Inklingo

How to Say "remain" in Spanish

English → Spanish

quedan

KAY-dahn/ˈkeðan/

verbA1
Use this when referring to a quantity of something that is still present or left over.
A transparent jar on a table containing only a few cookies, symbolizing a remaining quantity.

Examples

Solo quedan tres galletas en el plato.

Only three cookies are left on the plate.

Después de la liquidación, quedan pocos productos.

After the sale, few products remain.

Nos quedan dos horas para terminar el trabajo.

We have two hours left to finish the job. (Literally: Two hours remain to us...)

Structure like 'Gustar'

When talking about time or items 'remaining for us,' Spanish uses an indirect pronoun (like 'nos') before 'quedan.' The item remaining is the actual subject.

Mixing up 'quedan' and 'hay'

Mistake: “Using 'quedan' when you simply mean 'there are' for the first time.”

Correction: Use 'hay' (there are) to introduce something new, and 'quedan' (there are still/left) to emphasize what remains after something else has been taken away.

faltan

FAHL-tahn/ˈfal.tan/

verbA2
Use this when referring to the amount of time, quantity, or effort that is still needed to complete something.
A storybook image showing a nearly depleted stack of red building blocks, with only three blocks still standing, illustrating what quantity is left.

Examples

Faltan solo diez páginas para terminar el libro.

Only ten pages are left to finish the book.

¡Faltan cinco minutos para que empiece la película!

There are five minutes left until the movie starts!

Counting Down

When counting down time, always use 'faltar' in the third person. If the unit of time is plural (minutes, hours, days), use 'faltan'.

quédese

verbA1formal
Use this as a polite, singular command (usted form) telling someone to stay in a place.

Examples

Señor López, por favor, quédese aquí hasta que vuelva el doctor.

Mr. Lopez, please, stay here until the doctor returns.

quédense

verbA2formal
Use this as a command directed at a group of people (ustedes form) telling them to stay in a place.

Examples

Por favor, quédense aquí hasta que yo regrese.

Please, stay here until I return.

siga

SEE-gah/ˈsi.ɣa/

verbB1
Use this to express that someone continues in a certain state or condition, often implying a hope or observation.
A small figure happily riding a bicycle on a long, winding dirt road that stretches far toward a sunny horizon, symbolizing the desire or possibility of ongoing travel.

Examples

Espero que (usted) siga teniendo éxito en su proyecto.

I hope you continue having success in your project.

Aunque sea difícil, quiero que yo siga intentándolo.

Even if it's difficult, I want myself to keep trying.

No creo que Juan siga en su trabajo anterior.

I don't think Juan is still at his old job (I doubt he continues there).

The Subjunctive Use

This form ('siga') is used in special situations after words that express emotion, doubt, desire, or need (like 'espero que,' 'no creo que,' or 'quiero que').

Who Uses 'Siga'?

In the subjunctive, 'siga' can be used for 'yo' (I), 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), and 'usted' (formal you). Context tells you who the subject is.

Forgetting the Mood Change

Mistake: “Saying 'Espero que él sigue...' when you mean 'I hope he continues...'”

Correction: When expressing hope or desire, the second verb must change to the subjunctive form: 'Espero que él siga...'

Quantity vs. Command: 'Quedar' vs. 'Quedarse'

Learners often confuse 'quedan' (things are left) with 'quedarse' (to stay). Remember that 'quedan' refers to the existence of objects, while 'quedarse' (and its command forms 'quédese/quédense') is about the action of remaining in a place.

Related Translations

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