permanecer
/pehr-mah-neh-SEHR/
to stay
When referring to a physical location, 'permanecer' means 'to stay' or remain.
permanecer(verb)
to stay
?physical location
,to remain
?physical location
to stop (at a place)
?travel/journey
📝 In Action
Decidimos permanecer en casa por la tormenta.
A2We decided to stay home because of the storm.
El guardia debe permanecer en su puesto toda la noche.
B1The guard must remain at his post all night.
¿Cuánto tiempo puedes permanecer bajo el agua?
B1How long can you remain underwater?
💡 Grammar Points
The 'ZC' Change
In the 'yo' form of the present tense, the 'c' changes to 'zc' (permanezco). This happens to all verbs ending in '-ecer' like 'conocer' (conozco).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Irregularity
Mistake: "Yo permaneco en la oficina."
Correction: Yo permanezco en la oficina. (Remember the 'zc' ending in the present tense 'yo' form.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal Staying
Use 'permanecer' when the staying is formal, long-term, or obligatory (like a rule). Use 'quedarse' for casual, voluntary, or temporary staying.
When referring to a state or condition, 'permanecer' means 'to continue to be,' like a strong tree that continues to stand firm.
permanecer(verb)
to continue to be
?state or condition
,to persist
?abstract concepts
to endure
?over time
📝 In Action
A pesar de todo, la esperanza permanece en nuestros corazones.
B2Despite everything, hope remains in our hearts.
La ley permanecerá vigente hasta el próximo año.
C1The law will remain in effect until next year.
Es importante que permanezcamos unidos durante la crisis.
C1It is important that we remain united during the crisis.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive for Wishes/Commands
When you use 'permanecer' after expressions of need, desire, or importance (like 'Es importante que...'), you must use the special verb form (permanezca/permanezcamos).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using Ser/Estar Instead
Mistake: "La situación está estable."
Correction: La situación permanece estable. (Using 'permanecer' emphasizes the *action* of staying stable, rather than just describing the current state.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasizing Duration
'Permanecer' often suggests that a state or condition has lasted, or is intended to last, for a significant duration of time.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: permanecer
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'permanecer' in its more formal meaning, referring to a condition or state?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'permanecer' and 'quedarse'?
'Quedarse' is very common and usually means 'to stay' in a simple or temporary way (e.g., 'Me quedo aquí' – I'm staying here). 'Permanecer' is slightly more formal and often emphasizes that the stay is determined, official, or long-lasting, whether in a place or in a condition (e.g., 'Permaneció leal' – He remained loyal).
Is 'permanecer' always irregular?
It is only irregular in the 'yo' form of the present indicative (permanezco) and in the present subjunctive (permanezca), where the 'c' changes to 'zc'. In all other tenses (like the past and future), it follows the regular '-er' verb pattern.