sigue hablando
/siɡe ablando/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'keep talking' is said as sigue hablando.
This phrase is used as an instruction to a person to continue speaking. While it is a direct way to tell someone to proceed with their current speech, it is distinct from the phrase habla más, which means 'speak more'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb seguir (to follow/continue) in the imperative form and the gerund hablando (speaking).
Which one should you use?
While sigue hablando is an instruction to continue a current action, it is distinct from habla más which means 'speak more'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form sigue hablando uses the 'tú' imperative, which is used for friends, family or people your age. To tell a group of people to keep talking, use the plural form sigan hablando.
Did you know?
- While sigue hablando is a command, adding the word anda at the beginning, as in anda, sigue hablando, transforms it into a gentle encouragement or a nudge.
- In certain contexts, telling someone sigue hablando with a sarcastic tone can be a way of saying 'keep lying', implying that the speaker doesn't believe a word of the story.
- The verb seguir in sigue hablando shares a root with the English word 'sequel', reflecting the idea of one thing following another.
Examples in context
- «¿Me estás escuchando?» «¿Qué? ¡Sí, sí! ¡Sigue hablando!»"Are you listening to me?" "What? Yeah, yeah, keep talking."This example shows a response to a question about whether someone is listening, using sigue hablando.Tatoeba #10038696 by Shishir, translation #10465392 by DJ_Saidez
- Simplemente sigue hablando.Just keep talking.Tatoeba #2526691 by teskmon, translation #2249442 by CK
- Sigue hablando, me interesa mucho lo que cuentas.Keep talking, I am very interested in what you are telling me.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are having a deep conversation at a café.
- ElenaPerdón, me distraje un segundo. Sigue hablando.Sorry, I got distracted for a second. Keep talking.
- AlejandroEstaba contándote sobre mi nuevo proyecto de trabajo.I was telling you about my new work project.
- Elena¡Eso suena genial! Cuéntame más.That sounds great! Tell me more.
- AlejandroBueno, primero tengo que explicarte el plan.Well, first I have to explain the plan to you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
