Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| adelante | /adeˈlante/ |
| venga | /ˈbenɡa/ |
| sigue | /ˈsiɡe/ |
| siga | /ˈsiɡa/ |
Depending on the situation, you might use these words to grant permission, encourage someone to continue an action or invite someone to enter a space. For example, adelante is a common way to grant permission, while sigue or siga are used to tell someone to continue what they are doing. In some Latin American countries, you may also hear the informal expression dale to mean "go ahead".
What does it mean word for word?
The word adelante literally means "to the front", combining a (to) and delante (in front/ahead).
Which one should you use?
Use sigue to tell a friend to carry on with an action, whereas siga is the formal version used to tell someone to continue. If you are inviting someone to enter a room or proceed, you can use venga.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, siga is frequently used in formal settings to indicate approval or to give someone permission to proceed. In various Latin American countries, dale is a popular informal expression for "go ahead".
How does it change in a sentence?
Sigue is the informal imperative (tú) of the verb seguir, used to tell someone to continue.
How do you pronounce it?
/adeˈlante/
Did you know?
- The word adelante shares a common ancestor with the English word 'ante', as seen in 'antechamber', through the Latin word 'ante'.
- In Argentina and Uruguay, dale is used so frequently to say 'go ahead' or 'okay' that it often functions as a multipurpose filler word in conversation.
- In many Latin American countries, you can use the word dale as a shorthand for 'go ahead', even though it literally translates to 'give it'.
Examples in context
- "¿Puedo usar este teléfono?" "Adelante.""May I use this telephone?" "Go ahead."This example shows how to use adelante to grant permission to use a telephone.Tatoeba #1601171 by teskmon, translation #73902 by CK
- Siga derecho hasta el final de la calle.Go ahead to the end of the street.This example uses siga to give directions to continue straight.Tatoeba #1926108 by marcelostockle, translation #434786 by lukaszpp
- "¿Puedo usar tu coche?" "Seguro. Adelante.""Can I use your car?" "Sure. Go ahead."This example demonstrates using adelante to give permission to use a car.Tatoeba #2010895 by marcelostockle, translation #73640 by CK
- Por favor, proceda con la presentaciónPlease go ahead with the presentation
- Dale, continúa con esa historiaGo ahead, continue with that story
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are entering a small room.
- Sofía¿Puedo entrar primero, Javier?Can I go in first, Javier?
- JavierSí, adelante.Yes, go ahead.
- SofíaMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
- JavierDe nada.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go ahead” translations and entries adelante, venga, sigue, siga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adelante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
