Inklingo

How to Say "to survive" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to survive” is “sobrevivir” — use this word when the primary meaning is to remain alive, especially after a dangerous event or in a life-threatening situation..

English → Spanish

sobrevivir

/so-bre-vi-'vir//soβɾeβiˈβiɾ/

verbB1general
Use this word when the primary meaning is to remain alive, especially after a dangerous event or in a life-threatening situation.
A vibrant green sprout pushing up through dry, cracked earth, symbolizing remaining alive against odds.

Examples

Sobrevivió al accidente de avión milagrosamente.

He miraculously survived the plane crash.

Ella sobrevivió a todos sus hermanos.

She outlived all her brothers and sisters.

Necesitas agua para sobrevivir en el desierto.

You need water to survive in the desert.

Using 'a' after sobrevivir

When you survive an event or disaster, Spanish often uses the preposition 'a' (to/at) right before the thing you survived: 'Sobrevivió al fuego' (He survived the fire).

Forgetting the Preposition

Mistake: “Sobrevivimos el huracán.”

Correction: Sobrevivimos *al* huracán. (Remember the 'a' when surviving an event or person.)

durar

/doo-RAHR//duˈɾaɾ/

verbB1general
Use this term when 'to survive' means to last or continue for a long time, particularly under challenging circumstances or to outlast something else.
A durable, sturdy brown leather boot that looks old but is still completely intact and in excellent, usable condition.

Examples

Este tipo de batería dura más que el modelo anterior.

This type of battery lasts longer than the previous model.

Queremos comprar muebles que duren.

We want to buy furniture that holds up (lasts).

No creo que mi viejo coche dure otro invierno.

I don't think my old car will survive another winter.

Use with Negatives

When you say something won't last or don't think it will last, Spanish often uses the special form (subjunctive) in the second part of the sentence: 'No creo que dure' (I don't believe it will last).

existir

/ehk-sees-TEER//eɣ.sisˈtiɾ/

verbB1general
Choose this word when 'to survive' implies merely continuing to exist, often with a sense of struggle or a lack of fulfillment.
A tiny, healthy green sprout pushes up vigorously from dark brown soil toward a bright sun, illustrating the act of living and subsisting.

Examples

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.

mantenerse

mahn-teh-NEHR-seh/man.teˈneɾ.se/

verbB2general
Use this when 'to survive' means to manage to live or support oneself, especially in a difficult environment or financial situation.
A cheerful person harvesting vegetables from their small, well-tended garden, symbolizing self-sufficiency and supporting oneself.

Examples

Es difícil mantenerse en esta ciudad sin un buen trabajo.

It is difficult to support oneself in this city without a good job.

¿Cómo se mantiene con solo medio tiempo?

How does she make a living with only part-time work?

Decidió mantenerse por su cuenta y mudarse.

He decided to support himself independently and move out.

Context is Key

When 'mantenerse' is used with phrases like 'con poco dinero' (with little money) or 'trabajando' (working), it almost always means financial self-sufficiency.

Sobrevivir vs. Durar

Learners often confuse 'sobrevivir' (to remain alive) with 'durar' (to last or continue). Remember that 'sobrevivir' is for life-or-death situations, while 'durar' applies to the longevity of objects or situations, even difficult ones.

Related Translations

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