mens sana in corpore sano

Latin

Etymology

From the Roman poet Juvenal (Satire X, line 356).

Pronunciation

• (Classical Latin) IPA^(key): /mens ˈsaː.na in ˈkor.po.re ˈsaː.noː/, [mẽːs̠ ˈs̠äːnä ɪn ˈkɔrpɔrɛ ˈs̠äːnoː]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /mens ˈsa.na in ˈkor.po.re ˈsa.no/, [mɛns ˈsäːnä in ˈkɔrpore ˈsäːno]

Proverb

mēns sāna in corpore sānō

1. A healthy mind in a healthy body.
   • 1st–2nd c. — Juvenal, Saturae, Book IV, X, line 356.

     ōrandum est ut sit mēns sāna in corpore sānō

     You should pray for a healthy mind in a healthy body

Usage notes

Over time, the phrase has come to mean that only a healthy body can produce or sustain a healthy mind – and vice versa.

Descendants

• → French: un esprit sain dans un corps sain (calque)
• → Italian: mente sana in corpo sano (calque)