Inklingo

How to Say "continuous" in Spanish

English → Spanish

continuo

con-TEE-nwokonˈtinwo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'continuo' when describing something that is happening without any pause or interruption in its state or action.
A single, unbroken blue river winding through a vast green meadow under a clear sky.

Examples

Había un ruido continuo en la calle que no me dejaba dormir.

There was a continuous noise in the street that wouldn't let me sleep.

Estamos en un proceso de cambio continuo.

We are in a process of constant change.

Dibuja una línea continua en el papel.

Draw a solid (uninterrupted) line on the paper.

Matching with the Noun

Since this is an adjective, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'continuo' for masculine things (el ruido) and 'continua' for feminine things (la línea).

Placement after the word

In most cases, you place 'continuo' after the thing you are describing to sound natural.

Confusing with the Verb

Mistake: “La lluvia continuó por horas.”

Correction: Use 'continuó' (with an accent) for the past tense 'it continued' and 'continua' (no accent) to describe 'continuous rain'.

seguido

seh-GEE-dohseˈgi.ðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'seguido' when referring to a series of events or actions that occur one after another without a break in time.
Three identical, perfectly round red balls lined up in a straight horizontal row, touching each other to show a consecutive sequence.

Examples

Llovió por cuatro días seguidos y no pudimos salir.

It rained for four consecutive days and we couldn't go out.

Ella ganó tres campeonatos seguidos.

She won three championships in a row.

No puedo estar cinco horas seguidas estudiando.

I can't study for five continuous hours.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'seguido' is describing a person, thing, or event, its ending must match the noun it describes. Remember the four forms: 'seguido' (masc. singular), 'seguida' (fem. singular), 'seguidos' (masc. plural), and 'seguidas' (fem. plural).

Forgetting Agreement

Mistake: “Trabajé diez horas seguido.”

Correction: Trabajé diez horas seguidas. (Because 'horas' is feminine plural.)

Continuo vs. Seguido

Learners often confuse 'continuo' and 'seguido' by using 'continuo' for sequences of events. Remember, 'continuo' describes an ongoing state, while 'seguido' refers to distinct events happening one after another without pause.

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