An in-depth guide on the Spanish verbs “continuar” and “seguir,” explaining their meanings, usage, differences, and providing examples.
In Spanish, both continuar and seguir can mean “to continue,” but they have different nuances and usage rules. Continuar is more formal and focuses on carrying on an action or process. Seguir is more common in everyday speech and can also mean “to follow.” Understanding the difference helps you choose the right verb for any context.
Meanings
Continuar means to carry on or resume something that has already been started. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action or situation.
Seguir means to continue but can also mean to follow someone or something. When it means “to continue,” it often implies persistence or repetition.
Both can be used to talk about continuing actions, but seguir has a broader range of meanings.
Usage
- Continuar is usually followed by a verb in the gerund (e.g., continuar estudiando) or a noun (e.g., continuar la reunión).
- Seguir is also commonly followed by a verb in the gerund (e.g., seguir estudiando) or a noun (e.g., seguir la regla).
- When used with nouns, continuar sounds more formal, while seguir is more neutral.
- Seguir can also be used with direct objects or pronouns (e.g., seguirlo, seguirla), meaning “to follow” or “keep doing it.”
Differences
- Formality: Continuar is more formal and often found in writing or formal speech. Seguir is more common in everyday conversation.
- Additional Meanings: Seguir can mean “to follow,” but continuar does not.
- Nuance: Continuar simply means “carry on,” while seguir often implies persistence or not stopping.
Examples
Using Continuar
- Voy a continuar trabajando. (I’m going to continue working.)
- La reunión continuará a las 3. (The meeting will continue at 3.)
- Después del descanso, continuamos estudiando. (After the break, we continue studying.)
Using Seguir
- Voy a seguir trabajando. (I’m going to continue working.)
- Sigue las instrucciones con cuidado. (Follow the instructions carefully.)
- ¿Sigues estudiando español? (Are you still studying Spanish?)
Both in the Same Context
- Puedes continuar escribiendo o seguir escribiendo. (You can continue writing or keep writing.)
- Continué leyendo el libro anoche. / Seguí leyendo el libro anoche. (I continued reading the book last night.)
- Ellos continuaron con el proyecto. / Ellos siguieron con el proyecto. (They continued with the project.)
Special Cases
Seguir + sin + infinitive means “to continue without” doing something.
- Sigo sin entender. (I still don’t understand.)
- Seguimos sin noticias. (We still have no news.)
Continuar + sin + infinitive is also possible but less common.
- Continuamos sin respuesta. (We continue without an answer.)
Seguir can also be used with object pronouns when it means “to keep doing something.”
- ¿Sigues leyendo el libro? (Are you still reading the book?)
- Sí, lo sigo leyendo. (Yes, I’m still reading it.)
Is “continuar + sin + infinitive” possible, and how common is it compared to “seguir + sin + infinitive”?
Yes, it’s possible but less common than “seguir + sin + infinitive.”
Both constructions are grammatically correct, but using “seguir + sin + infinitive” is more typical in everyday Spanish.
Tips
- Use seguir + gerund for a more natural, conversational way to say “keep doing something.”
- Use continuar + gerund or continuar + noun in formal writing or speech.
- Don’t forget that seguir can mean “to follow,” so context is important.
Summary
- Both continuar and seguir mean “to continue,” but seguir is more versatile.
- Continuar is more formal and focuses on carrying on an action.
- Seguir is common in everyday speech and can also mean “to follow.”
- Both are often followed by a verb in the gerund, but can also be followed by nouns.
Understanding these differences will help you use “continuar” and “seguir” more confidently and naturally in Spanish.
Last updated: Thu Jun 5, 2025
