Vivir vs. residir
The Spanish words vivir and residir both mean to live in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. Vivir is a more commonly used verb that describes living in a more general and casual sense, while residir emphasizes a formal or official place of residence.
Vivir
A1Vivir is used to express living in a more general or casual sense. It can mean to live as in to reside, but it's also used to describe life experiences or daily routines.
Yo vivo en España.
(I live in Spain.)
Ella vive una vida feliz.
(She lives a happy life.)
Residir
B2Residir is more formal and emphasizes an official residence. It's often used in formal texts, legal documents and high-level language. In everyday conversation, it's much less common than vivir.
El embajador reside en una mansión.
(The ambassador resides in a mansion.)
Los ancianos residen en un hogar de ancianos.
(The elders reside in a nursing home.)
Summary
Vivir and residir can both translate as to live, but they are not always interchangeable. While vivir could be used for describing any living situation, life experiences or daily routines; residir is typically associated with an official or formal place of dwelling.