Vivere vs. abitare
The Italian verbs 'vivere' and 'abitare' both relate to living, but they have distinct uses and connotations in the language.
Vivere
'Vivere' means to live in a broader sense, encompassing the act of being alive, experiencing life, or residing somewhere for an extended period.
Voglio vivere una vita piena di avventure.
(I want to live a life full of adventures.)
Mio nonno vive da solo.
(My grandfather lives alone.)
Ho vissuto in Italia per dieci anni.
(I lived in Italy for ten years.)
Abitare
'Abitare' means living in a specific place, with a focus on the act of staying or being settled there.
Abito in un appartamento in centro.
(I live in an apartment downtown.)
Dove abiti adesso?
(Where do you live now?)
I miei amici abitano vicino alla stazione.
(My friends live near the station.)
Summary
While 'vivere' is used for living in a general sense or for long-term residence, 'abitare' specifically denotes the act of residing in a particular place. 'Vivere' can describe life experiences or existence, whereas 'abitare' is limited to describing where someone lives or stays.