Corpus, mens, spiritus
“Body, mind, spirit.”
Latin motto
What does “Corpus, mens, spiritus” mean?
Corpus, mens, spiritus translates as “Body, mind, spirit.”
The three words describe the whole human person and the idea that education and health should care for all of them together. It is a compact reminder to keep life in balance.
“Corpus, mens, spiritus” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Corpus | body | nominative singular neuter of corpus, “body”; the subject-like first item in a list |
| mens | mind | nominative singular feminine of mens, “mind”; the 3rd-declension genitive is mentis |
| spiritus | spirit | nominative singular masculine of spiritus, “breath, spirit”; 4th declension |
How to pronounce “Corpus, mens, spiritus”
The two differ mainly in the i of spiritus: short in classical, often lengthened in church use. Stress falls on the first syllable of corpus and on the second-to-last syllable of mens (a one-syllable word) and the first of spiritus.
The story behind it
The line is a plain list of three Latin nouns: corpus (body), mens (mind) and spiritus (spirit, literally “breath”). No ancient author is known for this exact sequence.
It is a modern Latin motto, used by schools and health-oriented organisations to express a holistic view of the person: that education and wellbeing should care for the whole human being, not one part alone.
The three words themselves are old and ordinary Latin. Spiritus began as the word for breath or wind, which is why it came to mean the animating spirit of a person.
How to use “Corpus, mens, spiritus”
A short, balanced phrase for a yoga studio, a gym wall, a wellness journal or a school or club motto. It also suits a tattoo for anyone who wants a reminder to look after body, mind and inner life together.
- Latin
- Corpus, mens, spiritus
- English
- Body, mind, spirit.
- Source
- Latin motto
- Era
- Modern Latin
- Theme
- Health
Common mistakes
- It is not a classical Roman saying. It is a modern motto built from ordinary Latin words, so do not attribute it to Cicero or any ancient author.
- The better-known Latin line about body and mind is “Mens sana in corpore sano” (Juvenal), which is a different phrase with a different meaning.
- Spiritus means “breath, spirit”, not “soul”; the usual Latin word for soul is anima.
Questions about “Corpus, mens, spiritus”
What does “Corpus, mens, spiritus” mean?
It means “body, mind, spirit”: three nouns naming the parts of the whole person, with the idea that all three deserve care.
Who said “Corpus, mens, spiritus”?
No ancient author is known for it. It is a modern Latin motto used by schools and health-oriented organisations.
How do you pronounce “Corpus, mens, spiritus”?
In classical Latin: KOR-poos mens SPIH-rih-toos. In church Latin: KOR-poos mens SPEE-ree-toos.
Is “Corpus, mens, spiritus” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. It is a list of three nominative nouns, grammatically sound. Just remember it is a modern motto, not an ancient quotation.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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