Inklingo

How to Say "alive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vivo

/bee-boh//'bibo/

adjectiveA2General
Use 'vivo' when referring to a person, animal, or plant that is not dead and is currently living.
A bright orange goldfish happily swimming actively inside a clear glass bowl, showing it is alive.

Examples

El pez que pescamos todavía está vivo.

The fish we caught is still alive.

¿Es una flor de plástico o es una planta viva?

Is it a plastic flower or a living plant?

Matches the Noun's Gender

Like most describing words in Spanish, 'vivo' changes to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'vivo' for masculine things ('el pez vivo') and 'viva' for feminine things ('la planta viva').

Use with 'Estar', not 'Ser'

To say something is alive, you'll almost always use the verb 'estar' (e.g., 'El perro está vivo'). This is because being alive is a state or condition, which is what 'estar' is for.

viviente

/bee-BYEN-teh//biˈβjente/

adjectiveB1General
Use 'viviente' to describe something as existing, surviving, or being a living entity, often in a more descriptive or ecological context.
A vibrant green sprout growing out of rich brown soil.

Examples

La selva es un ecosistema viviente lleno de sorpresas.

The jungle is a living ecosystem full of surprises.

Cada ser viviente tiene un papel en el planeta.

Every living being has a role on the planet.

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).

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.

Vivo vs. Viviente

Learners often confuse 'vivo' and 'viviente'. Remember that 'vivo' is the direct opposite of 'muerto' (dead) and is used for beings that are currently living. 'Viviente' is more about the state of existing or being a living thing, often used in broader contexts like ecosystems.

Related Translations

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