Latin translation: "In the absence of light darkness prevails"

[brianmelendez]

A friend has asked me for a translation into Latin of the sentence, “In the absence of light darkness prevails.” I responded,

This phrase may be a common expression with a customary translation, but unfortunately I don’t know it. I would translate it as sine luce, tenebrae regnant – which translates more literally as “without light, night reigns.” You could also go with vacuum, “void,” in place of tenebrae; or with vincent, “conquers” or “wins,” in place of regnant. (By the way, tenebrae is plural. So if you went with vacuum, a singular noun, then the verb would need to be singular too – regnat or vincit.)

I am not certain of my translation here. If anyone has a critique or a better idea, I would enjoy hearing it. Thanks.

[Satyagrahi]

May I respectfully suggest ProZ?

This is a site where hundreds of pro and semi-pro translators hang out, hoping that a paying job will come along. In the meantime, they’re happy to provide answers to short translation questions…for free.

You might get several opinions…but you choose the one you like.