permanecer
“permanecer” means “to stay” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to stay, to remain
Also: to stop (at a place)
📝 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?
to continue to be, to persist
Also: to endure
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
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✏️ 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
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *permanēre*, which is built from *per* (meaning 'through' or 'thoroughly') and *manēre* (meaning 'to remain' or 'to abide'). So, the original meaning was 'to remain thoroughly' or 'to last through time'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.