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How to Say "to last" in Spanish

English → Spanish

continuar

cohn-tee-NWAHRkontiˈnwaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'continuar' when referring to something that extends or keeps going in space or time, like a road, a meeting, or a process.
A massive, ancient oak tree standing alone in a sunny field, symbolizing endurance and lasting over a long period of time.

Examples

La película continúa hasta las once.

The movie lasts until eleven.

La carretera continúa por muchos kilómetros más.

The highway extends for many more kilometers.

Las negociaciones continuaron durante toda la noche.

The negotiations lasted (continued) throughout the entire night.

Focus on Time and Distance

When used in this sense, 'continuar' often describes the length of time an event takes or the distance a physical thing covers, like a river or a path.

llegar

yeh-GARʝeˈɣaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'llegar' to indicate the extent or duration of something, often in relation to a point in time or a measurement, like how long a supply lasts or how far down something reaches.
The bottom half of a figure wearing a bright red skirt that precisely reaches the top of the knees, illustrating physical extent.

Examples

Este pan llegará hasta mañana si lo guardamos bien.

This bread will last until tomorrow if we store it well.

La falda me llega hasta las rodillas.

The skirt reaches my knees.

Con este dinero, no nos llega para las entradas.

With this money, it's not enough for the tickets.

Espero que la comida llegue para todos los invitados.

I hope the food is enough for all the guests.

perdurar

per-doo-RARpeɾðuˈɾaɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'perdurar' when talking about something that continues to exist or remain effective for a very long time, often implying resilience or historical significance.
A massive, ancient stone mountain peak standing strong amidst swirling white clouds and a clear blue sky.

Examples

Su fama perduró a pesar de los años.

His fame lasted despite the years.

Su legado perdurará por muchas generaciones.

His legacy will endure for many generations.

Algunas tradiciones rurales aún perduran en esta región.

Some rural traditions still persist in this region.

Espero que nuestra amistad perdure a pesar de la distancia.

I hope our friendship lasts despite the distance.

A regular verb

This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar,' you can conjugate 'perdurar' exactly the same way.

Use with 'en'

To say where or how something lasts, we usually use the word 'en'. For example, 'perdurar en el recuerdo' (to live on in memory).

Don't confuse with 'perder'

Mistake: “Su legado perderá por siempre.”

Correction: Su legado perdurará por siempre. 'Perder' means to lose, while 'perdurar' means to last or endure.

Choosing Between Continuar and Llegar

Learners often confuse 'continuar' and 'llegar' because both relate to duration. Remember that 'continuar' emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action or state, while 'llegar' focuses on the endpoint or extent of that duration.

Related Translations

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