Inklingo

How to Say "life" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “life” is “vida” — use 'vida' for the general state of being alive, one's entire existence, a particular lifestyle, or when describing a place or situation as lively or bustling.

English → Spanish

vida

bee-dahˈbi.ða

nounA1general
Use 'vida' for the general state of being alive, one's entire existence, a particular lifestyle, or when describing a place or situation as lively or bustling.
A tiny green sprout pushing up through dark soil, representing the beginning of life.

Examples

La vida es bella.

Life is beautiful.

La vida es un regalo.

Life is a gift.

Hay señales de vida en el planeta.

There are signs of life on the planet.

He vivido aquí toda mi vida.

I have lived here my whole life.

It's a Girl! (Feminine Noun)

'Vida' is a feminine word, so you always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la vida' (the life) or 'una vida' (a life).

animación

nounB1general
Use 'animación' to describe a lively atmosphere, energy, or buzz in a place or situation, especially during events.

Examples

Había mucha animación en la fiesta.

There was a lot of life/buzz at the party.

pellejo

peh-YEH-hopeˈʎexo

nounB2informal
Use 'pellejo' colloquially to refer to one's physical safety or the act of risking one's life in a dangerous situation.
A small cat carefully walking across a narrow wooden fence to reach safety.

Examples

Arriesgó su pellejo para salvarla.

He risked his life to save her.

El bombero se jugó el pellejo para salvar al gato.

The firefighter risked his life to save the cat.

Por fin logramos salvar el pellejo.

We finally managed to save our necks.

No me gustaría estar en su pellejo ahora mismo.

I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now.

Idiomatic usage

In these phrases, 'pellejo' acts as a stand-in for your whole body or existence.

vitalidad

bee-tah-lee-DAHDbita-liˈðað

nounB2general
Use 'vitalidad' to talk about the continued existence, strength, or viability of abstract concepts, systems, or institutions.
A small green sprout growing out of a crack in a stone.

Examples

La vitalidad de la democracia es esencial.

The vitality of democracy is essential.

La vitalidad de una lengua depende de que las nuevas generaciones la hablen.

The viability of a language depends on new generations speaking it.

El gobierno quiere asegurar la vitalidad económica de la región.

The government wants to ensure the economic vitality of the region.

Este proyecto carece de vitalidad a largo plazo.

This project lacks long-term viability.

Abstract Meanings

When used for things like 'economy' or 'language,' the word functions exactly like 'vitality' in English to show that something is healthy and growing.

Don't confuse 'vida' with 'animación'

The most common mistake is using 'animación' when you mean the state of being alive. 'Animación' refers to liveliness or excitement in a place or event, not the state of existence itself. Always use 'vida' for the fundamental concept of life.

Related Translations

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