dolce vita
/ˈdol.t͡ʃe ˈvi.ta/word by word
The English phrase "sweet life" is translated into Italian as dolce vita.
While the phrase literally translates to "sweet life", it is most commonly used as a fixed expression to describe a lifestyle of luxury, leisure and indulgence.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective dolce (sweet) and the noun vita (life).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈdol.tʃe ˈvi.ta/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
The phrase is internationally recognized due to its association with Federico Fellini's 1960 film La Dolce Vita, which depicts the glamorous and hedonistic life of Rome's elite.
Did you know?
- The word vita comes from the Latin vīta, which evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root *gʷeyh₃-. This same root is the ancestor of the archaic English use of 'quick' to mean 'alive'.
- While dolce vita focuses on indulgence, the phrase dolce far niente describes the specific pleasure of doing absolutely nothing. It celebrates idleness as a restorative art rather than a waste of time.
- In contemporary Italy, dolce vita is often used as a sarcastic critique. It can describe a person who enjoys a privileged life by avoiding responsibility or living off others.
Examples in context
- Voglio vivere la dolce vita in Italia!I want to experience the sweet life in Italy!
- Lui aspira a una carriera di successo e alla dolce vita che ne deriva.He aspires to a successful career and the sweet life that comes with it.
- Andremo a goderci la vita bella durante le nostre vacanze in Toscana!We are going to enjoy the sweet life on our vacation in Tuscany!
- Celebriamo i nostri successi e abbracciamo la dolce vita insieme!Let's celebrate our achievements and embrace the sweet life together!
- Sogniamo sempre la dolce vita.We always dream of the sweet life.
- Volete vivere la dolce vita a Roma?Do you want to live the sweet life in Rome?
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are relaxing at a cafe by the beach.
- SofiaGuarda che vista, Lorenzo!Look at this view, Lorenzo!
- LorenzoSì, questa è la vera dolce vita.Yes, this is the true sweet life.
- SofiaNon vorrei essere in nessun altro posto.I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
- LorenzoOrdiniamo un altro drink allora.Let's order another drink then.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (dolce, vita) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dolce, dolce vita, vita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
