vivre
/vivʁ/
The English verb 'live' is translated into French as vivre.
vivre means to be alive or to experience life. When referring to broadcasting, such as something being seen or heard as it happens, you can use the terms en direct or en live. To describe an event happening as it occurs, use en direct.
Meaning: be alive (verb)
Which one should you use?
While vivre means to be alive or to experience life, the verb habiter is the specific term used to mean 'to live in' or 'to reside' in a specific location like a house or a city.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/vivʁ/
Did you know?
- The French word for 'to live' is a direct relative of the English word 'very', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to live' or 'to be alive'.
- The French phrase vivre ensemble has evolved from a simple description of cohabitation into a political and social concept meaning 'living together' in harmony within a multicultural society.
- The French word vivace describes a plant that lives for several years, but when applied to a person, it means they are 'lively' or 'spirited'.
Examples in context
- Je veux vivre ici.I want to live here.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to live in a specific place using vivre.Tatoeba #4579612 by sacredceltic, translation #2302407 by CK
- Je vais vivre seul.I'm going to live alone.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention to live alone using vivre.Tatoeba #8185533 by Aiji, translation #7342512 by erixa83
- On mange pour vivre.We eat so we can live.This sentence is useful for expressing the purpose of eating using vivre.Tatoeba #337034 by sysko, translation #22860 by Shadd
- Je réside à Paris.I live in Paris.
- Je demeure à Marseille.I live in Marseille.
- 622 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their philosophies on life during a walk.
- GabrielTu veux vraiment vivre intensément ?Do you really want to live intensely?
- EmmaOui, je veux vivre chaque instant.Yes, I want to live every moment.
- GabrielC'est une belle façon de vivre.That is a beautiful way to live.
- EmmaMerci, Gabriel, c'est mon but.Thank you, Gabriel, it is my goal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “live” translations and entries vivre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vivre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
