¡Viva la reina!
/ˈbiba la ˈreina/word by word
The English phrase 'long live the queen' is translated into Spanish as ¡Viva la reina!
This phrase is used as an exclamation of support or celebration, often in political or ceremonial contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word viva is the third-person singular present subjunctive form of the verb vivir (to live), used here to express a wish.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are referring to multiple queens, the verb must change to the plural form vivan and the article/noun must also be plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbiba la ˈreina/
Did you know?
- While ¡Viva la reina! expresses loyalty to a monarch, the word viva is also used in Spanish to cheer for almost any person, cause, or object during a celebration.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, an exclamation like ¡Viva! is often accompanied by a rhythmic cheer or the waving of flags to signify collective passion.
- The word reina underwent a surprising stress shift from the Latin rēgīna to the modern Spanish pronunciation, where the stress moved to the first syllable.
Examples in context
- Durante la ceremonia de coronación, la multitud aclamaba: "¡Viva la Reina!"During the coronation ceremony, the crowd chanted, "Long Live the Queen!"
- ¡Viva la Reina! ¡Ojalá tenga un reinado próspero y lleno de éxitos!Long Live the Queen! May she have a prosperous and successful reign!
- ¡Viva la reina!, dijo el pueblo.Long live the queen!, said the people.
- Todos gritaron: ¡Viva la reina!Everyone shouted: Long live the queen!
Example conversation
A crowd celebrating a royal visit in a plaza.
- Alejandro¡Viva la reina!Long live the queen!
- María¡Sí, viva!Yes, long live her!
- AlejandroMaría, ¿escuchaste el grito?María, did you hear the shout?
- MaríaSí, Alejandro, fue increíble.Yes, Alejandro, it was incredible.
