When it comes to learning a new language, expanding your vocabulary is essential. If you’re looking to express the idea of “pursue” in Spanish, it’s important to consider both formal and informal ways of conveying this concept. In this guide, we will explore different options to help you confidently express your intentions in Spanish. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Pursue” in Spanish
When using Spanish in formal settings or addressing people you don’t know well, it’s essential to maintain a certain level of respect and professionalism. Here are some formal ways to say “pursue” in Spanish:
1. Seguir: This is the most common formal equivalent of “to pursue” in Spanish. It carries the meaning of following or going after something or someone in a persistent and committed way. For example: “Ella decidió seguir su sueño de ser abogada” (She decided to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer).
2. Emprender: This verb denotes the act of starting or undertaking a pursuit or goal. It implies the initiation of a journey or endeavor. For instance: “Decidieron emprender una nueva estrategia de marketing” (They decided to pursue a new marketing strategy).
3. Proseguir: This word is often used in formal contexts to state that someone continues or pursues something without interruption. For example: “Decidieron proseguir con la investigación a pesar de los obstáculos” (They decided to pursue the investigation despite the obstacles).
4. Realizar: Although primarily used to mean “to carry out” or “to achieve,” this verb can also be used to express the idea of pursuing a particular objective or goal. For instance: “Decidieron realizar una campaña para promover la concientización ambiental” (They decided to pursue a campaign to promote environmental awareness).
Informal Ways to Say “Pursue” in Spanish
In more casual or informal situations, such as conversations with friends or family, it’s common to use different phrases or expressions. Here are a few informal ways to say “pursue” in Spanish:
1. Ir detrás de: This literal translation of “to go after” is a commonly used expression in informal contexts. For example: “Mi hermano mayor siempre fue tras sus sueños” (My older brother always pursued his dreams).
2. Buscar: Although the primary meaning of “buscar” is “to search for,” it can also be used informally to talk about pursuing something or someone. For instance: “Está buscando una oportunidad en el mundo de la música” (He is pursuing an opportunity in the music industry).
3. Lanzarse a por: This colloquial phrase translates to “to throw oneself at” and is often used in informal contexts to express the idea of pursuing something or someone with determination. For example: “Decidieron lanzarse a por su sueño de viajar alrededor del mundo” (They decided to pursue their dream of traveling around the world).
Tips and Examples
Here are some extra tips and examples to help you use these terms effectively:
- Be mindful of context: Always consider the context in which you are using these words or phrases. The appropriateness of a particular term may depend on the situation.
- Practice using synonyms: To expand your vocabulary, try to use different synonyms for “pursue” in your conversations. This will help you become more comfortable with the language and allow you to express your ideas with precision.
- Use additional verbs: Remember that simply using the equivalent verb for “pursue” might not always convey the full meaning of your intended message. Combining it with complementary verbs can provide more clarity. For example, instead of just saying “pursue a dream,” you can say “follow, chase, or work towards a dream” using appropriate Spanish verbs such as “seguir, perseguir or trabajar en” respectively.
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate the use of these terms:
Formal examples:
- “La empresa decidió seguir una política de crecimiento sostenible” (The company decided to pursue a policy of sustainable growth).
- “El gobierno emprenderá negociaciones para firmar un nuevo tratado comercial” (The government will pursue negotiations to sign a new trade agreement).
Informal examples:
- “Mi mejor amigo va detrás de su pasión por la fotografía” (My best friend is pursuing his passion for photography).
- “Ana está buscando una beca para estudiar en el extranjero” (Ana is pursuing a scholarship to study abroad).
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you engage with the language and use these expressions in conversations, the more natural they will become to you. So, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in Spanish-speaking environments and continue exploring new ways to express yourself. ¡Buena suerte!
