subsistir
“subsistir” means “to subsist” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to subsist
Also: to survive
📝 In Action
Ellos subsisten con solo diez euros al día.
B1They subsist on only ten euros a day.
En el desierto es difícil subsistir sin agua.
B2In the desert, it is difficult to survive without water.
Muchos artistas tienen que buscar otros trabajos para subsistir.
B2Many artists have to look for other jobs to get by.
to persist
Also: to remain in force
📝 In Action
Aún subsisten dudas sobre su testimonio.
C1Doubts about his testimony still persist.
El decreto subsistirá hasta que se apruebe la nueva ley.
C1The decree will remain in force until the new law is passed.
Esa vieja costumbre todavía subsiste en algunos pueblos.
C2That old custom still remains in some towns.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: subsistir
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'subsistir' to mean surviving on a budget?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'subsistere', formed by 'sub' (under) and 'sistere' (to stand or stay still). It literally meant to stand firm or to stay below to support something.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'subsistir' the same as 'vivir'?
Not exactly. 'Vivir' is a general term for being alive, while 'subsistir' implies staying alive with very few resources or despite difficulties.
Is it a regular verb?
Yes, 'subsistir' follows the standard patterns for all verbs ending in -ir.
Can I use 'subsistir' for a person surviving an accident?
It is better to use 'sobrevivir' for surviving a specific dangerous event like an accident or a fire.