressful workplace or a tattoo for someone who values humour. It also works as a light opening line for a speech or an essay on joy or wellbeing.
- Latin
- Animus risu novatur
- English
- The mind is renewed by laughter.
- Source
- Latin saying
- Era
- Traditional
- Theme
- Joy
Common mistakes
- Animus is not the same as anima. Animus is the mind or spirit, while anima is the breath or soul, so swapping them changes the meaning.
- Risu is ablative (“by laughter”). Writing risus (nominative) would make laughter the subject and the sentence would no longer work.
- Novatur is passive (“is renewed”). Using the active novat would mean “he or she renews” and would need an object.
- Do not credit it to Cicero or any other famous author. No source is known.
Questions about “Animus risu novatur”
What does “Animus risu novatur” mean literally?
“The mind is renewed by laughter.” Animus is the mind or spirit, risu means “by laughter” and novatur means “is renewed”.
Who said “Animus risu novatur”?
No author is known. It is a traditional Latin saying, so it is best described as a Latin saying and not credited to a named writer.
How do you pronounce “Animus risu novatur”?
In Classical Latin: AH-nih-moos REE-soo noh-WAH-toor. In Church Latin: AH-nee-moos REE-zoo noh-VAH-toor.
Is “Animus risu novatur” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. The grammar is correct and the word order is natural. Keep the three words exactly as written, since changing the endings would change the meaning.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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