a vida é assim
/a ˈvi.dɐ ˈɛ aˈsĩ/word by word
The English phrase 'it is what it is' can be translated into Portuguese as a vida é assim. If unsure, use a vida é assim. Wiktionary also lists essa é a vida.
Meaning: this thing has its own nature (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| a vida é assim | /a ˈvi.dɐ ˈɛ aˈsĩ/ (word by word) |
| essa é a vida | /ˈɛ.sɐ ˈɛ a ˈvi.dɐ/ (Brazil, word by word) |
a vida é assim is used to express resignation toward a situation that cannot be changed, indicating that a thing has its own nature.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a vida é assim literally translates to 'life is like this'.
Which one should you use?
While a vida é assim focuses on the nature of how things are, essa é a vida is a more direct equivalent to the English phrase 'that's life'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the expression Paciência. can be used to convey the idea of 'it is what it is.'
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /a ˈvi.dɐ ˈɛ aˈsĩ/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word assim evolved from the Late Latin phrase ac sīc, which combines a conjunction and an adverb to describe the way something is.
- In Portuguese, saying a vida é assim often accompanies a specific gesture, such as a slight shrug of the shoulders or a palms-up hand motion, to emphasize the lack of control over the situation.
- While a vida é assim expresses resignation, Brazilians often use the single word paciência to convey the same feeling. This word literally means 'patience' but functions as a conversational shrug to say 'it can't be helped'.
Examples in context
- Infelizmente, o resultado não foi o que esperávamos. É o que é.Unfortunately, the result wasn't what we expected. It is what it is.
- Ele não se desculpou, fazer o quê?He didn't apologize, what can you do?
- Eu sei que é difícil, mas a vida é assim.I know it's hard, but that's life.
- Não adianta reclamar, a vida é assim.There is no use complaining, it is what it is.
- Perdemos o jogo, mas a vida é assim.We lost the game, but that's just how life is.
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are discussing a setback at work.
- LucasO projeto foi cancelado de repente.The project was cancelled suddenly.
- CamilaSinto muito, Lucas, mas a vida é assim.I'm sorry, Lucas, but it is what it is.
- LucasVocê tem razão, precisamos seguir em frente.You are right, we need to move on.
- CamilaCom certeza, vamos focar no próximo passo.For sure, let's focus on the next step.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “it is what it is” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (a, vida, é, assim, essa) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, assim, vida, é, CC BY-SA 4.0.
