Learning how to say the word “seguir” in Spanish is essential for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in the language. In this guide, we’ll discuss both the formal and informal ways of saying “seguir,” along with some regional variations that may exist. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use this versatile Spanish verb in various contexts.
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Formal Ways to Say “Seguir”
When aiming for a more formal tone or addressing someone with utmost respect, you have several options to convey the meaning of “seguir.”
1. Continuar
The most formal and appropriate synonym for “seguir” is “continuar.” This word maintains a polite tone and is commonly used in professional settings. For example:
“Por favor, continúe por esta calle y luego gire a la izquierda.”
(“Please continue down this street and then turn left.”)
2. Proseguir
Another formal synonym for “seguir” is “proseguir.” This choice is often employed in legal or academic contexts. Here’s an example:
“La reunión se proseguirá en el salón principal.”
(“The meeting will continue in the main hall.”)
Informal Ways to Say “Seguir”
In informal situations, interacting with friends, family, or peers, you can use less formal alternatives to “seguir.” Let’s take a look at some commonly used informal expressions.
1. Seguir
Yes, “seguir” itself can also be used in informal situations. However, it’s worth noting that the verb form may change depending on the subject of the sentence. Here’s an example in the second person singular:
“¿Seguís viendo la serie en Netflix?”
(“Are you still watching the series on Netflix?”)
2. Seguir adelante
To convey the idea of “moving forward” or “continuing ahead” in a casual way, you can use the expression “seguir adelante.” This phrase is commonly used among friends and acquaintances. Consider the example below:
“¡No te preocupes, sigue adelante con tus planes de viaje!”
(“Don’t worry, carry on with your travel plans!”)
Regional Variations
While Spanish is spoken across many countries and regions, the variations in vocabulary related to “seguir” are relatively minor. However, it’s useful to be aware of slight differences that may exist.
1. “Seguir” vs. “Continuar”
In certain regions, such as Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Paraguay, the word “seguir” is often replaced with “continuar” in both formal and informal contexts. For example, instead of saying “¿Seguís viendo la serie?” (Are you still watching the series?), locals might say “¿Continuás viendo la serie?”
2. “Seguir” vs. “Proseguir”
Similar to the previous variation, “seguir” is commonly used instead of “proseguir” in some regions. This substitution occurs in both formal and informal speech. For instance, rather than saying “La reunión se proseguirá en el salón principal,” people may use “La reunión se seguirá en el salón principal.”
Tips for Using “Seguir” Effectively
To fully grasp how to use “seguir” accurately, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:
1. Pay Attention to Verb Conjugation
As mentioned earlier, “seguir” may change its form according to the subject of the sentence. Make sure you’re familiar with the various verb conjugations to use it correctly in different contexts. Practice conjugating “seguir” for different subjects until you feel comfortable.
2. Use Context Clues
Understanding the context is crucial for proper usage. Consider the overall meaning of a sentence or conversation to determine if “seguir” is the most appropriate choice, or if one of its synonyms would fit better.
Examples of “Seguir” in Sentences
Lastly, here are a few examples that showcase the use of “seguir” in different contexts:
- Formal: “Por favor, continúe por esta avenida hasta llegar al museo.”
- Informal: “¿Sigues trabajando en ese proyecto para la escuela?”
- Informal: “¡No te detengas ahora, sigue adelante con tus metas!”
Remember to practice using “seguir” in conversations and written exercises to further enhance your understanding of this versatile Spanish verb. With time and practice, you’ll become more comfortable incorporating it into your everyday speech!
