vivos
/BEE-vohs/
alive
This image shows a fish that is 'vivos' (alive) and full of life.
📝 In Action
Los rescatistas encontraron a dos hombres vivos bajo los escombros.
A2The rescuers found two men alive under the rubble.
Dicen que los colores de esa pintura son muy vivos.
B1They say the colors in that painting are very vivid (bright).
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'vivos' ends in -os, it must describe multiple masculine things or people. If you were describing women, you would use 'vivas'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Estar'
Use the verb 'estar' (to be, for temporary states) with 'vivos' to talk about the current condition of being alive: 'Ellos están vivos'.
The word 'vivos' can describe someone who is clever and quick-witted, like this astute fox.
vivos(adjective)
clever
?quick-witted, astute
,sharp
?mentally alert
sly
?cunning, especially in business
📝 In Action
Mis hermanos son muy vivos, siempre saben cómo negociar.
B1My brothers are very clever; they always know how to negotiate.
Tienes que estar con los ojos bien vivos cuando viajas.
B2You have to be very alert (literally: with your eyes very sharp) when you travel.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Ser vs. Estar
Mistake: "Using 'estar vivos' to mean 'they are clever'."
Correction: Use 'son vivos' (with the verb 'ser') to describe cleverness, as it's an inherent personality trait. 'Están vivos' means 'They are currently alive'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Positive vs. Negative
In Latin America, 'ser vivo' is often a compliment (clever, resourceful). In Spain, it can sometimes imply being 'too clever' or sly, bordering on cheating.
'Vivos' is a noun referring to 'the living'—all people currently alive.
📝 In Action
Los vivos deben honrar la memoria de los caídos.
B2The living must honor the memory of the fallen.
Hay que preocuparse por el bienestar de los vivos.
C1One must worry about the well-being of the living.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective as Noun
In Spanish, you can add 'el', 'la', 'los', or 'las' before an adjective (like 'vivo') to turn it into a noun referring to a group of people: 'los vivos' means 'the alive people'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vivos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'vivos' to mean 'clever' or 'quick-witted'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'vivos' different from 'vivimos'?
'Vivos' is an adjective meaning 'alive' or 'clever' (plural and masculine). 'Vivimos' is a verb form meaning 'we live' (from the verb 'vivir'). They are completely different parts of speech, but they share the same root meaning of 'life'.
Can 'vivos' describe inanimate objects?
Yes! When talking about colors, 'vivos' means 'bright' or 'vivid' ('colores vivos'). It gives the sense that the color is very much 'alive' and intense.