si vive una volta sola
YOLO in Italian is si vive una volta sola, meaning you only live once.
It is said to encourage someone to enjoy life or to take a chance.
Meaning: you only live once (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
si vive means one lives, una volta means once and sola means only.
When do people say it?
Young Italians also use the English acronym itself online.
Did you know?
- In Italian, adding sola at the end of the phrase provides a rhythmic and emotional emphasis that is stronger than simply saying una volta. It transforms a mathematical fact into a poignant reminder of mortality.
- The word volta comes from the Latin root for 'turning' or 'rolling'. This is why the same word is used in Italian to mean both 'a time' and 'a turn' in a game.
- While 'YOLO' is a modern English slang term, the Italian construction si vive una volta sola uses the impersonal 'si', which makes the statement feel like a universal law of nature rather than a personal opinion.
Examples in context
- Non aver paura, si vive una volta sola.Don't be afraid, you only live once.
- Ho comprato il biglietto perché si vive una volta sola.I bought the ticket because you only live once.
- Sì, si vive una volta sola, quindi divertiamoci!Yes, you only live once, so let's have fun!
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are deciding whether to go skydiving.
- GiuliaTi va di fare paracadutismo oggi?Do you want to go skydiving today?
- AlessandroNon lo so, mi sembra un po' pericoloso.I don't know, it seems a bit dangerous.
- GiuliaDai, si vive una volta sola!Come on, you only live once!
- AlessandroHai ragione, andiamo.You're right, let's go.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries si, una, volta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
