How to Say "go on" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “go on” is “siga” — use 'siga' when giving a polite or formal command, like instructions for directions or a task, implying continuation in a specific path or action..
siga
SEE-gah/ˈsi.ɣa/
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/
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.
pasan
PAH-sahn/ˈpa.san/
Examples
En las películas, siempre pasan cosas inesperadas.
In the movies, unexpected things always happen.
Dicen que estas cosas solo pasan en la televisión.
They say these things only happen on television.
Impersonal Use
When 'pasan' means 'happen,' the subject is usually an impersonal noun like 'cosas' (things) or 'eventos' (events).
vete
/BEH-teh//ˈbe.te/
Examples
¡Vete de aquí ahora mismo!
Get out of here right now!
Mamá, ¿ya me puedo ir? —Sí, vete, pero con cuidado.
Mom, can I go now? —Yes, go on, but be careful.
Si no te gusta el partido, pues vete a casa.
If you don't like the game, well, go home.
Two Words in One: `ve` + `te`
‘Vete’ is actually two small words squished together: ve (the command 'go') and te ('yourself'). In Spanish, when you give a positive command and use a word like 'me', 'you', or 'it', you attach it directly to the end of the verb.
Confusing `ve` (Go) and `vete` (Go away)
Mistake: “To give directions, you might say: 'Cuando llegues a la esquina, vete a la derecha.'”
Correction: The correct way is: 'Cuando llegues a la esquina, ve a la derecha.' Use `ve` for simple directions ('go'). Use `vete` only when you mean 'go away' or 'leave a place'.
Confusing Instructions vs. Events
Related Translations
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