convivir
verbCEFR B1
What does “convivir” mean in English?
1.to live together, to cohabit
to live together, to cohabit (with shared relational dimension) — convivir con alguien
2.to live together, to cohabit
to live together, to cohabit (with shared relational dimension) — convivir con alguien
Example sentences
Convivir con personas de otros países es una experiencia enriquecedora, aunque al principio hay que adaptarse a costumbres muy diferentes.
Living with people from other countries is an enriching experience, although at first you have to adapt to very different customs.
Llevamos tres años conviviendo y creo que la clave del éxito es hablar abiertamente cuando algo molesta.
We've been living together for three years and I think the key to success is talking openly when something bothers you.
Al principio fue difícil convivir con mis compañeras de piso porque teníamos horarios completamente opuestos.
At first it was difficult to live with my flatmates because we had completely opposite schedules.
How to use it
Convivir means 'to live together' or 'to cohabit' — with an emphasis on the shared experience and interpersonal dimension, not just the physical fact of sharing a space. It always takes the preposition con: convivir con alguien. At B1 it is the verb of choice when discussing the dynamics of shared housing (flatmates, partners, family) and is more nuanced than vivir juntos or estar juntos. Common patterns: convivir con, aprender a convivir, difícil convivir.
Common mistake
Convivir implies more than just sharing a physical space — it carries a sense of managing the shared life together (respect, compromise, communication). 'Vivir con' is the neutral description of the physical fact; 'convivir con' suggests the relational aspect. At B1 use convivir when discussing dynamics, relationships, and challenges of shared living.