Adversus solem ne loquitor
“Do not speak against the sun.”
Latin proverb
What does “Adversus solem ne loquitor” mean?
Adversus solem ne loquitor translates as “Do not speak against the sun.”
Do not argue against what is plain for everyone to see. Disputing the obvious only costs you credibility.
“Adversus solem ne loquitor” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Adversus | against | preposition taking the accusative case; here it governs solem |
| solem | the sun | accusative singular of sol, solis (masculine), “sun”; the object of adversus |
| ne | not (in a prohibition) | negative particle; with a future imperative it forbids an action |
| loquitor | speak! | future imperative (third-person form, used as a command) of loquor, “I speak”; a deponent verb (passive form, active meaning) |
How to pronounce “Adversus solem ne loquitor”
The main differences are the v in adversus (w in Classical, v in Church) and the final -us (Classical "oos", Church "oos" in a softer, lighter vowel). Stress falls on the second syllable of adversus, the first of solem and the first of loquitor.
The story behind it
Word for word the line says “against the sun do not speak”. It is a short imperative maxim, and the picture it paints is of someone arguing with something nobody can dispute.
It is usually classed as a Latin proverb, found in collections of ancient sayings, and no individual author can be named with certainty. The sun stands for what is plain to everyone, so the advice is to avoid contesting what anyone can see.
Today the saying is a neat way to point out the futility of disputing evident facts, whether in a debate, a meeting or an argument at home.
How to use “Adversus solem ne loquitor”
A wry desk sign for anyone tired of meetings that reopen settled questions, or a motto for someone who prizes plain facts over empty argument. It also works as a dry caption or a note in a speech about not denying what is obvious.
- Latin
- Adversus solem ne loquitor
- English
- Do not speak against the sun.
- Source
- Latin proverb
- Era
- Classical
- Theme
- Wisdom
Common mistakes
- It does not mean “do not speak in the sunshine” or “do not talk outdoors”. Adversus means “against”, not “facing” in a friendly sense.
- The ending -tor is a deponent future imperative. Writing it as “loquator” or “loque” gives a different form and weakens the classical flavour.
- It is a proverb, not a line by a named author, so avoid attributing it to Cicero or any other writer.
- Do not read it as advice to stay silent in general. It only warns against arguing with what is obvious.
Questions about “Adversus solem ne loquitor”
What does “Adversus solem ne loquitor” mean literally?
“Do not speak against the sun.” It warns against arguing with something as plain and undeniable as the sun itself.
Who said “Adversus solem ne loquitor”?
It is a Latin proverb recorded in collections of ancient sayings. No single author can be named with confidence.
How do you pronounce “Adversus solem ne loquitor”?
In Classical Latin: ad-WEHR-sooss SOH-lem neh LOH-kwih-tor. The Church pronunciation changes mainly the v sound and some vowel colour.
Is “Adversus solem ne loquitor” good Latin for a tattoo?
Yes, the grammar is sound: a preposition with its accusative and a future imperative of the deponent verb loquor. Keep the form loquitor and the word order as given.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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