Inklingo

How to Say "keep going!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ánimo

interjectionA1general
Use 'ánimo' when you want to cheer someone up and encourage them to persevere through a difficult situation or after a setback.

Examples

No te rindas, ¡ánimo!

Don't give up, keep going!

sigue

/see-geh//ˈsi.ɣe/

Verb (Command Form)A2informal
Use 'sigue' (the informal 'tú' command) when giving direct instructions for someone to continue a physical action or follow a path.
A hand pointing directly down a long, straight road, conveying the command to continue straight ahead.

Examples

Para llegar, sigue todo recto y gira a la derecha.

To arrive, keep going straight and turn right.

Para llegar al museo, sigue todo recto.

To get to the museum, continue straight ahead.

No te rindas, ¡sigue intentándolo!

Don't give up, keep trying!

Sigue las instrucciones con cuidado.

Follow the instructions carefully.

Giving Commands with 'tú'

'Sigue' is the command form you use with friends or people you call 'tú'. It's used to tell someone directly to do something, like giving directions.

Confusing with other forms

Mistake: “Using 'sigues' as a command: 'Sigues recto'.”

Correction: Use 'sigue recto'. For commands you give to 'tú', you often use the same form as the 'él/ella' present tense. So, 'él sigue' (he follows) and 'sigue' (Follow!) look the same.

dele

/DEH-leh//ˈdele/

interjectionB1polite
Use 'dele' (a polite command form) to grant permission for someone to proceed with an action they have asked about.
A runner at the start of a path looking ready to run.

Examples

—¿Puedo entrar? —Sí, dele.

—May I enter? —Yes, go ahead/keep going.

—¿Puedo pasar? —¡Sí, dele!

—Can I come in? —Yes, go ahead!

¡Dele, no se rinda!

Keep going, don't give up!

Encouragement vs. Permission vs. Direction

The most common mistake is using 'ánimo' (cheer up) when you mean 'sigue' (continue an action) or 'dele' (give permission to proceed). Remember, 'ánimo' is for general encouragement, while 'sigue' is a command to continue doing something, and 'dele' is for granting permission.

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