viviente
/bee-BYEN-teh/
living
The word 'viviente' describes something that has life, like a growing plant.
viviente(adjective)
living
?describing something that has life
alive
?remaining in existence
📝 In Action
La selva es un ecosistema viviente lleno de sorpresas.
B1The jungle is a living ecosystem full of surprises.
Cada ser viviente tiene un papel en el planeta.
A2Every living being has a role on the planet.
💡 Grammar Points
One Ending for All
This word doesn't change based on gender. You can use it for both masculine and feminine things (el gato viviente / la planta viviente).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Viviente vs. Vivo
Mistake: "Using 'viviente' to say someone is currently alive (e.g., 'Mi abuelo está viviente')."
Correction: Use 'vivo' for the state of being alive ('Mi abuelo está vivo'). 'Viviente' is usually for general descriptions or scientific categories.
⭐ Usage Tips
Scientific Feel
Use 'viviente' when you want to sound a bit more formal or scientific, like when talking about nature or biology.
As a noun, 'viviente' refers to a living soul or a person.
📝 In Action
No quedaba ni un solo viviente en las calles tras la tormenta.
B2There wasn't a single living soul left in the streets after the storm.
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasis on Absence
It is very common to use this in the negative to emphasize that a place is totally empty: 'No hay ni un viviente'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: viviente
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the most common way to say 'living being' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'vivo' and 'viviente'?
'Vivo' is the everyday word for 'alive' or 'living.' 'Viviente' is more formal and is often used to describe things as belonging to the category of life (like 'living organisms') rather than just checking if they are breathing right now.
Can I use 'viviente' to describe a person?
Yes, but it sounds very poetic or slightly old-fashioned. Usually, you'd use it in the phrase 'ni un viviente' (not a single soul) to describe an empty place.