siguiente
/siˈɡjente/
In Spanish, siguiente means next or following.
The phrase is used to refer to the person or thing that comes immediately after another in a sequence.
Which one should you use?
While both siguiente and próximo can mean next, siguiente is used more strictly to denote the very next item in a specific sequence or order. In contrast, próximo often refers to something coming soon in time, such as in the phrase el próximo mes (next month).
How does it change in a sentence?
siguiente is an invariable adjective regarding gender, so it remains the same whether it modifies a masculine or feminine noun. However, it must agree in number with the noun it modifies. You must use siguientes when referring to multiple people or things.
How do you pronounce it?
/siˈɡjente/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, you can use the verb seguir to tell someone to 'go ahead' or 'keep going' when they are hesitating, shifting the meaning from 'following' to 'continuing'.
- The English word 'sequential' is a distant relative of siguiente, as both trace back to the same ancient root meaning 'to follow'.
- While siguiente refers to the next item in a list, Spanish speakers often use the phrase el siguiente as a noun to call the next person in a queue or waiting room.
Examples in context
- La siguiente páginaThe next page
- Los siguientes díasThe following days
- Lee la siguiente página, por favor.Read the next page, please.
- El siguiente autobús llega en diez minutos.The next bus arrives in ten minutes.
- ¿Cuál es el siguiente paso?What is the next step?
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are waiting in line at a café.
- SofíaHola, Alejandro. ¿Quién es el siguiente?Hello, Alejandro. Who is next?
- AlejandroCreo que somos nosotros, Sofía.I think it is us, Sofía.
- SofíaTienes razón, ya nos llaman.You are right, they are calling us now.
- AlejandroPerfecto, vamos a pedir el café.Perfect, let's order the coffee.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry siguiente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries siguiente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
