vives
/BEE-bes/
you live
The image shows where 'you live' or reside.
📝 In Action
¿Dónde vives ahora?
A1Where do you live now (reside)?
Si vives en esa ciudad, debes conocer el parque central.
A2If you live in that city, you must know the central park.
Dime dónde vives, para visitarte.
A1Tell me where you live, so I can visit you.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Form
"Vives" is always used when talking directly to one person you know well or are familiar with (the 'tú' form). If you are talking to someone formally or to a group, you must use a different form of the verb.
Regular -IR Verb
The verb 'vivir' is regular, meaning its endings follow the standard pattern for all verbs ending in '-ir'. Once you know this pattern, you can conjugate hundreds of other verbs!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Vives' and 'Vive'
Mistake: "¿Dónde vive tú?"
Correction: ¿Dónde vives tú? The '-es' ending tells you the person doing the action is 'tú' (you, informal).
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking about location
The most common conversational use of 'vives' is to ask where someone lives, usually preceded by 'dónde' (where).
This illustration represents the life 'you lead,' often referring to lifestyle or experiences.
vives(verb)
you lead (a life)
?to experience a certain lifestyle
you experience
?to go through life events
📝 In Action
¡Vives como un rey en esa mansión!
B1You live like a king in that mansion!
Si vives cada día al máximo, no tendrás arrepentimientos.
B2If you live every day to the fullest, you won't have regrets.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with Adverbs
When describing how you live (your lifestyle), 'vives' is often followed by adverbs like 'bien' (well), 'felizmente' (happily), or phrases like 'como un rey' (like a king).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing admiration
Use '¡Qué bien vives!' as a common, slightly envious compliment to someone who seems to have a comfortable or enjoyable life.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vives
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'vives' to ask about someone's residence?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'vives' means 'reside' or 'lead a life'?
You can usually tell by the words around it. If it follows 'dónde' (where) or is followed by a place (en España), it means 'reside.' If it's followed by an adverb like 'bien' (well) or 'mal' (badly), it refers to the quality of life you lead.
Is 'vives' formal or informal?
'Vives' is strictly informal because it is the 'tú' form. You should only use it with friends, family, children, or people you know well. For formal situations, use 'vive' (the 'usted' form).