The Spanish word "vida" meaning "life" comes directly from the Latin word "vita" with the same meaning. This is a straightforward evolution where the Latin 't' sound changed to a 'd' sound, which was a common sound change between Latin and Spanish words. The vowel 'i' remained unchanged, while the final 'a' was preserved as well.

Some related Spanish words include "vital" (vital, essential), "vitalidad" (vitality), and "vivir" (to live). These all share the same Latin root relating to life and living.

English speakers can recognize this connection in words like "vital," "vitality," "vitamin" (essential nutrients for life), and "revitalize" (to bring back to life). The Latin "vita" is also preserved in phrases like "curriculum vitae" (literally "course of life"), often abbreviated as CV. Understanding this connection can help remember that "vida" refers to "life" in Spanish.