godersi la vita
The English phrase 'enjoy life' is translated into Italian as godersi la vita.
The phrase is used to express the idea of taking pleasure in the experience of living and making the most of one's time.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb godersi is the reflexive form of godere, which literally means 'to enjoy oneself' or 'to enjoy something for oneself'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the definite article la is used before vita because Italian requires a definite article when referring to abstract concepts or life in a general sense.
Did you know?
- The verb godere is also the standard Italian word for 'to have an orgasm'.
- Italian speakers often pair the idea of enjoying life with dolce far niente, the pleasure of doing nothing, treating idleness as a skill to be mastered.
- The word vita comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *gʷeyh₃-, which is a distant relative of the English word 'quick' in its archaic sense of 'living'.
Examples in context
- È importante godersi la vita ogni giorno.It is important to enjoy life every day.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their future plans.
- MatteoLavori troppo, Matteo. Dovresti godersi la vita!You work too much, Matteo. You should enjoy life!
- ChiaraHai ragione, Chiara. Sono sempre stressato.You are right, Chiara. I am always stressed.
- MatteoAndiamo in vacanza per godersi la vita insieme.Let's go on vacation to enjoy life together.
- ChiaraOttima idea, partiamo sabato prossimo!Great idea, let's leave next Saturday!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries godersi, la, vita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
