vivere
/ˈvi.ve.re/
The English verb 'live' (to be alive) is translated into Italian as vivere.
vivere is used to express the state of being alive or experiencing life. For specific contexts like broadcasting, different phrases are used: in diretta is the standard way to describe a live television or radio broadcast, while dal vivo is commonly used to describe live music or a live performance, such as a concert.
Meaning: be alive (verb)
Which one should you use?
While vivere means to be alive or to experience life, it is distinct from abitare, which means to live in a specific place or reside. For broadcasting or happening as it occurs, you can also use in presa diretta, dal vivo or live.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of vivere is vissuto.
How do you pronounce it?
vivere is pronounced /ˈvi.ve.re/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The expression vivere a pieni polmoni literally translates to 'living with full lungs', used to describe living life to the absolute fullest.
- The word vivere shares a common ancestor with the English word 'vivid', which describes something full of life or intensely bright.
- In many Italian regions, the word vissuto is used to describe a person who is 'weathered' or 'experienced' by life, much like a piece of wood that has been worn by the elements.
Examples in context
- Non mi lascia vivere!He doesn't let me live!This sentence uses vivere to express being allowed to exist.Tatoeba #1266574 by Guybrush88, translation #1387097 by AlanF_US
- Vivi e lascia vivere.Live and let live.This sentence uses vivere in a common proverb about tolerance.Tatoeba #1326994 by Guybrush88, translation #239913 by CM
- Io non voglio vivere.I don't want to live.This sentence uses vivere to express a desire for life.Tatoeba #1702231 by Guybrush88, translation #1657748 by CK
- Luca abita in un appartamento a Milano.Luca lives in an apartment in Milan.
- Il presidente risiede a Roma.The president lives in Rome.
- La famiglia dimora in una splendida villa.The family lives in a splendid villa.
- Marco vive in un paesino tranquillo.Marco lives in a peaceful small town.
- Sto a Firenze.I live in Florence.
- Maria vive in una casa grande.Maria lives in a big house.
- Noi abitiamo nell'appartamento al secondo piano.We live in the apartment on the second floor.
- 814 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are discussing their future plans in a cafe.
- LorenzoVuoi vivere in Italia per sempre?Do you want to live in Italy forever?
- SofiaSì, vorrei vivere qui con te.Yes, I would like to live here with you.
- LorenzoÈ un sogno bellissimo, Sofia.It is a beautiful dream, Sofia.
- SofiaIniziamo a pianificare la nostra vita.Let's start planning our life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “live” translations and entries vivere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vivere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
