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How to Say "to persist" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to persist” is “insistir” — use 'insistir' when someone stubbornly keeps doing something or demanding something, often despite opposition or reason.

English → Spanish

insistir

een-sees-TEERinsi'stir

verbA2general
Use 'insistir' when someone stubbornly keeps doing something or demanding something, often despite opposition or reason.
A determined child pointing firmly at a toy on a high shelf to show they want it.

Examples

Ella insiste en pagar la cena.

She insists on paying for dinner.

Mis padres insistieron en que fuera a la universidad.

My parents insisted that I go to college.

No quiero ser pesado, pero debo insistir en este punto.

I don't want to be annoying, but I must insist on this point.

The 'En' Connection

Unlike in English where we say 'insist on', in Spanish, you almost always need the word 'en' after 'insistir' when followed by a noun or an action.

Triggering the Subjunctive

When you insist that someone else does something, the second verb needs a special form (the subjunctive). For example: 'Insisto en que tú lo hagas' (I insist that you do it).

Missing the 'en'

Mistake: “Insisto que vengas.”

Correction: Insisto EN que vengas. (Spanish requires the 'en' before the 'que' when using this verb to link ideas.)

Using the wrong 'on' translation

Mistake: “Insisto sobre ir.”

Correction: Insisto en ir. (Even though 'sobre' can mean 'on', 'insistir' always pairs with 'en'.)

persistir

per-sees-TEERpeɾsisˈtiɾ

verbB1general
Use 'persistir' when a condition, feeling, or problem continues to exist or happen, especially if it is undesirable.
A small green plant growing out of a crack in a hard stone pavement.

Examples

Si el dolor persiste después de dos días, llame al doctor.

If the pain persists after two days, call the doctor.

Ella persistió en su esfuerzo por aprender piano.

She persisted in her effort to learn the piano.

A pesar de las críticas, el director persiste en su visión original.

Despite the criticism, the director persists in his original vision.

Using 'En' with Persistir

When you want to say you are persisting 'in' an action or idea, always use the word 'en' followed by a noun or a verb ending in -ar, -er, or -ir.

No Direct Object Needed

This word usually describes a state or a way of being; you don't 'persist something,' you just 'persist' or 'persist in something.'

Using 'de' instead of 'en'

Mistake: “Él persiste de su opinión.”

Correction: Él persiste en su opinión. (In Spanish, we persist 'in' things, not 'of' things.)

permanecer

pehr-mah-neh-SEHRpeɾ.ma.neˈseɾ

verbB2general
Use 'permanecer' for abstract concepts or states that continue to exist or stay in a place without changing.
A massive, sturdy oak tree with deep green foliage standing firmly rooted in a sunny green field, symbolizing continuous existence or state.

Examples

A pesar de todo, la esperanza permanece en nuestros corazones.

Despite everything, hope remains in our hearts.

La ley permanecerá vigente hasta el próximo año.

The law will remain in effect until next year.

Es importante que permanezcamos unidos durante la crisis.

It is important that we remain united during the crisis.

Subjunctive for Wishes/Commands

When you use 'permanecer' after expressions of need, desire, or importance (like 'Es importante que...'), you must use the special verb form (permanezca/permanezcamos).

Using Ser/Estar Instead

Mistake: “La situación está estable.”

Correction: La situación permanece estable. (Using 'permanecer' emphasizes the *action* of staying stable, rather than just describing the current state.)

perdurar

per-doo-RARpeɾðuˈɾaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'perdurar' when something (like a legacy, memory, or object) continues to exist or last for a long time, often through changes.
A massive, ancient stone mountain peak standing strong amidst swirling white clouds and a clear blue sky.

Examples

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.

subsistir

sub-sees-TEERsuβsisˈtiɾ

verbC1formal
Use 'subsistir' when doubts, problems, or difficult conditions continue to exist, often implying a struggle to survive or maintain existence.
A small green sprout growing out of a crack in a dry, solid stone pavement.

Examples

Aún subsisten dudas sobre su testimonio.

Doubts about his testimony still persist.

El decreto subsistirá hasta que se apruebe la nueva ley.

The decree will remain in force until the new law is passed.

Esa vieja costumbre todavía subsiste en algunos pueblos.

That old custom still remains in some towns.

Abstract Subjects

In this meaning, the word is usually used with abstract things like 'doubts', 'laws', or 'problems' rather than people.

Persistir vs. Insistir

Learners often confuse 'persistir' and 'insistir'. Remember that 'persistir' is usually about a situation or condition continuing on its own, while 'insistir' involves a person actively and often stubbornly continuing an action or demand.

Related Translations

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