siempre

/syem-pre/

A bright, smiling sun that is always present in the sky, representing the concept of 'always'.

Just like the sun is always in the sky (even when we can't see it), 'siempre' means something happens all the time.

siempre (Adverb)

always?at all times, every time

Also:forever?often used as 'para siempre',all the time?constantly

📝 In Action

Siempre desayuno a las ocho de la mañana.

I always have breakfast at eight in the morning.

Mi madre siempre me llama los domingos.

My mother always calls me on Sundays.

Casi siempre vamos al parque después de la escuela.

We almost always go to the park after school.

Te voy a querer para siempre.

I'm going to love you forever.

Related Words

Synonyms

constantemente (constantly)
eternamente (eternally)

Antonyms

nunca (never)
jamás (never (more emphatic))

Common Collocations

para siempre – forever
casi siempre – almost always
desde siempre – since forever, for as long as one can remember
como siempre – as always

💡 Grammar Points

Where to Put 'Siempre'

Usually, 'siempre' goes right before the main action word (the verb). For example, 'Yo siempre leo'. You can also put it at the very beginning of a sentence to add a little emphasis: 'Siempre leo por la noche'.

The Phrase 'Siempre que...'

When you see 'siempre que', it often means 'as long as' or 'provided that'. It introduces a condition. 'Puedes salir siempre que termines tu tarea.' (You can go out as long as you finish your homework).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Por Siempre' vs. 'Para Siempre'

Mistake: "Voy a amarte por siempre."

Correction: The standard phrase for 'forever' is 'para siempre'. So, you should say, 'Voy a amarte para siempre.' While 'por siempre' is understood, 'para siempre' is much more common.

⭐ Usage Tips

Answering a Question

You can use 'siempre' all by itself as a strong 'yes' to a question about frequency. '¿Vas al gimnasio?' (Do you go to the gym?) '¡Siempre!' (Always!).

A person holding a bright yellow umbrella in a downpour but still smiling, representing doing something 'anyway' despite the circumstances.

Even though it's raining, they're happy. 'Siempre' can be used to show a final result that happened 'anyway' or 'after all', despite expectations.

siempre (Adverb)

anyway?in the end, despite something

Also:after all?showing a final, sometimes surprising, outcome,in the end?ultimately

📝 In Action

Le dije que no lo comprara, pero siempre lo compró.

I told him not to buy it, but he bought it anyway.

Creía que iba a suspender el examen, pero siempre aprobé.

I thought I was going to fail the exam, but I passed after all.

Al final, siempre tenías razón tú.

In the end, you were right after all.

Related Words

Synonyms

de todos modos (anyway)
al final (in the end)
a fin de cuentas (after all)

Common Collocations

siempre sí – yes, after all (reversing a 'no')
siempre no – no, after all (reversing a 'yes')

💡 Grammar Points

A Tool for Surprise

This meaning of 'siempre' is perfect for showing a result that's the opposite of what you expected. It adds a little twist to your story.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Anyway' with 'Always'

Mistake: "Thinking 'Siempre lo compró' must mean 'He always bought it'."

Correction: Without context, it could. But if the previous sentence is 'I told him not to...', then 'siempre' takes on the meaning of 'anyway'. The surrounding story is your clue!

⭐ Usage Tips

Changing Your Mind with 'Siempre sí'

A very common and natural way to change your mind is with 'siempre sí' (yes, after all) or 'siempre no' (no, after all). '¿Ya no vienes?' (You're not coming anymore?) '¡No, siempre sí voy!' (No, I am coming after all!).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: siempre

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence best translates to 'I almost always drink coffee'?

📚 More Resources

Words that Rhyme with siempre

frente

diente

veinte

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'siempre' and 'para siempre'?

'Siempre' means 'always' and describes something that happens repeatedly or is continuously true. 'Para siempre' means 'forever' and usually talks about the future, lasting for all time.

How is 'siempre' different from 'todavía'?

'Siempre' means 'always'. 'Todavía' means 'still' in the sense of 'continuing up to this point'. For example, 'Todavía estoy aquí' means 'I am still here'. You wouldn't use 'siempre' for that.