vivir la vida
/bibiɾ la bida/from spelling rules
To live life in Spanish is to say vivir la vida.
The phrase vivir la vida is used to describe spending one's time and experiencing the events of one's existence. To express the idiomatic concept of 'living life to the fullest', use the standard expression vivir la vida al máximo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'to live the life' because Spanish uses the definite article la (the) before vida (life).
Which one should you use?
While vivir alone means 'to live' (referring to the state of being alive), vivir la vida specifically emphasizes the experience and enjoyment of one's existence.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the casual phrase Goza la vida can be used to mean 'enjoy life'.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, vida is often used as a term of endearment for a partner or child, similar to how English speakers use 'honey' or 'sweetheart'.
- The word vivir is a cognate of the English word 'vivacious', which describes someone who lives life with great energy and spirit.
- The word vida shares its ancient roots with the English word 'vitality' and 'vitamins', which both trace back to the concept of life-sustaining energy.
Examples in context
- Todos tenemos que vivir la vida al máximo.We all need to live life to the fullest.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say 'live life to the fullest' using vivir la vida.Tatoeba #5110880 by ecorralest101, translation #5109262 by CK
- Es importante vivir la vida al máximo y aprovechar cada momento.It's important to live life to the fullest and make the most of every moment.
- Es primordial aprovechar la vida y disfrutar de las pequeñas cosas.It's essential to make the most of life and enjoy the little things.
- Pásalo bien y vive la vida al máximo, ¡no tenemos tiempo que perder!Have fun and live life to the fullest, we don't have time to waste!
- Siempre es bueno rodearse de amigos y disfrutar de la vida juntos.It's always good to surround yourself with friends and enjoy life together.
- Es importante vivir la vida con alegría.It is important to live life with joy.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their future plans while sitting in a park.
- Elena¿Qué quieres hacer después de la universidad?What do you want to do after university?
- AlejandroSolo quiero viajar y vivir la vida.I just want to travel and live life.
- ElenaEso suena como un plan increíble, Alejandro.That sounds like an incredible plan, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, Elena, tú también deberías hacerlo.Thanks, Elena, you should do it too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
