The Roman ABCs—How to Say the Alphabet in Latin
Did you know the alphabet we use today comes from Latin? That’s right, the ABCs started with the Romans! Learning the Latin alphabet is a fun way for kids to see how history and language connect, and once they know the letters, they can start saying real Roman words for big ideas like love, victory, and wisdom.
What Makes the Latin Alphabet Special?
The Latin alphabet has 23 letters, just a few less than the English one. Letters like J, U, and W came later. In Latin, “I” did double duty as both “i” and “j,” and “V” worked for both “u” and “v.”
Here are a few fun examples of how the sounds work:
- “V” is pronounced like “w”: via (way) sounds like “wee-ah”
- “C” is always hard like “k”: casa (house) sounds like “kah-sah”
- “G” is always hard like “go”: gloria (glory) sounds like “gloh-ree-ah”
Roman Words for Big Ideas
Once kids can sound out Latin letters, the next step is using them to say real Roman words. The ancient Romans loved stories about powerful gods and big ideas, and they had even bigger words for strength, bravery, and power. Many of these words are still around today, so learning them lets children explore deep meanings and cool history all through fun language learning.
Myth Words: Love, Thunder, and Wisdom
These ideas had names that became words in Latin, and each one connects to a famous Roman god or goddess:
- Love = Amor (also the name of Cupid, the god of love!)
- Thunder = Tonitrus (Jupiter was the god of thunder)
- Wisdom = Sapientia (Minerva was the goddess of wisdom)
Power Words: Sword, Victory, and Lion
The Romans also had bold words for strength and triumph. When kids learn these Latin words, they step right into history:
- Sword = Gladius: this was the word for a Roman soldier’s short sword.
- Victory = Victoria: also the name of the Roman goddess of triumph.
- Lion = Leo: the lion was a symbol of courage and strength.
These words make learning Latin exciting and memorable, and they pair perfectly with the alphabet sounds kids have been practicing.
Alphabet and Word Adventures for Kids
Hands-on games are the best way to make Latin letters and words stick. Here are a few favorites, starting with the alphabet and moving into the powerful Roman words above.
Roman Letter Match-Up
Make flashcards with Latin letters and match them with pictures or words that start with that sound: A for amicus (friend), B for bellum (war).
Sing the Latin ABCs
Turn the Latin alphabet into a catchy song! Practice each letter slowly and clearly to get the sounds just right.
Create a Roman Word Shield
Have kids draw a shield and write one big Latin word, like Amor, in the center. Add pictures or symbols around it.
Thunder Clap Game
Every time you say “Tonitrus!,” kids clap like thunder! It’s a fun way to practice the word and stay active.
Roman Hero Roleplay
Kids pick one Latin word like gladius or victoria and act it out using costumes, toys, or even storylines they create.
Lion Roar Game
Say “Leo!” and have kids do their best lion impression. Great for memory and laughter!
Learn Latin the Playful Way with Dinolingo
With Dinolingo, children ages 2–14 can explore Latin through playful lessons, catchy songs, and interactive games. With animated videos, story-based learning, and rich visuals, kids build familiarity with the alphabet while learning useful words like sapientia, amor, gladius, and leo in a modern, fun way.
The platform offers age-specific paths for pre-readers, elementary, and middle school, so kids can grow their skills step by step. It works on the web, iOS, and Android, and includes printable worksheets, flashcards, posters, and songs that bring Roman myths to life. Plus, real-time progress reports and built-in dashboards help parents track every milestone!
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