sopravvivenza
/so.prav.viˈvɛn.t͡sa/feminine
Survival is translated into Italian as sopravvivenza.
The noun sopravvivenza refers to the continued existence or life.
Meaning: continued existence or life (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb sopravvivere, which combines sopra (meaning above or over) and vivere (meaning to live).
How does it change in a sentence?
sopravvivenza is a feminine noun. This means any adjective used to describe it must also be in the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/so.prav.viˈvɛn.tsa/. The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the concept of 'survival of the fittest' is translated as la sopravvivenza del più adatto, meaning the survival of the 'most suitable' rather than the 'strongest'.
- While sopravvivenza refers to survival, Italians use the word resistenza (resistance) to describe the specific spirit of survival during the Nazi occupation in World War II.
- While 'survival' in English can feel clinical or biological, using sopravvivenza in a social context can sometimes sound unnecessarily dramatic, as if referring to a struggle for existence.
Examples in context
- È una guerra di sopravvivenza.It's a war of survival.This sentence uses sopravvivenza to describe a war.Tatoeba #12566141 by Guybrush88, translation #12550061 by ddnktr
- È una questione di sopravvivenza.It's a matter of survival.This sentence uses sopravvivenza to describe a matter or issue.Tatoeba #3597000 by Guybrush88, translation #3596977 by CM
- Qual è la probabilità di sopravvivenza?What is the likelihood of survival?This sentence uses sopravvivenza to discuss likelihood or probability.Tatoeba #13091105 by Guybrush88, translation #4739247 by Theocracy
- L'istinto di sopravvivenza ci spinge a fare cose straordinarieThe instinct for survival drives us to do extraordinary things
- Bisogna pianificare le risorse per sopravvivere in situazioni difficiliOne must plan resources to survive in challenging situations
- Dopo l'incidente, eravamo proprio alla fruttaAfter the accident, we were really in trouble
- Sono sicuro che saprai cavartela durante l'esameI'm confident you'll manage during the exam
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two hikers are discussing a difficult mountain trek.
- FrancescoLa sopravvivenza in montagna richiede preparazione.Survival in the mountains requires preparation.
- SofiaHai ragione, Francesco, non si scherza.You're right, Francesco, it's no joke.
- FrancescoDobbiamo portare cibo e acqua in abbondanza.We must bring plenty of food and water.
- SofiaSì, la tua prudenza è fondamentale.Yes, your prudence is fundamental.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “survival” translations and entries sopravvivenza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
