Good news! 'Vivir' follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ir. Once you learn the endings for one, you know them for 'vivir' too.

A Regular -ir Verb

This is the meaning you use to talk about how long a person, animal, or even a civilization existed. For example, 'Los romanos vivieron por muchos siglos' (The Romans lived for many centuries).

Talking About Lifespan

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use.

'Vivir' vs. 'Estar'

To say where you live, always use the word 'en' after 'vivir'. For example, 'Vivo en México' (I live in Mexico).

Use 'en' for Location

While there are other words like 'residir', 99% of the time in normal conversation, you'll use 'vivir' to ask and answer where someone's home is.

The Go-To Verb for 'Where do you live?'

This is the most common way to say where you live.

This use of 'vivir' is about the quality and content of life, not just the fact of being alive. It's about the situations, emotions, and events you go through.

More Than Just Existing

Common in more descriptive or emotional contexts.

This meaning almost always uses the word 'de' right after it. 'Vivir de' means 'to live off of' something, like a job, a skill, or a resource.

Structure: 'vivir de...'

Common when talking about careers, finances, or lifestyle.

Complete guide to the Spanish verb 'vivir'. Learn its four key meanings: to be alive, to reside, to experience, and to make a living. Includes full conjugation charts, examples, and common usage tips.

vivir

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations