sigue sonriendo
/siɡe sonrjendo/from spelling rules
sigue sonriendo is the Spanish way to say "keep smiling".
This phrase is an encouraging expression used to tell someone to remain happy or positive. You can also use No dejes de sonreír, which means "don't stop smiling", in conversational Spanish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of seguir (to follow/continue) and the gerund of sonreír (to smile). Literally, it means "continue smiling".
Which one should you use?
While sigue sonriendo focuses on the continuous action of smiling, the alternative mantén la sonrisa (keep the smile) is a common alternative that focuses on maintaining a specific state or expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to someone in a formal context, use the third-person singular imperative siga instead of sigue. To tell a group of people to keep smiling, use the plural form sigan sonriendo.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone to 'keep smiling' can be seen as dismissive if they are actually grieving, as it might imply they should suppress their true emotions.
- In certain regions, instead of telling someone to 'keep smiling', people use the phrase ponte una sonrisa, which literally tells the person to 'put on a smile' as if it were a piece of clothing.
- Spanish distinguishes between sonreír (to smile) and reír (to laugh), whereas English often blends the two in phrases like 'keep laughing'.
Examples in context
- Sigue sonriendo.Keep smiling.This sentence demonstrates the use of sigue sonriendo.Tatoeba #1292472 by marcelostockle, translation #2111637 by CK
- A pesar de los problemas, sigue sonriendo.Despite the problems, keep smiling.
- ¡Sigue sonriendo, que todo saldrá bien!Keep smiling, everything will turn out fine!
Example conversation
Lucía is encouraging Daniel after he had a difficult day at work.
- LucíaSé que es un día difícil, pero sigue sonriendo.I know it is a difficult day, but keep smiling.
- DanielGracias, Lucía, intentaré ser positivo.Thanks, Lucía, I will try to be positive.
- LucíaEsa es la actitud, Daniel.That is the attitude, Daniel.
- DanielLo intentaré, de verdad.I will try, really.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
