In Spanish, both continuar and seguir express the idea of continuing, but they are used differently. Seguir is more versatile and commonly used in everyday situations, expressing ongoing actions with nuance. Continuar is more formal and straightforward, often used in written language or to emphasize the resumption of something.
- Seguir: More common, used for continuing actions, states, or even giving instructions.
- Continuar: More formal, used for resuming or proceeding with something, often in narratives or presentations.
*seguir*
*continuar*
Basic Meanings and Forms
- Seguir: to follow, to continue (doing something)
- Continuar: to continue, to carry on
Both are regular -ar verbs but seguir is irregular in some forms:
| Seguir | Continuar | |
|---|---|---|
| yo | sigo | continúo |
| tú | sigues | continúas |
| él/ella/ud. | sigue | continúa |
| nosotros | seguimos | continuamos |
| ellos/ellas/uds. | siguen | continúan |
*seguir*
*seguir* (to continue/to follow), *continuar* (to continue)
Usage of Seguir
Seguir + gerund expresses ongoing action: seguir + -ando/-iendo = "to keep (doing something)."
- Usage: To keep doing something, to continue with a process.
- Forms: Sigo trabajando (I keep working), Siguen estudiando (They keep studying).
- Can also mean "to follow" (someone/something).
Examples:
- Seguimos viajando. (We continue traveling.)
- ¿Sigues leyendo ese libro? (Are you still reading that book?)
*seguir* + gerund: 'Seguimos trabajando'
*seguir* also means 'to follow'
Usage of Continuar
Continuar can also be used with a gerund for ongoing action, but is more common in formal contexts:
- Usage: To resume, to proceed, or to continue in a formal tone.
- Can stand alone or be followed by a noun or gerund.
Examples:
- El profesor continuará la clase. (The teacher will continue the class.)
- Continuamos con el proyecto. (We continue with the project.)
*continuar* best suits formal or written contexts.
*continuar* can be used with both a noun and a gerund.
Summary
| Aspect | Seguir | Continuar |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To continue (doing), to follow | To continue, to carry on |
| Usage | Everyday, ongoing actions | Formal, resuming, proceeding |
| Structure | Seguir + gerund for ongoing | Continuar + gerund or verb/noun |
| Conjugation | Irregular | Regular |
| Example | Siguen trabajando. | Continúan la reunión. |
Conclusion
Both seguir and continuar mean "to continue," but seguir is more common and versatile, used especially for ongoing actions, while continuar is more formal and suited for written or official contexts.
- seguir is used for ongoing actions with the gerund: seguir + gerundio.
- continuar is appropriate for formal situations and can be used with either a gerund or a noun.
- Choose seguir for everyday situations, and continuar for formal or professional contexts.