Which one should you use?
While disfrutar de la vida is the standard way to express this, you may also use gozar la vida. The verb gozar is a synonym for disfrutar but often carries a slightly more intense or sensual connotation. Additionally, some forms specifically mean "enjoy your life," such as the formal Disfrute su vida or the informal Disfruta tu vida.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear Goza la vida or Disfruta la vida. In Spain, the common forms are Disfruta de la vida and Goza de la vida. In Argentina, the specific forms Disfrutá la vida and Gozá la vida are used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb disfrutar with a direct object like la vida, the preposition de is optional. Both disfrutar la vida and disfrutar de la vida are grammatically correct.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes forget to include the preposition de when using disfrutar, but please note that both disfrutar la vida and disfrutar de la vida are correct.
Did you know?
- Spanish has a distinct word disfrute which refers not just to the act of enjoying, but also to the legal right to use and enjoy the profits of a property without owning it.
- The verb disfrutar is etymologically linked to the word for 'fruit'. It literally means 'to separate the fruit' from the plant to enjoy its harvest.
- In Argentina, the command to enjoy life changes to Disfrutá la vida or Gozá la vida, reflecting the unique 'voseo' conjugation used in the Rioplatense region.
Examples in context
- Intento disfrutar de la vida.I'm trying to enjoy life.This sentence shows how to express a personal attempt to enjoy life using disfrutar de la vida.Tatoeba #7726579 by arh, translation #7725805 by CK
- Le encantaba reír y disfrutar de la vida.He loved to laugh and enjoy life.This sentence uses disfrutar de la vida to describe a past preference for laughing and enjoying life.Tatoeba #856619 by Rafp, translation #803056 by Source_VOA
- ¡Disfruta de la vida en tu viaje!Enjoy life on your trip!
- Que disfrutes cada momento de tu vidaMay you enjoy every moment of your life
- A pesar de las dificultades, sigue disfrutando de la vidaDespite the difficulties, keep on enjoying life
- Es importante disfrutar de la vida cada día.It is important to enjoy life every day.
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting at a cafe about retirement.
- JavierAhora que te jubilaste, quiero que disfrutes de la vida.Now that you have retired, I want you to enjoy life.
- LucíaGracias, Javier, voy a viajar mucho.Thanks, Javier, I am going to travel a lot.
- JavierEso suena muy bien.That sounds very good.
- LucíaSí, finalmente voy a disfrutar de la vida sin prisas.Yes, I am finally going to enjoy life without rushing.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, disfrutar, la, vida, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
