La dolce vita
/la ˈdol.t͡ʃe ˈvi.ta/word by word
The Italian phrase for "the good life" is La dolce vita.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "the sweet life".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /la ˈdol.tʃe ˈvi.ta/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
When do people say it?
The phrase is famously associated with the 1960 Federico Fellini film, which popularized the concept of a glamorous, hedonistic lifestyle in Italy.
Did you know?
- The word 'paparazzo' was actually coined for the film La dolce vita to describe the aggressive photographers who chased the stars of the 'sweet life'.
- While La dolce vita implies luxury, Italians often use the phrase dolce far niente, which means 'the sweetness of doing nothing', to describe the art of pure leisure.
- The film La dolce vita caused such a scandal in 1960 that the Vatican condemned it, yet the phrase became a global symbol of Italian sophistication.
Examples in context
- A tavola non si invecchiaAt the table, one does not age
- A Roma si vive la dolce vita.In Rome, one lives the good life.
- Voglio solo godermi la dolce vita.I just want to enjoy the good life.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are relaxing on a sunny terrace.
- GiuliaChe bella giornata, questa è la dolce vita!What a beautiful day, this is the good life!
- AlessandroHai ragione, Giulia, non voglio essere altrove.You are right, Giulia, I don't want to be anywhere else.
- GiuliaPrendiamoci un altro caffè e rilassiamoci.Let's have another coffee and relax.
- AlessandroD'accordo, godiamoci questo momento.Agreed, let's enjoy this moment.
