Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| continuar | /kontiˈnwaɾ/ |
| seguir | /seˈɡiɾ/ |
| proseguir | /pɾoseˈɡiɾ/ |
While continuar can be used to mean 'to continue', seguir followed by a gerund is the most common way to express the idea of 'to keep on doing' something.
Which one should you use?
Continuar and seguir can both be used to mean "to continue to [verb]" (using an infinitive), but seguir is more frequent in spoken Spanish. To express the specific idea of "to keep on doing" something, the most common method is to use seguir followed by a gerund. Additionally, proseguir is a more formal synonym used to mean carrying on with a process or action, often in legal, official or literary contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using seguir, note that it can also mean "to follow," such as following a person or a path. When expressing "to continue to [verb]", you can use either continuar followed by an infinitive or seguir followed by an infinitive.
How do you pronounce it?
/kontiˈnwaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word seguir is also used to mean 'to remain' in a certain state, such as sigo cansado for 'I am still tired'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying sigue while someone is speaking is a common way to encourage them to keep talking, similar to saying 'go on'.
- The English word 'suit' (as in a suit of clothes or a lawsuit) and the Spanish seguir both stem from the idea of 'following' a pattern or a person.
Examples in context
- Decidí seguir haciendo eso.I decided to continue doing that.This sentence shows the use of seguir with a gerund to express continuing an action.Tatoeba #6724649 by arh, translation #6724332 by CK
- Su madre seguirá trabajando.Her mother will continue to work.This sentence demonstrates the use of seguir with a gerund in the future tense.Tatoeba #1443963 by marcelostockle, translation #309746 by CK
- ¿Querés seguir viviendo así?Do you want to continue living like this?This sentence uses seguir to ask about continuing a way of life.Tatoeba #2505801 by hayastan, translation #2026866 by CK
- Por favor, continúe con su presentaciónPlease continue with your presentation.
- Por favor, prosiga con la reuniónPlease proceed with the meeting.
- Siga adelante con su proyectoMove forward with your project.
- Sigue con lo que estás haciendoContinue with what you're doing.
- Continúa bailandoKeep dancing.
- Continuar aprendiendoContinue learning
- Continuar trabajandoContinue working
- Continuar explorandoContinue exploring
- Continuar creciendoContinue growing
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are at a café discussing a project.
- JavierDebemos continuar con el plan.We must continue with the plan.
- LucíaSí, no podemos detenernos ahora.Yes, we cannot stop now.
- JavierElla va a continuar la presentación.She is going to continue the presentation.
- LucíaPerfecto, yo la ayudaré.Perfect, I will help her.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “continue” translations and entries continuar, seguir, proseguir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries continuar, proseguir, seguir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
