convivir
Lemma Details
Translation: to live together; to coexist; to get along; to cohabit
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'convivere', formed by the prefix 'con-' (with, together) and 'vivere' (to live). The English cognate 'convivial' (friendly, sociable) shares the same Latin root, though it evolved to describe the quality of social gatherings rather than the act of living together. The root 'vivere' also appears in English words like 'vivid', 'vivacious', and 'survive'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Es difícil convivir con alguien que tiene hábitos tan diferentes.
It's difficult to live with someone who has such different habits.
Debemos aprender a convivir con personas de diferentes culturas.
We must learn to coexist with people from different cultures.
Llevan conviviendo juntos cinco años.
They have been living together for five years.
En esta sociedad conviven diferentes religiones.
Different religions coexist in this society.
Mnemonics
- Think 'con' (with) + 'vivir' (to live) = to live with others
- Connect to English 'convivial' (friendly gatherings) to remember it's about living together harmoniously
- Visualize a 'con-viv-ir' as a 'with-live-action' - an action of living with others
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'convivir' has strong social connotations beyond merely sharing a living space. It often implies harmonious relationships and the ability to get along with others. The related noun 'convivencia' is particularly important in Spanish society, referring to peaceful coexistence between different groups and is often discussed in educational and social contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Convivir' specifically means to live together with others, while 'vivir' simply means 'to live' or 'to exist' without necessarily implying cohabitation or interaction with others.
Notes: While 'vivir' can be used in many contexts about life in general, 'convivir' specifically focuses on the social aspect of living with or among others.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'con-' adds the meaning of 'with others' to the basic verb 'vivir'.
Explanation: 'Convivir' means to live together, while 'sobrevivir' means to survive or to outlive something.
Notes: Both verbs share the root 'vivir' (to live) but have different prefixes that significantly change their meaning.
Mnemonic: 'Con-' means 'with', while 'sobre-' means 'over' - so 'convivir' is about living with others, while 'sobrevivir' is about living over/beyond challenges.