Translation guide
The English word "live" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers how to express each in Japanese, from residing somewhere to being alive, and from live broadcasts to living life to the fullest.
To live in a place, to reside, to dwell.
The most common verb for living somewhere. Used for long-term residence.
I live in Tokyo.
He says he wants to live in the countryside.
Emphasizes daily life and lifestyle, not just the location. Often used for how one lives.
Means 'to live' in the sense of making a living, carrying out daily activities. More formal.
Living in the city is tough.
Formal, often used in official documents or legal contexts.
To be alive, to exist, to not be dead.
The basic verb for 'to live' as opposed to dying. Also used metaphorically.
Broadcast or performed in real time, not recorded.
A performance done in front of an audience, not recorded.
Used for concerts, comedy shows, etc. Can be a noun or used adjectivally.
To experience life in a certain way, to live life to the fullest.
Literally 'to live life'. Used for living one's life meaningfully.
To share a living space with someone.
The most straightforward way to say 'live with someone'.
To continue to exist or be remembered after death or an event.
To continue living, often used for memories, legacies, or spirits.
To enjoy oneself in a lively, extravagant way.
住む focuses on the physical location of residence. 暮らす emphasizes the lifestyle and daily activities associated with living somewhere. 生活する is more about the act of making a living and carrying out daily life, often used in more abstract or formal contexts.
I live in Tokyo, but I want to live (a quiet life) in the countryside.
Where do you live?
She lives quietly by herself.
The number of foreigners residing in this area is increasing.
He lived to be 100 years old.
There are many things I want to do while I'm alive.
Means 'to survive' or 'to be alive', often in contexts of danger or statistics.
After the accident, he miraculously survived.
A noun meaning 'being alive', used in formal contexts like obituaries or records.
His grandfather is still alive.
Refers to a live broadcast on TV or radio.
The program is live.
Commonly used for live music performances or streaming. Also used as a prefix.
There's a live show tonight.
Watch a live stream.
Prefix meaning 'live' or 'raw'. Used in compounds like 生中継 (live broadcast).
I watched the game live.
His live performance was amazing.
Means 'live demonstration' or 'performance', often for product demos or stage acts.
Watch a live cooking demonstration.
I want to live life my own way.
Means 'to lead a life', focusing on daily routines and lifestyle.
Live a healthy life.
To live through hardships, to survive and persevere.
People who lived through the war.
I live with my boyfriend.
Formal term for cohabitation, often used in legal or official contexts.
I live with my parents.
His memory lives on in our hearts.
Means 'to remain', often used for traditions or influences that live on.
That tradition still lives on.
General verb for 'enjoy'. Can be used in contexts of living it up.
Let's live it up tonight!
Idiom meaning 'to let loose', 'to go wild', similar to living it up.
It's okay to live it up once in a while.
住む means to reside, while 生きる means to be alive. Using 住む when you mean 'to be alive' is a common mistake. For example, 'I want to live' as in 'I want to stay alive' is 生きたい, not 住みたい.
Live and let live.
Proverb equivalent
I want to live abroad.