Acta non verba
“Deeds, not words.”
Latin motto
What does “Acta non verba” mean?
Acta non verba translates as “Deeds, not words.”
Deeds, not words. Show what you mean through action instead of promises.
“Acta non verba” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Acta | deeds, things done | nominative plural neuter of actum, “a deed” (from the verb ago, “I do”); the subject of the phrase |
| non | not | adverb of negation; it contrasts the two nouns |
| verba | words | nominative plural neuter of verbum, “a word” |
How to pronounce “Acta non verba”
The only difference is the v, pronounced w in Classical Latin and v in Church Latin. Stress falls on the first syllable of acta and of verba.
The story behind it
Word for word the phrase says “deeds, not words”. It has no verb: the two nouns are set against each other, which is what makes it so short and so easy to remember.
It is best treated as a modern motto rather than a quotation from one ancient author. The thought is old, since Greek and Roman writers often contrasted what a person says with what a person does, but no famous source for this exact wording is known.
Today it is used as a motto by schools, clubs, companies and charities, and it is a popular choice for tattoos and desk signs. Its message is simple: judge people, and yourself, by what gets done.
How to use “Acta non verba”
A good tattoo or desk motto for anyone who wants to keep promises and follow through. It also suits a card for someone who has proved themselves by action, a team slogan, or a caption under a picture of hard work.
- Latin
- Acta non verba
- English
- Deeds, not words.
- Source
- Latin motto
- Era
- Modern
- Theme
- Action
Common mistakes
- It is not a line from a known ancient author, so avoid presenting it as a quote from Cicero, Seneca or anyone else.
- Spelling slips are common: acta is often written “actae” or “acte”, and verba is sometimes written “verbae”. Both words are neuter plural and end in -a.
- It does not tell you to stop speaking altogether. It says that deeds matter more than words that are not backed up by action.
- Some versions add extra words or turn it into a longer sentence. The classic form is just the three words acta non verba.
Questions about “Acta non verba”
What does “Acta non verba” mean literally?
“Deeds, not words.” Acta is “things done” and verba is “words”, with non (“not”) between them.
Who said “Acta non verba”?
No ancient author is known for this exact phrase. It is best regarded as a modern Latin motto, although the idea behind it is much older.
How do you pronounce “Acta non verba”?
In Classical Latin it is AK-tah nohn WAIR-bah, with v as w. In Church Latin it is AK-tah nohn VAIR-bah.
Is “Acta non verba” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. It is correct, with both nouns in the nominative neuter plural. Just keep the spelling exactly as acta non verba.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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