vivo
[ˈwiː.woː]
The English verb 'live' can be translated into Latin as vivo. Wiktionary also lists vigeo.
Meaning: be alive (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| vivo | [ˈwiː.woː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈviː.vo] (narrow) |
| vigeo | [ˈwɪ.ɡe.oː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈviː.d͡ʒe.o] (narrow) |
The term is used to express the state of being alive in a biological sense. Related concepts include existentia (existence) and vis vitalis (life force).
Which one should you use?
While vivo refers to the basic biological state of being alive, vigeo is used to describe being vigorous, thriving or being in bloom.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form vivi is the present subjunctive of vivo and is commonly used in purpose clauses, such as in the phrase ut vivam (so that I may live).
Did you know?
- Because of their shared ancient ancestry, the Latin vivo and the English word 'quick' are actually distant relatives.
- The root of vivo connects the Latin language all the way to the Sanskrit word 'jīvati', linking the ancient Mediterranean to the languages of India.
- If you see the spelling vīxī for 'I lived', the 'x' was actually added later by analogy with other verbs to make it look more regular, even though it was not part of the original root.
Examples in context
- In hoc loco vivo.I live in this place.This sentence shows how to use vivo to describe inhabiting a location.Tatoeba #1306731 by alexmarcelo, translation #929142 by tatoebaforme
- Non ut edam vivo, sed ut vivam edo.I do not live to eat, but eat to live.This sentence demonstrates using vivo in a purpose clause context.Tatoeba #627962 by rado, translation #664078 by bluepie88
- Omnia cetacea foetus vivos pariunt.All cetaceans give birth to live offspring.This sentence shows how vivo can be used as an adjective to describe offspring that are alive.Tatoeba #7215661 by alexmarcelo, translation #9250540 by petrolukasido
- Vivere est amare.To live is to love.
- Vale et vivas!Be well and live!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Marcus are discussing the nature of existence.
- LuciaQuid est beatius quam vivere?What is happier than living?
- MarcusSatis est quod vivo.It is enough that I live.
- LuciaSed ego vivo pro amicitia.But I live for friendship.
- MarcusItaque bene vivo.And so I live well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “live” translations and entries vivo, vigeo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vigeo, vivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
