Inklingo

How to Say "i continue" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sigo

/see-go//ˈsi.ɣo/

VerbA1General
Use 'sigo' when you are still doing something despite a delay or a long wait, emphasizing persistence.
A determined hiker walking along a long, winding dirt path that continues into the distance, illustrating persistence.

Examples

Sigo esperando el autobús. Lleva 20 minutos de retraso.

I am still waiting for the bus. It's 20 minutes late.

Si sigo comiendo chocolate, voy a engordar.

If I continue eating chocolate, I am going to gain weight.

Sigo soltero, pero estoy feliz.

I am still single, but I am happy.

Using 'Sigo' to Mean 'Still'

To say you are 'still' doing something, use 'sigo' followed by the -ndo form (the gerund): 'Sigo trabajando' (I am still working).

The Irregular 'Yo' Form

The verb 'seguir' is tricky! The 'E' in the stem changes to an 'I' in most forms (sigues, sigue), but in the 'yo' (I) form, it changes to 'sigo', not 'seguo', which makes it extra irregular.

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Yo seguo. (Incorrect)”

Correction: Yo sigo. (Correct). Remember the 'E' in the stem changes to 'I' or a 'G' is added, depending on the verb form.

continúo

/con-TEE-nwo//konˈtinwo/

VerbA2General
Use 'continúo' when you are carrying on with a task or activity, often in contrast to someone else stopping or resting.
A person walking forward on a long forest path, carrying a backpack and looking ahead.

Examples

Yo continúo con mi trabajo mientras tú descansas.

I'm continuing with my work while you rest.

Yo continuo con mi trabajo mientras tú descansas.

I'm continuing with my work while you rest.

Si yo continuo así, terminaré pronto.

If I carry on like this, I will finish soon.

Continuo esperando una respuesta de la empresa.

I'm still waiting for a response from the company.

The Hidden Accent

In the 'yo' form 'continuo', the stress is on the middle 'i' (con-TEE-nwo). In the past tense 'continuó', the accent is on the 'o' (con-ti-NWOH).

Using it with another verb

When you say you are 'continuing to do' something, you often use 'continuar' followed by a verb ending in -ando or -iendo (e.g., 'continuo leyendo').

Mixing up 'I continue' and 'He continued'

Mistake: “Él continuo la clase.”

Correction: Él continuó la clase.

Choosing between 'sigo' and 'continúo'

Learners often confuse 'sigo' and 'continúo' because both mean 'I continue'. Remember that 'sigo' is best for waiting or persisting through a delay, while 'continúo' is more about actively carrying on with a task.

Related Translations

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