Semper supra
“Always above.”
Motto of the United States Space Force
What does “Semper supra” mean?
Semper supra translates as “Always above.”
Always above – a motto about rising higher and holding the high ground.
“Semper supra” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Semper | always | adverb; it does not change form |
| supra | above | adverb here (it can also be a preposition with the accusative, “above something”); it does not change form |
How to pronounce “Semper supra”
Both pronunciations sound the same here. Stress the first syllable of both words.
The story behind it
Word for word the phrase says “always above”. Both words are adverbs, so the motto has no verb: it is a short slogan, not a full sentence.
It is the official motto of the United States Space Force, the service created in December 2019 and the first new US armed service in decades. The motto was adopted in 2020.
The wording echoes the long-standing practice of military mottoes in Latin, such as Semper fidelis for the US Marine Corps. Here the image is height: holding the high ground, in this case above the atmosphere.
How to use “Semper supra”
A fit for a tattoo, a desk motto or a wall print for anyone drawn to ambition, aiming higher or staying ahead. It also suits military and aerospace themes, such as a gift for someone serving in or admiring the Space Force.
- Latin
- Semper supra
- English
- Always above.
- Source
- Motto of the United States Space Force
- Era
- Modern
- Theme
- Ambition
Common mistakes
- It is not an ancient Roman saying. It is a modern motto written in Latin.
- It does not mean “always up”. Supra means “above”, a position, not a direction of travel.
- Do not confuse it with Semper fi, the short form of the Marine Corps motto Semper fidelis (“always faithful”).
- Because both words are adverbs, nothing changes for gender or number, so there is no ending to adjust.
Questions about “Semper supra”
What does “Semper supra” mean literally?
“Always above”. Semper means “always” and supra means “above”.
Who uses the motto “Semper supra”?
It is the official motto of the United States Space Force, adopted in 2020.
How do you pronounce “Semper supra”?
Classically it is SEM-per SOO-prah. The Church pronunciation is the same, with the stress on the first syllable of each word.
Is “Semper supra” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. Both words are real Latin adverbs and need no endings changed. Be aware that most people will link it to the Space Force.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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