la mia anima
The English phrase "my soul" is translated into Italian as la mia anima.
la mia anima refers to the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being that is regarded as immortal.
Which one should you use?
While la mia anima is the standard way to express this, you may encounter the form l'anima mia in poetic or highly literary contexts, where the possessive adjective is placed after the noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
In poetic or highly literary contexts, the possessive adjective can be placed after the noun, forming l'anima mia.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because anima may sound masculine to English speakers, you might be tempted to use the masculine il mio anima, but it is a feminine noun and requires the feminine article and possessive la mia anima.
Did you know?
- In some Italian dialects, the phrase anima can refer to the internal part of a tool or a structure, such as the core of a cable or the bore of a gun barrel.
- In Italian, calling someone anima mia is a common term of endearment for a romantic partner or a child, similar to calling them 'my sweetheart'.
- The word anima is a linguistic relative of the English word 'animal'. Both stem from a root meaning 'breath' because breathing is the primary sign of a living soul.
Examples in context
- La mia anima è in cielo.My soul is in the sky.Tatoeba #2422588 by Guybrush88, translation #521636 by FeuDRenais
- Non venderò la mia anima.I won't sell my soul.Tatoeba #1230141 by Guybrush88, translation #1230144 by CM
- Stare con te fa cantare di gioia la mia anima.Being with you makes my soul sing with joy.Tatoeba #13100424 by Nuel, translation #13100423 by Nuel
- Sono innamorato/a di te con tutta la mia anima.I am in love with you with all my soul.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are talking about their spiritual beliefs.
- ChiaraSento che la mia anima è in pace.I feel that my soul is at peace.
- LorenzoÈ una sensazione molto bella, Chiara.It is a very beautiful feeling, Chiara.
- ChiaraSì, sento la mia anima connessa all'universo.Yes, I feel my soul connected to the universe.
- LorenzoCapisco perfettamente cosa intendi.I perfectly understand what you mean.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anima, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
