Question 1

Why use vive sintiendo instead of just saying siempre siente?

Accepted Answer

The structure vivir + gerund (sintiendo) emphasizes a continuous, habitual action that seems to define the person's daily life. It often carries an emotional weight—in this case, emphasizing that he is constantly burdened by this feeling. Siempre siente would be a much more neutral, dry statement of fact.

Question 2

Can I use the vivir + gerund structure with any verb?

Accepted Answer

You can use it with many verbs, but it only makes sense for actions that can be repeated constantly or ongoing states. It literally translates to "lives doing [something]." It is very common for defining traits or habits, often with a slightly negative or exasperated tone, such as Vive quejándose (He is constantly complaining) or Viven peleando (They are always fighting).

Question 3

Could I add a pronoun and say Vive sintiéndose algún malestar?

Accepted Answer

No, because of what follows the verb. You use the pronominal form sentirse when followed by an adjective or adverb (like se siente enfermo). Here, the verb is followed by a noun phrase acting as a direct object (algún malestar). When you "feel a thing" (a noun), you must use the standard transitive verb sentir, making the gerund simply sintiendo.

Question 4

What nuance does algún add here that un wouldn't?

Accepted Answer

While un malestar just means "a malaise" or "a discomfort," using algún translates closer to "some kind of malaise." It adds a layer of vagueness, implying he is always dealing with some issue or another, without specifying exactly what it is.

Vive sintiendo algún malestar crónico.

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