How to Say "to proceed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to proceed” is “avanzar” — use 'avanzar' when 'to proceed' means to move physically forward along a path or route, like a vehicle or a person.
avanzar
ah-vahn-SAHRaβanˈθaɾ
Examples
El coche no puede avanzar porque hay mucho tráfico.
The car cannot move forward because there is a lot of traffic.
Cuando la luz se puso verde, todos avanzamos.
When the light turned green, we all advanced (moved forward).
Los soldados avanzaron lentamente por el campo.
The soldiers proceeded slowly across the field.
The 'Z' to 'C' Change
Because Spanish hates mixing 'z' and 'e' or 'i', the verb 'avanzar' changes the 'z' to a 'c' whenever the ending starts with an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past (avancé) and the entire present subjunctive (avance, avancemos, etc.).
Forgetting the Spelling Change
Mistake: “Yo avanzé a la meta.”
Correction: Yo avancé a la meta. (Always use 'c' before 'e'.)
proceder
pro-seh-DEHRpɾo.seˈðeɾ
Examples
Debemos proceder con mucha cautela en este asunto.
We must act with great caution in this matter.
El director no supo cómo proceder ante la emergencia.
The director didn't know how to act in the face of the emergency.
Using 'proceder a'
When you want to say you are starting a task or moving to the next step, use 'proceder a' followed by another action word (infinitive).
Proceeding with 'con' vs 'a'
Mistake: “Using 'proceder a' when you mean 'to act with'.”
Correction: Use 'proceder con' for manners (e.g., with caution) and 'proceder a' for actions (e.g., to vote).
actuar
ak-TOO-arakˈtwaɾ
Examples
Cuando hay una emergencia, hay que actuar sin dudar.
When there is an emergency, one must act without hesitation.
El abogado tiene derecho a actuar en nombre de su cliente.
The lawyer has the right to act on behalf of their client.
Mi perro actuó muy mal con la visita.
My dog behaved very badly with the visitors.
Simple Conjugation Rule
Even though 'actuar' looks regular, remember that an accent mark appears on the 'u' (actúo, actúa, actúe) in most present tense forms to make the pronunciation clear and put stress on that syllable.
Mixing up 'Actuar' and 'Hacer'
Mistake: “Using 'hacer' when you mean 'to behave' or 'to take action' in a general sense.”
Correction: 'Actuar' is better for deliberate actions or behavior; 'hacer' is usually for specific tasks ('hacer la tarea').
obrar
oh-BRARoˈβɾaɾ
Examples
Siempre intenta obrar de buena fe.
He always tries to act in good faith.
Obraste correctamente al decir la verdad.
You acted correctly by telling the truth.
Debemos obrar con mucha cautela en este asunto.
We must proceed with great caution in this matter.
Obrar vs. Hacer
While 'hacer' means 'to do/make' in general, 'obrar' specifically describes the way or moral manner in which someone carries out an action.
Using 'de' after Obrar
To describe the manner of acting, we often use 'obrar de' followed by a noun, like 'obrar de buena fe' (to act in good faith).
Using Obrar for 'to work' (job)
Mistake: “Mañana tengo que obrar ocho horas.”
Correction: Mañana tengo que trabajar ocho horas. 'Obrar' isn't used for your daily job; 'trabajar' is for employment.
proseguir
pro-seh-GHEERpɾoseˈɣiɾ
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).
caminar
kah-mee-NARka.miˈnaɾ
Examples
La investigación camina lentamente, pero hay avances.
The investigation is progressing slowly, but there is progress.
Este es el camino que debemos caminar juntos.
This is the path we must walk together (fig., meaning pursue together).
Tras la cirugía, el paciente ha caminado hacia una recuperación total.
After the surgery, the patient has progressed toward a total recovery.
Metaphorical Movement
Think of this meaning as literally 'walking' down a road in life or business. It describes ongoing action or progress, which is why the continuous tense (está caminando) is often used.
Proceder vs. Avanzar
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.