bella vita
/ˈbɛl.la ˈvi.ta/word by word
The English phrase "beautiful life" is translated into Italian as bella vita.
You can use bella vita literally to describe a high quality of existence, or idiomatically to express satisfaction with one's current circumstances.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bella (beautiful) and the noun vita (life).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because vita is a feminine singular noun, the adjective bello must take the feminine singular form bella.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbɛl.la ˈvi.ta/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word vita shares the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root as the English word 'quick' in the sense of 'alive', such as in the phrase 'the quick and the dead'.
- The adjective bella is so versatile that it can be used as an intensifier in colloquial speech, where bella does not mean 'beautiful' but rather 'big' or 'quite'.
- The expression dolce vita is a close relative of bella vita and refers specifically to a life of luxury and pleasure. It gained global fame through Federico Fellini's 1960 film 'La Dolce Vita'.
Examples in context
- È una bella vita.It's a beautiful life.Tatoeba #3003948 by Guybrush88, translation #2783523 by al_ex_an_der
- Sami e Layla avevano una bella vita assieme.Sami and Layla had a beautiful life together.Tatoeba #6320038 by Guybrush88, translation #6320030 by OsoHombre
- La vita meravigliosa è un regalo che dobbiamo incorniciare con gratitudine.A wonderful life is a gift we must frame with gratitude.
- Che giornata meravigliosa! È davvero una vita bellissima!What a wonderful day! It's truly a beautiful life!
- Cosa posso dire, amico mio? La vita è semplicemente splendida!What can I say, my friend? Life is simply splendid!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are drinking coffee at an outdoor cafe in a sunny square.
- FrancescoGuarda questo sole, che bella vita!Look at this sun, what a beautiful life!
- ChiaraHai ragione, Francesco, è un momento perfetto.You're right, Francesco, it is a perfect moment.
- FrancescoMi sento davvero fortunato oggi.I feel truly lucky today.
- ChiaraLo sei, e te lo meriti.You are, and you deserve it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bella, vita) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bella, vita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
