Preterite vs. Imperfect

This form ('vivió') tells you about an action that started and finished completely in the past, like a single event or a defined period of time.

Preterite Tense

Remember 'vivió' refers to 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or the formal 'you' (usted). If you are talking about 'I,' you must say 'viví'.

Using 'vivió'

Extremely common. This is the standard way to say that a single person lived or resided somewhere in the past.

This sense uses 'vivió' figuratively, meaning 'to feel or go through' an event, not just physically reside in it.

Figurative Use

When used this way, 'vivió' is often followed by abstract nouns like 'alegría' (joy), 'dolor' (pain), 'cambios' (changes), or historical events.

Common Objects

Common when describing an intense, emotional, or profound experience that was completed.

'Vivió' is the third-person singular past tense of 'vivir' (to live). Learn how to use it to describe completed actions of residence ('He lived in Madrid') or completed experiences ('She experienced a difficult time').

vivió

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations