sii felice
The Italian phrase for 'be happy' is sii felice.
This expression is used to express a wish for someone to experience a life filled with joy or contentment.
What does it mean word for word?
sii is the second-person singular imperative of the verb essere (to be), and felice means 'happy'.
Which one should you use?
The phrase sii felice functions as a direct command or a wish. It is distinct from essere felice, which is the infinitive form 'to be happy'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form sii felice uses the second-person singular informal imperative of the verb essere.
Did you know?
- While sii felice is a wish, Italians often use the expression in bocca al lupo, meaning 'into the mouth of the wolf', to wish someone luck and future happiness in a specific venture.
- The root of felice is linked to the concept of 'fertility' and 'abundance' in Latin, suggesting that true happiness is something that grows or bears fruit. This gives the word a more substantial, almost physical connotation than the purely emotional English 'happy'.
- Italians rarely say sii felice as a casual greeting, instead using it in highly emotional moments like farewells or written letters.
Examples in context
- Vai e sii felice!Go and be happy!This sentence shows how to use sii felice in a command to go and be happy.Tatoeba #2747971 by Guybrush88, translation #2747968 by catcher
- Sii felice per me.Be happy for me.This sentence shows how to use sii felice to ask someone to be happy on your behalf.Tatoeba #2556985 by Guybrush88, translation #2044400 by CK
- Sii felice e basta.Just be happy.This sentence shows how to use sii felice to tell someone to simply be happy.Tatoeba #4406495 by Guybrush88, translation #2688322 by CM
- Oggi è il tuo compleanno! Sii felice!Today is your birthday! Be happy!
- Grazie mille! Mi hai reso felice!Thank you so much! You made me happy!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are saying goodbye at the train station.
- LorenzoTi auguro il meglio, sii felice.I wish you the best, be happy.
- SofiaGrazie, anche tu sii felice, Lorenzo.Thank you, you be happy too, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoLo farò, grazie di cuore.I will, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
- SofiaBuon viaggio, a presto!Have a good trip, see you soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries felice, sii, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
