Res, non verba
“Deeds, not words.”
Traditional Latin motto
What does “Res, non verba” mean?
Res, non verba translates as “Deeds, not words.”
Actions count for more than talk. It is a motto of practical commitment and getting things done.
“Res, non verba” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Res | deeds, things, facts | nominative plural (feminine) of res, “thing, matter, fact”; here it means actual doings and results |
| non | not | adverb of negation, here setting verba aside |
| verba | words | nominative plural (neuter) of verbum, “word” |
How to pronounce “Res, non verba”
Res is one syllable and takes the stress on its own; in verba the stress falls on the first syllable. Classical has a w sound in verba and rays-like res, Church Latin has a v and a flatter res.
The story behind it
Word for word the motto says “things, not words”. Latin res covers anything real and concrete, so English renders it as “deeds” or “facts”, set against empty talk.
The phrase is a traditional motto of uncertain origin, and no ancient author is known to have said it in this form. The thought itself is old, since Greek and Roman writers often contrasted what people say with what they actually do.
It has lived on as a motto for schools, regiments and other organizations, and it is still chosen by teams and groups that want to be judged by results rather than promises.
How to use “Res, non verba”
Well suited to a sports team, a volunteer group, a workshop or a company that wants to stress practical results. It also works on a personal note as a reminder to act instead of just talking about it.
- Latin
- Res, non verba
- English
- Deeds, not words.
- Source
- Traditional Latin motto
- Era
- Modern Latin
- Theme
- Action
Common mistakes
- Do not treat it as a classical Roman quotation by a named author. It is a traditional motto of uncertain origin.
- Res is not a verb. Some readers see it as the English word “res” or a command, but it is a noun meaning “things”.
- Dropping the comma or merging the words into “Res non verba” as one phrase is only a style choice, but the contrast between the two halves should stay clear.
- Do not swap in other words by guesswork, for example facta for res, without checking the grammar and rhythm, since that makes it a different motto.
Questions about “Res, non verba”
What does “Res, non verba” mean literally?
“Things, not words.” In natural English it means “deeds, not words”: what you do matters more than what you say.
Who said “Res, non verba”?
No single author is known. It is a traditional motto of uncertain origin, used by schools, regiments and organizations.
How do you pronounce “Res, non verba”?
Classical: rayss nohn WEHR-bah. Church Latin: rehss nohn VEHR-bah. The stress in verba falls on the first syllable.
Is “Res, non verba” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. It is grammatically correct, short and clear, and it is a well-known motto, so it is a safe choice.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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