residir
Lemma Details
Translation: to reside; to live; to dwell; to be based; to lie in
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'residere', meaning 'to remain behind, to stay', composed of 're-' (back) and 'sedere' (to sit). This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'reside', 'residence', and 'resident'. The core idea of 'sitting back' or 'remaining in a place' evolved into the modern meaning of having a permanent dwelling or living somewhere.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Actualmente resido en Madrid.
I currently reside in Madrid.
La felicidad reside en las pequeñas cosas.
Happiness lies in the little things.
El poder reside en el pueblo.
Power resides with the people.
¿Dónde has residido durante los últimos cinco años?
Where have you resided during the last five years?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'residence' in English - if you have a residence, you 'residir' there.
- The 're-' prefix suggests returning to a place, as in you keep coming back to where you 'reside'.
- Imagine 'sitting' (from Latin 'sedere') in your home - that's where you 'residir'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'residir' is often used in formal contexts such as official documents, legal papers, and administrative forms when asking about someone's place of residence. It's less common in everyday speech where 'vivir' (to live) is more frequently used.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Residir' means 'to reside/live somewhere' while 'presidir' means 'to preside over/chair' something like a meeting or organization.
Confused word:
El director preside la reunión mensual.
The director presides over the monthly meeting.
Notes: Both verbs follow regular -ir conjugation patterns but have different meanings in different contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Presidir' has a 'p' for 'president' who presides over things; 'residir' has no 'p' and refers to where you live (your residence).
Explanation: 'Residir' means 'to live/dwell' while 'resistir' means 'to resist/withstand'.
Notes: Both are regular -ir verbs but with completely different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Resistir' contains 'resist' which is exactly what it means; 'residir' relates to your residence.