Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| perseguir | /peɾseˈɡiɾ/ |
| apuntar a | /apuntaɾ a/ (from spelling rules) |
| luchar por | /lut͡ʃaɾ poɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| buscar | /busˈkaɾ/ |
| pretender | /pɾetenˈdeɾ/ |
In Spanish, the word you choose to express 'pursue' depends heavily on whether you are physically chasing someone, aiming for a goal or searching for an opportunity.
Which one should you use?
The specific meaning of 'pursue' determines which form you should use: * perseguir is used for physical chasing or a relentless hunt, such as the police chasing a criminal. * apuntar a is used when you direct your efforts or intentions toward a specific objective or target. * luchar por is used when the pursuit implies a difficult struggle or a fight to achieve a goal or a right. * buscar is used when you are searching for or seeking out something, such as a solution or an opportunity. * pretender is used when you aim to reach, claim or intend to attain a certain status or position.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present indicative of perseguir is persigue (he/she pursues).
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾseˈɡiɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to use pretender to mean 'to pretend' (as in to feign). In Spanish, pretender actually means to aim for or intend.
Did you know?
- The verb buscar may not have Latin origins. Some linguists suggest it could stem from Celtic roots, potentially linking it to the Old Irish word búaid meaning 'victory'.
Examples in context
- La policía la perseguirá por mucho tiempo.The police will pursue her for a long time.This sentence shows how the police might use perseguir to chase someone.Tatoeba #1723638 by teskmon, translation #1305885 by CM
- Ansío un cambio, pero me falta la energía para perseguirlo.I crave change but lack the energy to pursue it.This sentence illustrates using perseguir in the context of pursuing a change.Tatoeba #13201088 by milton314, translation #13201058 by Nuel
- Ella decidió seguir su sueño de ser abogadaShe decided to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer
- La empresa decidió seguir una política de crecimiento sostenibleThe company decided to pursue a policy of sustainable growth
- Decidieron emprender una nueva estrategia de marketingThey decided to pursue a new marketing strategy
- El gobierno emprenderá negociaciones para firmar un nuevo tratado comercialThe government will pursue negotiations to sign a new trade agreement
- Decidieron proseguir con la investigación a pesar de los obstáculosThey decided to pursue the investigation despite the obstacles
- Decidieron realizar una campaña para promover la concientización ambientalThey decided to pursue a campaign to promote environmental awareness
- Está buscando una oportunidad en el mundo de la músicaHe is pursuing an opportunity in the music industry
- Ana está buscando una beca para estudiar en el extranjeroAna is pursuing a scholarship to study abroad
- Decidieron lanzarse a por su sueño de viajar alrededor del mundoThey decided to pursue their dream of traveling around the world
- Debes perseguir tus sueños siempre.You must always pursue your dreams.
Example conversation
Two friends talk about their future goals.
- JavierLucía, ¿qué planes tienes para el próximo año?Lucía, what plans do you have for next year?
- LucíaQuiero perseguir mis sueños de viajar por el mundo.I want to pursue my dreams of traveling the world.
- JavierEso suena increíble, Javier te apoya totalmente.That sounds incredible, Javier fully supports you.
- LucíaGracias, es hora de perseguir lo que me hace feliz.Thanks, it is time to pursue what makes me happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pursue” translations and entries perseguir, buscar, pretender, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, apuntar, buscar, luchar, perseguir, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
