How to Learn the Common Latin Phrases
English is full of Latin — e.g., i.e., vice versa, status quo, carpe diem. People use them constantly and often get them slightly wrong. This deck teaches what the everyday Latin phrases and abbreviations actually mean.
There are 14 cards in the deck below. You can read through them, practise them right here with the flip-card player, and then save the deck to study properly with spaced repetition — the method that makes them stick for months, not minutes.
Why the common Latin phrases is hard to memorize (and the fix)
The big one is e.g. vs i.e. — they are not interchangeable (e.g. = "for example", i.e. = "that is"). Learning the literal meaning of each phrase fixes the misuse.
The fix is active recall plus spaced repetition. Instead of re-reading the list (which feels productive but barely works), you test yourself — pull each answer out of memory — and you review each card on a schedule that stretches over time. Every time you successfully recall a fact, the memory gets stronger and the next review is pushed further out. That's how you go from "I saw it once" to "I just know it."
The fastest way to learn the common Latin phrases
- Break it into small batches. Learn the abbreviations first (e.g., i.e., etc., N.B.), then the spoken phrases (per se, bona fide, status quo).
- Test, don't re-read. Look at the question, say the answer out loud before flipping the card. The little struggle to recall is what builds the memory — a smooth re-read does almost nothing.
- Review on a schedule. Spaced repetition shows you each card right before you'd forget it. Get one right and it comes back in a few days, then a week, then a month. Miss one and it comes back sooner.
- Keep sessions short and daily. Five to ten minutes a day beats a two-hour cram every time. Consistency is the whole game.
One fact per card. Learn the literal translation, not just a loose sense — it prevents the classic misuses.
The full deck: the Common Latin Phrases
Here's every card in the set. Practise them above, or save the deck and let spaced repetition schedule your reviews automatically.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| What does "e.g." mean? | For example (exempli gratia) |
| What does "i.e." mean? | That is / in other words (id est) |
| What does "etc." mean? | And so on (et cetera) |
| What does "vice versa" mean? | The other way around |
| What does "per se" mean? | In itself / intrinsically |
| What does "ad hoc" mean? | For this specific purpose; improvised |
| What does "status quo" mean? | The existing state of affairs |
| What does "carpe diem" mean? | Seize the day |
| What does "bona fide" mean? | In good faith; genuine |
| What does "quid pro quo" mean? | Something given for something in return |
| What does "per capita" mean? | Per person |
| What does "N.B." mean? | Note well (nota bene) |
| What does "et al." mean? | And others (et alii) |
| What is the difference between e.g. and i.e.? | e.g. gives an example; i.e. restates or clarifies |
Save this deck and actually remember it
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Study this deck free →FAQ: learning the common Latin phrases
How long does it take to learn the common Latin phrases?
Most people can lock in the common Latin phrases within one to three weeks of short daily sessions. With spaced repetition doing 10–14 cards a day, you'll recognise them within days and recall them reliably within a couple of weeks.
What's the best way to memorize the common Latin phrases?
Active recall plus spaced repetition. Test yourself instead of re-reading, and review on a schedule that spaces the cards out over time. Flashcards are built for exactly this — which is why the deck above is the fastest path.
Is this deck free?
Yes. You can practise all 14 cards on this page for free with no account. Sign up (also free) to save the deck and let spaced repetition schedule your reviews so it sticks long-term.