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How to Say "continue" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “continue” is “siga” — use 'siga' as a formal command ('you, sir/ma'am') to tell someone to proceed or go forward, often in directions..

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siga

SEE-gah/ˈsi.ɣa/

verbA1formal
Use 'siga' as a formal command ('you, sir/ma'am') to tell someone to proceed or go forward, often in directions.
A formally dressed individual standing at the entrance of a hallway, clearly using an open hand gesture to direct another person to continue walking forward along the path.

Examples

Para llegar al museo, siga esta calle por cinco minutos.

To get to the museum, follow this street for five minutes.

Siga, por favor. Su mesa está lista.

Go on, please. Your table is ready.

¿Le molesta? No, no, siga con lo que estaba haciendo.

Am I bothering you? No, no, continue with what you were doing.

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.

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.

verbA1informal
Use 'continúa' as an informal command (tú form) telling one person to keep doing something or to proceed.

Examples

El presidente continúa con su discurso a pesar del ruido.

The president continues with his speech despite the noise.

sigan

SEE-gahn/ˈsi.ɣan/

verbA2
Use 'sigan' as a command or instruction for multiple people ('you all') to keep going or follow something.
A high quality storybook illustration showing five simplified, colorful figures walking single file along a winding path. The figure in front is leading, and the four figures behind are clearly following.

Examples

¡Sigan las instrucciones al pie de la letra!

Follow the instructions to the letter!

Si no entienden, sigan preguntando.

If you don't understand, keep asking (continue asking).

Es crucial que ellos sigan el camino correcto.

It is crucial that they follow the correct path.

A Command for 'You All'

When you use 'sigan' to give a direct order, it is usually directed at 'ustedes' (the formal plural 'you all'). This is the polite, formal way to tell a group what to do.

The Subjunctive Mood

'Sigan' is also the special verb form (present subjunctive) used after words that express wishes, doubts, emotions, or necessity, referring to 'they' (ellos/ellas) or 'you all' (ustedes).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Saying 'Segan' instead of 'Sigan'.”

Correction: The base verb 'seguir' changes the 'e' to an 'i' in this form. Remember the pattern: 'E' often turns to 'I' in commands/subjunctive forms of this verb.

continúe

verbA2formal
Use 'continúe' as a formal command or request, often used in polite or professional settings when addressing one person formally (usted).

Examples

Por favor, continúe con la presentación.

Please, continue with the presentation.

seguid

/seh-GEED//seˈɣið/

verbB1informal
Use 'seguid' as an informal command (vosotros form) to tell a group of people not to stop or to keep up the good work.
A group of cheerful hikers continuing their walk up a green hill following a leader.

Examples

¡Seguid así, chicos! Lo estáis haciendo genial.

Keep it up, guys! You're doing great.

Seguid las señales para llegar a la salida.

Follow the signs to reach the exit.

Seguid leyendo y luego comentaremos el texto.

Keep reading and then we will discuss the text.

The 'D' Rule for Groups

In Spain, when giving a friendly command to a group, simply take the verb's basic form (like 'seguir') and change the final 'r' to a 'd'.

R vs D

Mistake: “¡Seguir adelante!”

Correction: ¡Seguid adelante! While 'seguir' is the base verb, 'seguid' is the specific form for telling people to actually do the action.

Informal vs. Formal 'You'

The most common mistake is confusing the informal 'tú' commands (continúa, seguid) with the formal 'usted' or 'ustedes' commands (siga, continúe, sigan). Always consider if you are speaking to one person formally or informally, or to a group, before choosing your verb form.

Related Translations

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