Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group Q

(classical-language maxims, slogans, adages, proverbs, and words of wisdom that can still capture our modern imagination)

Expressions of general truths: Latin to English maxims, proverbs, and mottoes

Word entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.

quadrivium
Four ways [roads].

The collective name given by the schoolmen (educators) of the Middle Ages to the four "liberal arts"; viz., arithmetic, music, geography, and astronomy.

The quadrivium was the "fourfold way" to knowledge; the trivium, to the "threefold way" to eloquence; both together compiled the Seven Liberal Arts enumerated in the following hexameter: Lingua, Tropus, Ratio, Numerus, Tonus, Angulus, Astra; or the higher division of the seven liberal arts in the Middle Ages, comprising geometry, astronomy, arithmetic, and music .

Quae nocent docent.
Things that hurt, teach.
Quaere, invenire, vincere.
To seek, to find, to defeat [conquer].
Qualis pater talis filius.
Like father, like son.
Quam bene vivas refert, non quam diu. (Latin proverb)
Translation: "The important thing is not how long you live, but how well you live."
Quam inique comparatum est! Hiqui minus habent ut semper aliquid addant divitioribus.
How unjust is fate! That they who have but little should be always adding to the abundance of the rich.
Quando hic sum, non ieiuno (jejuno) Sabbato; quando Romae sum, ieiuno (jejuno) Sabbato.
When I'm here [in Milan], I do not fast on Saturday; when I'm in Rome, I fast on Saturday.

This thought is attributed to St. Ambrose and is translated in a short version as, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." The primary advice is to follow the local customs.

quantum placet, q.p.
As much as pleases.

Medical directions indicating that the quantity may be as much or as little as you like.

quantum sufficit, q.s.
As much as suffices.

A term used on medical prescriptions to indicate that as much of a certain component should be used as is sufficient, a decision left to the pharmacist.

quantum vis, Q.v., q.v.
As much as you wish.

Used in medical prescriptions. Don't confuse this q.v. with the Quod vide; (q.v.) meaning, "which [you should] see".

quaque hora, q.h.
Every hour.

Used in medical prescriptions.

quater in die, q.i.d.
Four times a day.

Instructions given by a pharmacist.

quater in nocte, q.i.n.
Four times a night.

Used in medical prescriptions.

Quem di diligunt, adolescens moritur. (Latin statement)
Whom the gods love dies young.

It is also translated as, "Only the good die young." This statement is a translation into Latin made by Plautus in the Bacchides of a line by Menander, a fourth-century Greek dramatist.

Quem metuunt oderunt, quem quisque odit periise expetit.
Whom men fear, they hate; whom a man hates, he wishes dead.
—Quintus Ennius (239-169 B.C.).

Pointing to a page about a kleptomaniac Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.