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How to Say "follow" in Spanish

English → Spanish

siga

SEE-gah/ˈsi.ɣa/

verbA1formal
Use 'siga' when giving a formal command to one person to proceed in a certain direction or to adhere to something.
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.

sigan

SEE-gahn/ˈsi.ɣan/

verbA2formal
Use 'sigan' when giving a command to multiple people (ustedes) to proceed in a certain direction or to adhere to 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.

seguid

/seh-GEED//seˈɣið/

verbB1informal
Use 'seguid' as an informal command to a group (vosotros) to continue doing something or to keep moving forward.
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.

observar

ob-ser-VAR/oβ.seɾˈβaɾ/

verbB2
Use 'observar' when referring to the act of complying with or adhering to rules, traditions, or customs.
A cartoon person walking neatly between two white boundary lines on a path, demonstrating compliance.

Examples

Los ciudadanos deben observar las regulaciones de tráfico.

Citizens must comply with the traffic regulations.

La empresa observa estrictamente las normas de seguridad.

The company strictly adheres to the safety standards.

Formal Use

This meaning is often found in official documents, contracts, or news reports, and is more formal than simply using 'cumplir' (to comply).

Formal vs. Informal Commands

The most common mistake is confusing the formal commands ('siga', 'sigan') with the informal command ('seguid'). Remember that 'siga' and 'sigan' are used for 'usted' and 'ustedes' respectively, while 'seguid' is for 'vosotros'.

Related Translations

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