vivere vitam
The English phrase "live life" is translated into Latin as vivere vitam.
This phrase is used to express the act of spending one's time on earth and experiencing the process of being alive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the infinitive verb vivere (to live) and the accusative noun vitam (life).
Did you know?
- Stoic philosophers like Seneca often wrote about ars vivendi, the 'art of living', suggesting that living life is a skill that must be studied and practiced.
- The verb vivere is an intransitive verb, meaning that adding the object vitam is actually a stylistic choice to add emphasis rather than a grammatical necessity.
- The verb vivere comes from a root meaning 'to be vigorous', which is why words like 'vivacious' in English describe someone with a lively personality.
Examples in context
- Debemus vivere vitam plenam.We ought to live a full life.
Example conversation
Two friends discuss their future goals.
- LuciusCupio vivere vitam liberam, Aurelia.I want to live a free life, Aurelia.
- AureliaId est optimum consilium, Luci.That is the best plan, Lucius.
- LuciusQuid vis tu facere?What do you want to do?
- AureliaEgo quoque volo vivere vitam beatam.I also want to live a happy life.
