How to Say "to resume" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to resume” is “reanudar” — use this when starting an activity again after a pause, especially for scheduled events or formal proceedings..
reanudar
/reh-ah-noo-dar//reanuˈðar/
Examples
Vamos a reanudar la reunión en diez minutos.
We are going to resume the meeting in ten minutes.
El árbitro decidió reanudar el partido cuando dejó de llover.
The referee decided to restart the match when it stopped raining.
Tras las vacaciones, la empresa reanudó su actividad habitual.
After the holidays, the company resumed its usual activity.
Action vs. State
Use 'reanudar' when you want to emphasize the exact moment an action starts again after being stopped. It always needs an object (you reanudar 'something').
Regular Conjugation
This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar, making it very predictable to conjugate in all forms.
The 'Resumir' False Friend
Mistake: “Using 'resumir' to mean 'to resume'.”
Correction: Use 'reanudar' for 'to resume'. 'Resumir' in Spanish means 'to summarize' (to give a brief version).
retomar
/reh-toh-mar//re.toˈmaɾ/
Examples
Después del almuerzo, vamos a retomar la reunión.
After lunch, we are going to resume the meeting.
He decidido retomar mis clases de piano.
I have decided to pick my piano lessons back up.
Es el momento perfecto para retomar aquel proyecto que abandonamos.
It is the perfect moment to revisit that project we abandoned.
Using 'Retomar' without prepositions
Unlike some English phrases like 'get back TO,' you usually put the thing you are resuming directly after 'retomar' without any extra words.
A Regular Pattern
This verb follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar' or 'tomar,' making its endings very predictable.
The 'Resumir' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'resumir' when you mean to say 'resume'.”
Correction: Use 'retomar' for restarting; 'resumir' only means 'to summarize' (make a short version).
proseguir
/pro-seh-GHEER//pɾoseˈɣiɾ/
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).
reiniciar
/rrey-nee-syahr//reiniˈsjaɾ/
Examples
Después de la lluvia, reiniciaron el partido de tenis.
After the rain, they resumed the tennis match.
Decidieron reiniciar su relación después de meses separados.
They decided to restart their relationship after months apart.
Es momento de reiniciar la búsqueda de empleo.
It's time to restart the job search.
Using 'a' with people
If you are 'restarting' something involving a person (like a relationship), you don't need 'a' unless the person is the direct target of the action. Usually, you restart 'la relación', not the person.
Reanudar vs. Retomar
Related Translations
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