Definition
To live; to be alive, or to spend your life in a particular place or way.
Example
Ella vive cerca del mercado con su familia.
Show translation
She lives near the market with her family.
Etymology
From Latin *vīvere* ("to live, to be alive"), from Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-* ("to live"). The same root gives English "vital," "vivid," and "survive," and Spanish cognates like *vida* (life) and *vivo* (alive).
Cultural note
*Vivir* carries a richness in Spanish that goes beyond mere biological existence. The phrase *saber vivir* ("to know how to live") is a cultural ideal across Spain and Latin America — it implies enjoying food, company, and leisure with grace. You'll also hear *¡Viva!* as a celebratory shout at weddings, festivals, and sporting events. Note that in Spanish, you say *Vivo en Madrid* (no article needed) when stating where you live in a city — a common point of difference from English ("I live **in** Madrid").