Inklingo

How to Say "live" in Spanish

English → Spanish

directo

/dee-REK-toh//diˈɾekto/

nounA2
Use 'en directo' to describe a broadcast or transmission that is happening as it occurs, often implying a scheduled event.
An illustration showing a professional television camera with a bright red recording light focused on a reporter speaking into a microphone, signifying a live broadcast.

Examples

El partido se vio en directo por la televisión.

The match was watched live on television.

El concierto se transmitió en directo desde Barcelona.

The concert was broadcast live from Barcelona.

¿Viste el directo de la banda anoche?

Did you watch the band's live show last night?

Use of 'en directo'

When talking about media (TV, radio, web), you almost always use the fixed phrase 'en directo' to mean 'live' or 'unrecorded,' often describing how an action is done.

vivo

/bee-boh//'bibo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'en vivo' to indicate that something, like a performance or broadcast, is happening in real-time and is being transmitted.
A musician playing a guitar on a brightly lit stage in front of a cheering audience, illustrating a live performance.

Examples

La banda tocó en vivo para una audiencia global.

The band played live for a global audience.

El concierto será transmitido en vivo por televisión.

The concert will be broadcast live on television.

Prefiero la música en vivo a los discos.

I prefer live music to records.

The Magic Phrase: 'en vivo'

This meaning is almost always used in the phrase 'en vivo'. It acts as a single unit to mean 'live'. Unlike other adjectives, it doesn't usually change for gender or number here.

Directo vs. Vivo

Learners often confuse 'en directo' and 'en vivo'. While both mean 'live', 'en directo' is more common for scheduled broadcasts like news or sports, whereas 'en vivo' can also describe performances or events happening in real-time, often with a slightly more dynamic feel.

Related Translations

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