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How to Say "to continue" in Spanish

English → Spanish

seguir

seh-GEERseˈɣiɾ

verbA2general
Use 'seguir' when an action or state is ongoing and you want to emphasize its continuation, often implying that it will lead to a certain outcome.
A friendly cartoon artist sitting at an easel, focused intently on painting a canvas, emphasizing the continuation of the task.

Examples

Si sigues trabajando así, tendrás mucho éxito.

If you keep working like this, you'll be very successful.

La fiesta siguió hasta las cinco de la mañana.

The party continued until five in the morning.

Perdón por la interrupción, por favor, sigue.

Sorry for the interruption, please, continue.

The 'Keep Doing' Formula

A super useful pattern is 'seguir + [verb in -ando/-iendo form]'. It's the most natural way to say you 'keep doing' something. For example, 'Sigo pensando en ello' means 'I keep thinking about it'.

Using the Wrong Verb Form

Mistake: “Sigo a estudiar mucho.”

Correction: Sigo estudiando mucho. After 'seguir' (when it means 'to keep doing'), you need the '-ando' or '-iendo' form of the next verb, not its basic form.

continuar

cohn-tee-NWAHRkontiˈnwaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'continuar' to express the general idea of resuming or carrying on with an action or activity that has been interrupted or needs to be completed.
A cartoon character happily jogging along a winding path that stretches far into the distance, symbolizing the continuation of an activity.

Examples

Debemos continuar trabajando en este proyecto hasta terminar.

We must continue working on this project until we finish.

Ella continuó leyendo el libro sin hacer una pausa.

She carried on reading the book without taking a break.

¿Puedes continuar con la presentación mientras vuelvo?

Can you continue with the presentation while I return?

Using the Gerund

You can say 'continuar + the -ndo form of a verb' (like 'continuar hablando') to mean 'keep talking'. This is the most common pattern.

Accent Marks are Key

In the present tense, the 'u' needs an accent mark (ú) in the singular forms and the 'they' form (yo continúo, tú continúas) to show where the stress falls. Only the 'we' and 'vosotros' forms skip the accent.

Missing the Accent

Mistake: “Yo continuo (instead of continúo)”

Correction: The accent on the 'ú' is necessary in Spanish to separate the 'u' and 'a' sounds and emphasize the stress. Always write 'continúo'.

proseguir

pro-seh-GHEERpɾoseˈɣiɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'proseguir' when you are formally continuing with a specific activity, process, or journey, especially in the face of obstacles or after a pause.
A hiker with a backpack walking forward along a winding dirt path through a sunny green meadow.

Examples

Debemos proseguir con la investigación a pesar de los problemas.

We must continue with the investigation despite the problems.

Tras un breve descanso, prosiguieron su camino hacia la cima.

After a short break, they continued their way toward the summit.

El juez ordenó proseguir el juicio mañana por la mañana.

The judge ordered the trial to proceed tomorrow morning.

The 'E' to 'I' change

This verb is tricky! In many forms, the middle 'e' changes to 'i' (like 'prosigo' or 'prosigues'). This happens in the present and in some past forms.

Using 'con' after the verb

You can follow this verb with a thing you are continuing (proseguir la tarea) or use 'con' (proseguir con la tarea). Both are correct.

Confusing with 'seguir'

Mistake: “Proseguí a mi hermano a la cocina.”

Correction: Seguí a mi hermano a la cocina. Use 'proseguir' for carrying on with a task or journey, but use 'seguir' to physically follow someone.

Wrong spelling in past tense

Mistake: “Él proseguió el trabajo.”

Correction: Él prosiguió el trabajo. Remember that the 'e' changes to 'i' in the 'he/she' and 'they' forms of the past (preterite).

Seguir vs. Continuar

Learners often confuse 'seguir' and 'continuar'. Remember that 'seguir' is more about an action *keeping on* or *leading to* something, while 'continuar' is a more general term for resuming or simply carrying on an activity.

Related Translations

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