continuar
/kontiˈnwaɾ/
The English phrase "run on" can be translated into Spanish as continuar.
Continuar is used to describe something that continues happening or existing without stopping.
Which one should you use?
While continuar means to continue, if you want to emphasize that something is "running on" in a tedious or excessive way, Spanish speakers often use alargarse (to lengthen itself).
How does it change in a sentence?
Continuar is a regular -ar verb in the present tense. To express the continuous aspect (the 'running on' action), use the gerund form continuando after continuar. The verb seguir is a very common synonym for continuar when describing an action that persists or runs on.
How do you pronounce it?
/kontiˈnwaɾ/
Did you know?
- When a conversation 'runs on' too long, a Spanish speaker might say it is estirándose, which means 'stretching'. This treats the duration of time as if it were a physical piece of elastic.
- In Spanish, you can use seguir plus a gerund, such as seguir hablando, to describe an action that is 'running on' right now. This creates a double-continuous structure that is much more common than in English.
- The word continuar can be used to describe a sequence of events, but in Spanish, the phrase dar continuidad is frequently used in professional settings to mean 'to maintain momentum' or 'to keep something running'.
Examples in context
- La reunión continuó por tres horas.The meeting ran on for three hours.
- La lluvia parece continuar sin parar.The rain seems to continue without stopping.
- El ruido va a continuar toda la noche.The noise is going to run on all night.
- Las negociaciones no pueden continuar así.The negotiations cannot continue like this.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a loud construction project nearby.
- Lucía¿Crees que el ruido va a continuar?Do you think the noise will run on?
- AlejandroSí, Lucía, parece que no pararán hoy.Yes, Lucía, it seems they won't stop today.
- LucíaEsto es un problema para mi trabajo.This is a problem for my work.
- AlejandroLo siento, te entiendo perfectamente.I'm sorry, I understand you perfectly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry continuar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
