vivir
/biˈbiɾ/
The English verb 'live' is translated into Spanish as vivir.
The verb vivir is used to express the state of being alive or the act of residing in a place. For describing a broadcast that is happening as it occurs, use the phrases en vivo or en directo.
Meaning: be alive (verb)
Which one should you use?
While vivir refers to the act of living or residing, the phrases en vivo or en directo are used to describe a live broadcast. Additionally, the adjective viva is used to describe a person or thing that is currently alive, whereas vivir is the verb form.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a person or thing that is currently alive, use the adjective viva rather than the verb vivir.
How do you pronounce it?
/biˈbiɾ/
Did you know?
- If you use the adjective vivo to describe a person, you are not necessarily saying they are 'alive', but rather that they are 'clever' or 'sharp'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase ¡Viva! is used as a shout of acclaim or a cheer, such as ¡Viva México!, which functions more like 'Long live' than the verb 'to live'.
- The Spanish word convivir does not just mean 'to live together' but often implies the social harmony and coexistence required when sharing a space.
Examples in context
- Él no debe vivir.He must not live.Tatoeba #2188249 by marcelostockle, translation #271710 by CM
- Yo no viviré así.I won't live like that.Tatoeba #2828782 by marcelostockle, translation #2546754 by CK
- Es hora de vivir.It's time to live.Tatoeba #9423953 by Shishir, translation #10573636 by DJ_Saidez
- Yo vivo en Madrid.I live in Madrid.
- Él vive en una casa grande.He lives in a big house.
- Ellos viven una vida tranquila.They live a peaceful life.
- Yo resido en Barcelona.I reside in Barcelona.
- La tribu indígena habita en la selva amazónica.The indigenous tribe lives in the Amazon rainforest.
- Vivo en un piso pequeño.I live in a small apartment.
- Vives en una ciudad muy movida.You live in a very lively city.
- Después de tantos años, por fin eché raíces en este lugar.After so many years, I finally put down roots in this place.
- Ellos quieren echar raíces en una ciudad costera.They want to settle down in a coastal city.
- Los enamorados moraron en la felicidad durante años.The lovers dwelled in happiness for years.
- 567 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are sitting in a park.
- AlejandroQuiero vivir cada momento.I want to live every moment.
- MaríaEs un buen consejo, Alejandro.It is good advice, Alejandro.
- AlejandroTú también debes vivir con pasión.You should also live with passion.
- MaríaTienes razón, voy a intentarlo.You are right, I am going to try it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “live” translations and entries vivir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
