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vivir means to live — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 15, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

vivir

verb • /[bee-BEER]/

to live

Example:

Vivimos cerca del mar.

We live near the sea.

🧠 What does vivir mean?

The verb 'vivir' means 'to live'. It is used in several key contexts: to indicate being alive or existing, to state one's place of residence, and to describe the way in which one experiences life. As a regular -ir verb, its conjugation follows a standard pattern, making it a fundamental verb for learners.

📚 Extra examples

  • Mis abuelos viven en el campo.
    My grandparents live in the countryside.
  • El famoso escritor vivió durante el siglo XIX.
    The famous writer lived during the 19th century.
  • Intento vivir cada día al máximo.
    I try to live each day to the fullest.
  • ¿Se puede vivir sin internet hoy en día?
    Can one live without the internet nowadays?

💡 Did You Know?

The celebratory Spanish exclamation '¡Viva!', as in '¡Viva España!' or '¡Viva México!', is derived from the verb 'vivir'. It is the third-person singular present subjunctive form, used to express a wish for something to 'live long' or endure.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "vivir"

Synonyms: residir, habitar, morar, existir
Opposites: morir, fallecer, perecer

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to live' in Spanish?
The most common and direct way to say 'to live' in Spanish is 'vivir'.
How do you pronounce 'vivir' in Spanish?
The word 'vivir' is pronounced /biˈβiɾ/. Both 'v' sounds are soft, similar to a 'b' sound made without closing the lips completely. The final 'r' is a single, quick tap of the tongue.
How do you use 'vivir' in a sentence?
To use 'vivir' in a sentence, you conjugate it to match the subject. For example, 'Yo vivo en Barcelona' means 'I live in Barcelona'.
What is the English translation of 'vivir'?
The English translation of 'vivir' is 'to live'.
Does 'vivir' change for gender or number?
As a verb, 'vivir' does not change for gender. It is conjugated to agree with the person (first, second, third) and number (singular, plural) of the subject. For instance: 'él vive' (he lives), 'ellos viven' (they live).
Is 'vivir' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'vivir' is an extremely common and essential verb used in daily conversation to talk about life, residence, and experiences.
Does 'vivir' have slang or double meanings?
While its primary meaning is 'to live', 'vivir' appears in many idiomatic expressions. 'Vivir el momento' means 'to live in the moment'. 'Vivir de' means 'to live off of', as in 'vivir de la música' (to make a living from music).
Is 'vivir' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and general use of 'vivir' are consistent across all Spanish-speaking countries. There are no significant regional variations.
How do you conjugate 'vivir' in Spanish?
'Vivir' is a regular -ir verb. In the present indicative tense, it is conjugated as follows: yo vivo, tú vives, él/ella/usted vive, nosotros/nosotras vivimos, vosotros/vosotras vivís, ellos/ellas/ustedes viven.

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