siga
/SEE-gah/
continue
Use 'siga' when giving a formal command to someone ('you, sir/ma'am') to 'continue' or 'proceed.'
siga(Verb)
continue
?as a formal command ('you, sir/ma'am, continue')
,follow
?as a formal command ('you, sir/ma'am, follow')
go on
?encouragement or instruction
,go straight
?when giving directions ('siga derecho')
📝 In Action
Para llegar al museo, siga esta calle por cinco minutos.
A1To get to the museum, follow this street for five minutes.
Siga, por favor. Su mesa está lista.
A1Go on, please. Your table is ready.
¿Le molesta? No, no, siga con lo que estaba haciendo.
A2Am I bothering you? No, no, continue with what you were doing.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Commands
"Siga" is the 'Usted' (formal 'you') command form. It tells a respected person what to do or asks them to do something. Remember: it looks exactly like the present subjunctive form.
The 'E to I' Change
The original verb is 'seguir,' but because of its irregularity, the 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i' in this command form: seguir → siga.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Formal and Informal Commands
Mistake: "Using 'sigue' (informal) when talking to a boss or elder."
Correction: Use 'siga' (formal command) for any stranger or professional setting to show respect. 'Sigue' is only for close friends or family.
⭐ Usage Tips
Giving Directions
When giving directions, pair 'siga' with 'derecho' (straight) or 'todo recto' (straight ahead) for clarity: 'Siga derecho' (Continue straight).
As a subjunctive form, 'siga' can express a desire or possibility that 'I/he/she/you continue' an action.
siga(Verb)
(that) I/he/she/you continue
?expressing desire or possibility
remain
?used when referring to a status ('I hope he remains well')
📝 In Action
Espero que (usted) siga teniendo éxito en su proyecto.
B1I hope you continue having success in your project.
Aunque sea difícil, quiero que yo siga intentándolo.
B2Even if it's difficult, I want myself to keep trying.
No creo que Juan siga en su trabajo anterior.
B1I don't think Juan is still at his old job (I doubt he continues there).
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Use
This form ('siga') is used in special situations after words that express emotion, doubt, desire, or need (like 'espero que,' 'no creo que,' or 'quiero que').
Who Uses 'Siga'?
In the subjunctive, 'siga' can be used for 'yo' (I), 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), and 'usted' (formal you). Context tells you who the subject is.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Mood Change
Mistake: "Saying 'Espero que él sigue...' when you mean 'I hope he continues...'"
Correction: When expressing hope or desire, the second verb must change to the subjunctive form: 'Espero que él siga...'
⭐ Usage Tips
Standard Farewell
A very polite and common way to end an interaction is 'Espero que siga usted bien' (I hope you continue to be well).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: siga
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'siga' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'seguir' change its spelling to 'siga'?
'Seguir' is an irregular verb. In many forms (including commands and the subjunctive), the letter 'e' in the stem changes to an 'i' (e.g., s**e**guir becomes s**i**ga). This is called a stem-change and is very common in Spanish verbs.
If I hear 'siga,' how do I know if they mean 'continue' or 'follow'?
Context is key! If someone is giving directions ('siga esta calle'), it means 'follow' or 'continue along.' If you interrupt someone and they say 'siga, siga,' they mean 'continue what you were doing' or 'go on.'