viven
/VEE-vehn/
they live
Showing residence or current existence: They live (viven) in this cozy home.
viven(verb)
they live
?residence or current existence
,you all live
?formal plural address (Ustedes)
they reside
?formal residence
📝 In Action
Mis abuelos viven en un pueblo pequeño.
A1My grandparents live in a small town.
¿Dónde viven ustedes ahora?
A2Where do you all live now?
Ellos viven felices a pesar de los problemas.
A2They live happily despite the problems.
💡 Grammar Points
Third Person Plural
"Viven" is the form used when the subject is 'ellos' (they, masculine/mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine group), or 'ustedes' (you all/y'all, formal or common in Latin America).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Viven' and 'Vienen'
Mistake: "Using 'vienen' (they come) instead of 'viven' (they live)."
Correction: Remember the 'i' in *vivir* looks like the 'i' in 'life', helping you recall the meaning 'to live'.
⭐ Usage Tips
No Need for 'Ellos'
Since 'viven' clearly signals 'they' or 'you all,' you often don't need to say 'Ellos viven...'—just 'Viven...' is enough.
Showing shared situational experience: They experience (viven) the wonder of the falling petals.
viven(verb)
they experience
?a certain situation
,they practice
?a lifestyle
they go through
?a difficulty
📝 In Action
Los actores viven un momento de mucha fama.
B1The actors are experiencing a moment of great fame.
Ellos viven de forma muy austera y simple.
B2They live in a very austere and simple way (lifestyle).
💡 Grammar Points
Living vs. Being Alive
When talking about the quality or style of life, Spanish uses vivir, just like English uses 'to live' (e.g., 'They live well').
Showing financial survival or earning sustenance: They make a living (viven) by working in the garden.
viven(verb)
they make a living
?financial survival
,they subsist
?survival
they are supported by
?source of income
📝 In Action
Viven de la pesca y el turismo local.
B2They make a living from fishing and local tourism.
Muchos artistas viven al día, sin ahorros.
C1Many artists live day to day (subsist), without savings.
💡 Grammar Points
Vivir DE
When referring to the source of income or sustenance, vivir always requires the preposition 'de' (of/from): 'Viven del arte' (They live from art).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: viven
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'viven' to talk about making a living (Sense 3)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'viven' used for people or things?
'Viven' (from 'vivir') is primarily used for living beings (people, animals, plants). You would use 'están' (from 'estar') or 'quedan' (from 'quedar) for the location of inanimate objects.
How do I say 'They used to live'?
You would use the Imperfect tense: 'vivían'. For example, 'Ellos vivían en Madrid' (They used to live in Madrid).