vīta
feminine
The English phrase life can be translated into Latin using several terms, most commonly vīta. Wiktionary also lists anima and lūx.
Meaning: the state of being alive (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vīta | feminine | |
| anima | [ˈa.nɪ.ma] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaː.ni.ma] (narrow) |
feminine |
| lūx | feminine |
vīta is the standard word used when discussing the quality of one's existence or the duration of a lifespan. It refers to the biological state of being alive or the lived experience.
Which one should you use?
vīta refers to the lived experience or the biological state of being alive, whereas anima refers to the breath or soul that animates a body. Use anima when the concept of life is tied to the vital principle, breath or the soul inhabiting a body.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three primary forms, anima, vīta and lūx, are feminine nouns.
Did you know?
- The Latin word vīta is the root of the English word 'vital', but it also gave us 'vitamin'. Scientists coined 'vitamin' by combining vita with 'amine' to describe a 'vital amine'.
- The word lūx, meaning 'light', is used metaphorically for 'life' in contexts of birth or divine presence. This creates a poetic link where coming into existence is equated with entering the light.
Examples in context
- Quālem vītam agere vīs?What sort of life do you want to have?This sentence shows how to ask about the quality of the life being lived using vīta.Tatoeba #11149403 by alexmarcelo, translation #8336684 by CK
- Aegroto dum anima est, spes est.To the sick, while there is life, there is hope.This sentence uses anima to refer to the vital principle or breath within a person.Tatoeba #676546 by carlosalberto, translation #6333888 by RudeGuyGames
- Quālem vītam vīs?What sort of life do you want?This sentence uses vīta to ask about the kind of life someone desires.Tatoeba #11149393 by alexmarcelo, translation #8336683 by CK
- Vita est brevis.Life is short.
- Latinum est vita!Latin is life!
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Aurelia are discussing their philosophies on living well.
- LuciusVīta brevis est, sed pulchra.Life is short, but beautiful.
- AureliaIta, sed vīta laboriosa est.Yes, but life is full of toil.
- LuciusQuid est optima vīta?What is the best life?
- AureliaVīta honesta est optima.An honest life is the best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “life” translations and entries anima, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
