permanece
“permanece” means “remains” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
remains, stays
Also: abides
📝 In Action
Ella permanece en casa estudiando para el examen.
A2She remains at home studying for the exam.
El museo permanece abierto hasta las seis de la tarde.
B1The museum stays open until six in the evening.
¡Permanece aquí hasta que yo regrese!
A2Stay here until I return!
persists, endures
Also: lingers
📝 In Action
El sabor amargo permanece en mi boca después del café.
B1The bitter taste lingers in my mouth after the coffee.
Su legado permanece vivo en la memoria de la gente.
B2His legacy persists (remains alive) in people's memory.
La duda sobre su inocencia aún permanece.
B2The doubt about his innocence still persists.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: permanece
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'permanece' to give an informal command?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *permanēre*, meaning 'to stay through,' formed by combining *per* (through, completely) and *manēre* (to remain or wait). The meaning has been consistent for centuries: to stay completely or endure.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'permanece' interchangeable with 'queda' or 'está'?
'Permanece' is usually more formal and emphasizes continuity or lack of change. While 'queda' and 'está' can also mean 'to stay' or 'to be,' 'permanece' often suggests a deliberate or long-lasting state, especially in writing.
Why does the verb *permanecer* have a 'zc' change in some forms but not in 'permanece'?
The 'c' only changes to 'zc' when it comes before an 'o' or 'a' vowel (like in 'yo permanezco' or 'que permanezca'). Since 'permanece' comes before an 'e,' the spelling stays simple ('ce'). This pattern is common for many Spanish verbs ending in -ecer.