Vowels and Diphthongs
Vōcālēs et Diphtongī
Long vs. Short Vowels
Latin vowels can be Short or Long (held twice as long). Macrons (Ā, Ē, Ī, Ō, Ū) mark long vowels. Vowel quality also changes slightly between short and long forms.
| Vowel | Type | English Approximation | Example Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | Short | like 'a' in father (shortened) | amō (I love) |
| ā | Long | like 'a' in father | māter (mother) |
| e | Short | like 'e' in pet | et (and) |
| ē | Long | like 'a' in they | rēx (king) |
| i | Short | like 'i' in pin | in (in) |
| ī | Long | like 'ee' in meet | vīta (life) |
| o | Short | like 'o' in pot | bonum (good) |
| ō | Long | like 'o' in home | rōma (Rome) |
| u | Short | like 'u' in put | virum (man) |
| ū | Long | like 'oo' in moon | ūnvs (one) |
Classical Diphthongs
A diphthong is two vowels blended seamlessly into one continuous syllable sound.
| Diphthong | English Sound Equivalent | Example Word |
|---|---|---|
| ae | like 'i' in yes or my | caelum (sky / heaven) |
| au | like 'ow' in cow | aurum (gold) |
| ei | like 'ay' in day | deinde (then) |
| eu | like 'eh-oo' (blended) | Europa (Europe) |
| oe | like 'oy' in boy | poena (penalty) |
| ui | like 'we' in we | fortuitō (by chance) |