vivere di
/ˈvi.ve.re di/word by word
The English phrase 'live on' is translated into Italian as vivere di.
vivere di is used to describe surviving by consuming certain things.
Meaning: survive by consuming certain thing (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the preposition di to indicate the source of sustenance or income.
Did you know?
- Italian has a unique expression vivere di rendita, which specifically means to live off investments or inherited wealth without working.
- The word vivere can also be used in the expression 'vivere a mille', which means to live at a very high speed or with great intensity, much like 'living life in the fast lane'.
- The verb vivere shares the same Proto-Indo-European root as the English word 'vital' and the Latin 'vivid', which relate to the quality of being alive.
Examples in context
- Vive di rendita.He lives on an income/interest.
- Vivere di sole verdure.To live on nothing but vegetables.
- Non posso vivere di soli pomodori.I cannot live on just tomatoes.
- Il poeta voleva vivere di poesia.The poet wanted to live on poetry.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are discussing their budget.
- MartinaSiamo quasi senza soldi, Matteo.We are almost out of money, Matteo.
- MatteoNon preoccuparti, possiamo vivere di pasta per un mese.Don't worry, we can live on pasta for a month.
- MartinaMa non è salutare, Martina!But it's not healthy, Martina!
- MatteoÈ l'unica soluzione per ora.It's the only solution for now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “live on” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (vivere, di) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, vivere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
