Virtus unita fortior
“Strength united is stronger.”
Motto of Andorra
What does “Virtus unita fortior” mean?
Virtus unita fortior translates as “Strength united is stronger.”
Unity multiplies strength. People who join their efforts can achieve more than they could alone.
“Virtus unita fortior” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Virtus | strength, courage | nominative singular feminine of virtus, “virtue, courage, strength”; the subject of the phrase |
| unita | united | nominative singular feminine perfect passive participle of unio, “I unite”; agrees with virtus |
| fortior | stronger | comparative adjective (nominative singular feminine) of fortis, “strong”; agrees with virtus |
How to pronounce “Virtus unita fortior”
The two differ only in the first word, where classical v sounds like English w and church v like English v. The stress falls on the first syllable of virtus, the second of unita and the first of fortior.
The story behind it
Word for word the motto reads “strength united, stronger”, with the verb “is” left out, as Latin often allows. The sense is that strength joined together is greater than strength on its own.
It is the motto of Andorra, the small Pyrenean principality between France and Spain, and it appears on the country’s coat of arms. The phrase is modern Latin, not a line from an ancient author.
The wording echoes older sayings about the power of unity, such as the proverb that a bundle of sticks is harder to break than a single stick, and the motto suits a small state whose strength has long rested on cooperation.
How to use “Virtus unita fortior”
It suits a team or club motto, a banner for a group project, a speech about cooperation, or an Andorra souvenir. As a tattoo it works for anyone who wants to honour family, friends or a shared cause.
- Latin
- Virtus unita fortior
- English
- Strength united is stronger.
- Source
- Motto of Andorra
- Era
- Modern Latin
- Theme
- Unity
Common mistakes
- The Latin has no verb. Do not add est, because the short form is the traditional wording of the motto.
- Unita is feminine to agree with virtus. For a masculine word, as in a different motto, the participle would change to unitus.
- It is not an ancient Roman saying, and it should not be credited to a classical author such as Cicero or Seneca.
- Virtus does not mean “virtue” in the modern moral sense here. Its older core meaning is strength, courage and manly excellence.
Questions about “Virtus unita fortior”
What does “Virtus unita fortior” mean literally?
“Strength united, stronger”, which in natural English is “Strength united is stronger”. The verb “is” is understood, not written.
Which country uses “Virtus unita fortior” as its motto?
Andorra, the small principality in the Pyrenees. The motto appears on its coat of arms.
How do you pronounce “Virtus unita fortior”?
In classical Latin it is roughly “WIR-toos oo-NEE-tah FOR-tee-or”. In church Latin the first word is “VEER-toos”.
Is “Virtus unita fortior” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. It is correct, well-formed Latin. The grammar is sound, with virtus, unita and fortior all feminine singular nominative.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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