'' Et tu , Brute ? '' ( ) is a Latin phrase literally meaning " and you , Brutus ? " or " also you , Brutus ? " , often translated as " You as well , Brutus ? " or " Even you , Brutus ? " . It is notable for its occurrence in William Shakespeare 's play '' Julius Caesar '' , where it is spoken by the Roman dictator Julius Caesar to his friend Marcus Junius Brutus at the moment of Caesar 's assassination . The first known occurrences of the phrase are said to be in two earlier Elizabethan plays ; '' Henry VI , Part 3 '' by Shakespeare , and an even earlier play , '' Caesar Interfectus '' , by Richard Eedes . The phrase is often used apart from the plays to signify an unexpected betrayal by a friend . Caesar utters these words in Act III , scene 1 , as he is being stabbed to death , having recognized his friend and protégé Brutus as one of the assassins . However , there is no evidence that the historical Caesar spoke these words . Contrary to popular belief , the words are not Caesar 's last in the play , as he says " Then fall Caesar ! " right after
Caesar 's assassination
Assassination of Julius Caesar
Et tu, Brute?