Inklingo

How to Say "to live" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vivir

/bee-BEER//biˈβiɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'vivir' when talking about being alive, the state of existing as a living being, or residing in a specific location.
A person standing on a lush green hill with arms outstretched under a bright sun, symbolizing vitality and the act of being alive.

Examples

Yo vivo en Madrid.

I live in Madrid.

Mi abuela vivió noventa y ocho años.

My grandmother lived for ninety-eight years.

Los peces viven en el agua.

Fish live in water.

¡Vive y deja vivir!

Live and let live!

A Regular -ir Verb

Good news! 'Vivir' follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ir. Once you learn the endings for one, you know them for 'vivir' too.

Use 'en' for Location

To say where you live, always use the word 'en' after 'vivir'. For example, 'Vivo en México' (I live in Mexico).

'Vivir' vs. 'Estar'

Mistake: “Estoy en España. (When you mean you live there permanently)”

Correction: Use 'vivir' for your permanent home: 'Vivo en España.' Use 'estar' for temporary location: 'Ahora estoy en España de vacaciones' (Right now I'm in Spain on vacation).

existir

/ehk-sees-TEER//eɣ.sisˈtiɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'existir' to describe merely subsisting or getting by, often implying a lack of richness or purpose in life.
A tiny, healthy green sprout pushes up vigorously from dark brown soil toward a bright sun, illustrating the act of living and subsisting.

Examples

El artista apenas existía vendiendo sus cuadros.

The artist barely got by selling his paintings.

Ella solo existe para su trabajo; no tiene vida social.

She only lives for her work; she has no social life.

En ese pueblo, la gente existe con muy pocos recursos.

In that town, people subsist on very few resources.

Existimos en un mundo lleno de contradicciones.

We live in a world full of contradictions.

Existir vs. Vivir

While both mean 'to live,' 'vivir' usually refers to the act of being alive or residing somewhere. 'Existir' in this sense often carries a deeper, more reflective tone about the quality or purpose of life.

Vivir vs. Existir

The most common mistake is using 'existir' when you simply mean to live or reside. Remember, 'vivir' covers being alive and having a home, while 'existir' implies a more basic, perhaps less fulfilling, state of being.

Related Translations

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