Expert: Maria - 2/24/2005

Question
If I were to say this in latin, would it make sense?  Or is it just word-for-word translation?  I want to say the meaning, 'Life is what you make it,' not just translate it word for word.  Thanks for all your help!  -------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I have been trying everywhere to find the phrase, "LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT" translated from English to Latin.  This is pretty much the theme of my life, and I'm trying to get it tattooed on me.  It would mean a great deal to me if you could help me out!
Thanks, Joyce
Answer -
Hello Joyce,

Here's the translation you need:

“Ut eam facis, sic est vita ».

All the best
Maria
________________________________________
NOTA BENE
Life = VITA
Is =EST
What = UT....SIC
You Make= FACIS
It = EAM


Answer
It's obvious that the translation “Ut eam facis, sic est vita » makes sense in Latin, as it is not just word-for-word translation, but means exactly  that life is what you make it.

There are however other translations like for example:
“Vitam nostram nosmet ipsi facimus”.

Also, you could use a Latin quote from Appius Claudius Caecus ("Appius Claudius the Blind," c. 340 BC-273 BC) which reads:
“Faber est suae quisque fortunae »( literally, ‘Each man is the maker of his own fortune').

Bye
Maria