viver
/viˈve(ʁ)/
To live in Portuguese is viver.
Meaning: be alive (verb)
Which one should you use?
While viver is the verb meaning to be alive, ao vivo is the phrase used to describe a live broadcast or a live performance. em direto is a synonym for ao vivo used to mean 'live' in the context of broadcasting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form vivi is the first-person singular preterite (past tense) of viver. The form viva is the third-person singular present subjunctive or the second-person singular imperative of viver.
How do you pronounce it?
/viˈve(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- Portuguese speakers distinguish between morar for residing in a house and viver for the broader experience of existing or inhabiting a city.
- The word viva can also act as an adjective meaning 'bright' or 'vivid' when describing colors, such as um vermelho vivo for 'a bright red'.
- In Brazil, viva is frequently used as a standalone exclamation to cheer for someone, similar to shouting 'long live' or 'hooray' in English.
Examples in context
- Vive e deixa viver.Live and let live.This sentence illustrates the proverb 'Live and let live' using viver.Tatoeba #3653456 by ajdavidl, translation #239913 by CM
- Eu como para viver.I eat to live.This sentence shows the use of viver in the context of 'I eat to live'.Tatoeba #5147189 by alexmarcelo, translation #5147369 by CarpeLanam
- Eu não mereço viver.I don't deserve to live.This sentence uses viver to express the idea of 'I don't deserve to live'.Tatoeba #3717814 by ajdavidl, translation #2275976 by CK
- 331 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are talking about a plant that was almost dead.
- LucasVocê acha que a planta vai viver?Do you think the plant will live?
- BeatrizSim, ela precisa de mais água para viver.Yes, it needs more water to live.
- LucasEstou feliz que ela conseguiu viver.I am happy that it managed to live.
- BeatrizAgora ela vai viver por muito tempo.Now it will live for a long time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “live” translations and entries viver, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
