dolce vita
/ˈdol.t͡ʃe ˈvi.ta/word by word
The Italian phrase for "easy living" is dolce vita.
dolce vita describes a luxurious and carefree lifestyle that focuses on pleasure and comfort. While the phrase is Italian, it is used globally in English to evoke a specific sense of Italian-style luxury and leisure.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, the phrase is frequently used with the definite article la preceding it, forming la dolce vita, which translates to "the sweet life".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈdol.tʃe ˈvi.ta/. It has 4 syllables, with the first syllable being stressed.
Did you know?
- The word vita comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *gʷeyh₃-, which is also the ancient root for the English word 'quick', in the sense of 'alive'.
- In modern Italian, using la dolce vita can sometimes be slightly ironic or critical, implying a life of idle luxury that lacks purpose or hard work.
- Unlike in English, where 'sweet life' is a rare description, la dolce vita is a culturally codified concept in Italy that encompasses specific social rituals like the 'passeggiata' or evening stroll.
Examples in context
- La mia meta nella vita è raggiungere una situazione in cui possa godere di una vita senza problemi.My goal in life is to achieve a situation where I can enjoy an easy living, without any problems.
- Dopo tanti anni di duro lavoro, ora finalmente posso godermi una vita rilassata.After many years of hard work, I can finally enjoy an easy living.
- Sogniamo solo la dolce vita.We only dream of the sweet life.
- Dopo anni di lavoro, merita la dolce vita.After years of work, she deserves the sweet life.
- La dolce vita è fatta di sole e mare.The sweet life is made of sun and sea.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their summer plans in a cafe.
- AlessandroVuoi venire con noi in Italia?Do you want to come to Italy with us?
- SofiaSì, vorrei solo godermi la dolce vita.Yes, I just want to enjoy the sweet life.
- AlessandroSarà un viaggio bellissimo per te e me.It will be a beautiful trip for you and me.
- SofiaNon vedo l'ora di rilassarmi.I can't wait to relax.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (dolce, vita) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dolce, dolce vita, vita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
