vive la vie
The English phrase 'viva la vida' is translated into French as vive la vie.
vive la vie is an exclamation used to celebrate life and express a desire for it to be long and joyful.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb vive in the subjunctive mood, meaning 'may live' or 'long live' and the noun la vie meaning 'life'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the verb must be in the subjunctive form vive to express a wish or an exclamation, whereas viva is the Spanish conjugation.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the Spanish phrase viva la vida when they intend to use the French equivalent vive la vie.
Did you know?
- While 'viva la vida' is a common Spanish expression, using it in a French-speaking country might lead people to think you are singing the Coldplay song rather than making a toast.
- The word vie is a linguistic relative of the English word 'vital'.
- The word la in vive la vie is a direct descendant of the Latin 'illam', a demonstrative pronoun used to point out a specific person or thing.
Examples in context
- On doit simplement dire vive la vie.We should simply say long live life.
- Il lève son verre en criant vive la vie.He raises his glass, shouting long live life.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are celebrating a sunny afternoon at a cafe.
- EmmaQuel beau soleil, vive la vie !What beautiful sunshine, long live life!
- GabrielTu as raison, Emma, profitons de l'instant.You are right, Emma, let's enjoy the moment.
- EmmaSanté à notre bonheur !Cheers to our happiness!
- GabrielSanté ! Vive la vie !Cheers! Long live life!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, vie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
