What is the English translation of 'Qui vive'?

Answer #1

'Qui' in French means 'who' and 'vive' means 'live'. Literally it means 'who lives?'.

Answer #2

This is the French equivalent of the English question 'Who goes there?' that's asked by someone who's serving as sentry or on guard duty.

No, être sur le qui-vive means to be on the alert. There are other expressions such as - il n'y pas âme qui vive which means - there isn't a living soul there (to be seen).

(A sentry who shouts 'Who goes there?' would say in French ' Qui va là?)