viva l'Italia
To say "long live Italy" in Italian, use viva l'Italia.
viva l'Italia is used in patriotic contexts, such as during national celebrations or political rallies.
What does it mean word for word?
The word viva is the third-person singular present subjunctive of vivere (to live), literally translating to "may [she] live".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the subjunctive mood to express a wish or an exhortation.
Did you know?
- During the Risorgimento, the struggle for Italian unification, shouting viva l'Italia was a subversive and dangerous act of political rebellion against foreign rulers.
- Italian has a related term vivai, which refers to plant nurseries, sharing the same root for 'life' found in viva l'Italia.
- While viva l'Italia is patriotic, you can use the same structure for almost anything, such as viva il Papa for the Pope or even viva la pizza to show enthusiastic approval.
Examples in context
- Viva l'Italia!Long live Italy!
- Dobbiamo dire: viva l'Italia!We must say: long live Italy!
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are watching a national sports event on TV.
- GiuliaChe bella partita!What a beautiful match!
- MatteoSì, viva l'Italia!Yes, long live Italy!
- GiuliaSono così orgogliosa di noi.I am so proud of us.
- MatteoLo sono anch'io.I am too.
