This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 verb #1,800 most common 14 min read

continuar

Top 1,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips continuar in 30 Seconds

Explanation continuar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'continuar' is a 'super-verb' because it's a cognate. This means it looks like the English word 'continue,' making it very easy to remember. At this stage, you should focus on using it for simple directions and basic actions. The most important thing to learn is 'continuar recto' (go straight) and how to say you are continuing a simple activity like 'continuar estudiando' (continue studying). You don't need to worry about complex tenses yet; just focus on the present tense and the infinitive. Remember that it's a regular -ar verb, but it has a little surprise: an accent on the 'u' in most present tense forms (continúo, continúa). This accent is important for pronunciation. If you can use 'continuar' to tell someone to keep going or to say you're still doing your homework, you've mastered the A1 level of this verb. It's a great tool for keeping a conversation moving forward without needing complex grammar. You will often see it on signs or hear it in simple instructions. Practice saying 'continúa' (con-tin-OO-ah) to get the rhythm right. It's a very useful word for travel, especially when you're lost and need to follow a path. Even if you don't know many other verbs, 'continuar' will help you describe ongoing situations simply and effectively.

As you move to A2, you start using 'continuar' in more varied contexts and with more grammatical accuracy. You should now be comfortable using 'continuar' with the gerund (-ando/-iendo) to describe ongoing actions in the past or future. For example, 'continué trabajando' (I continued working). You'll also start using the preposition 'con' to link the verb to nouns, like 'continuar con el proyecto' (continue with the project). At this level, you should also be able to distinguish between 'continuar' and 'seguir' in basic contexts, recognizing that 'seguir' is more common in daily speech. You might also encounter 'continuar' in the future tense, especially in media ('continuará'). Your understanding of the present tense conjugation should be solid, including the accent marks. You'll use 'continuar' to talk about habits that persist or plans that remain unchanged. It becomes a key verb for storytelling, helping you link one event to the next. You might also use it in the imperative (commands) more often, like 'continúe, por favor' when someone stops speaking. This level is about expanding the 'where' and 'how' of the verb, moving beyond simple directions into more personal and descriptive language.

At the B1 level, you begin to appreciate the nuances of 'continuar' in different moods, particularly the subjunctive. You'll use it in sentences like 'Espero que continúes estudiando' (I hope you continue studying) or 'No creo que continúe lloviendo' (I don't think it will continue raining). This requires a deeper understanding of Spanish grammar. You also start to use 'continuar' in more professional or formal settings, where it is preferred over 'seguir'. You'll use it to describe trends, social issues, or professional processes. For example, 'La economía continúa creciendo' (The economy continues to grow). At B1, you should also be familiar with the word family, such as 'continuación' (continuation) and 'continuo' (continuous). You'll start to notice how 'continuar' is used in written Spanish—in newspapers, reports, and literature—to maintain a formal tone. You'll also use it to express resilience or persistence in more complex personal narratives. The verb becomes a tool for expressing duration and persistence with more precision. You should be able to handle all the main tenses (past, present, future, conditional) and the present subjunctive with this verb. It's no longer just a word for directions; it's a word for discussing the flow of life and society.

By B2, you should be using 'continuar' with high level of precision and stylistic awareness. You understand that 'continuar' often implies a more deliberate or formal continuation than 'seguir'. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'continuar siendo' to describe a persistent state of being (e.g., 'Continúa siendo un misterio' - It continues to be a mystery). You are also comfortable with more advanced grammatical constructions, like the imperfect subjunctive ('Si continuara estudiando, aprendería más'). At this level, you can use 'continuar' to discuss abstract concepts, like the continuation of a legacy, a tradition, or a political movement. You'll also encounter it in more specialized vocabulary, such as 'continuar la estela de' (to follow in the wake/footsteps of). Your use of 'continuar' should feel natural and integrated into your overall discourse, whether spoken or written. You can also use it to manage the structure of a presentation or a long piece of writing, using phrases like 'Para continuar...' (To continue...). You are also aware of the subtle differences between 'continuar', 'proseguir', and 'reanudar', and you can choose the most appropriate one for the context. This level is about mastery of register and the ability to use the verb to express complex, abstract ideas.

At the C1 level, your use of 'continuar' is sophisticated and nuanced. You can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between a simple continuation and a persistent, perhaps even stubborn, progression. You'll use it in advanced literary or academic contexts, where the choice of 'continuar' over 'seguir' or 'proseguir' is a deliberate stylistic decision. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and more obscure uses of the verb. You can use 'continuar' in complex rhetorical structures to build an argument or tell a detailed story. For example, you might use it to describe the 'continuidad' (continuity) of a narrative thread or a philosophical argument. You also understand how 'continuar' functions in different regional dialects of Spanish, although it is generally quite standard. Your command of the subjunctive and other advanced grammatical forms is flawless with this verb. You can use it to express hypothetical situations, regrets, or future possibilities with ease. At C1, 'continuar' is not just a verb you know; it's a tool you wield with precision to create specific effects in your speech and writing. You might use it to describe the 'continuo' (continuous) nature of a process or the 'continuidad' (continuity) of a policy. Your vocabulary is rich enough that 'continuar' is just one of many options you have to express the idea of going on, and you know exactly when it is the best choice.

At the C2 level, you have a complete, native-like mastery of 'continuar'. You understand its deepest etymological roots and how they influence its current usage. You can use the verb in any context, from the most informal slang (where you might deliberately choose it for ironic effect) to the most formal legal or academic discourse. You are aware of the most subtle connotations and can use 'continuar' to create specific poetic or rhetorical effects. You can analyze the use of 'continuar' in classical Spanish literature and understand how its usage has evolved over centuries. Your command of the verb is so complete that you don't even have to think about the grammar or the 'u-to-ú' shift; it's entirely instinctive. You can use 'continuar' to discuss the most abstract philosophical or scientific concepts, such as the 'continuo espacio-tiempo' (space-time continuum). You are also a master of the word's entire family and can use 'continuación', 'continuidad', 'continuo', and 'continuamente' with perfect precision. At this level, 'continuar' is a versatile and powerful part of your linguistic repertoire, allowing you to express the finest shades of meaning regarding persistence, duration, and the flow of time. You can use it to lead a high-level debate, write a complex academic paper, or craft a beautiful piece of fiction. Your mastery is such that you can even play with the verb's usage to create humor, emphasis, or double meanings.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

continuar in 30 Seconds

Continuar means to continue or go on with an action, state, or direction.
It is a regular -ar verb but has an accent on the 'u' in most present tense forms.
Commonly used with a gerund (continuar + -ando/-iendo) or with 'con' + noun.
Essential for giving directions, describing ongoing habits, and formal transitions.

The Spanish verb continuar is a fundamental pillar of the language, primarily used to express the persistence of an action, state, or direction. At its core, it translates to 'to continue' or 'to go on.' For a beginner at the A1 level, it is one of the most reliable verbs because it is a cognate—it looks and sounds very similar to its English counterpart, which facilitates immediate recognition and usage. However, beneath this surface-level simplicity lies a rich tapestry of grammatical nuances and contextual applications that span from basic physical movement to abstract philosophical persistence. Understanding 'continuar' involves more than just knowing its dictionary definition; it requires an appreciation of how it interacts with other parts of speech, particularly gerunds and prepositions. In everyday Spanish, 'continuar' serves as a bridge between the past and the future, indicating that something which has already begun is not yet finished. Whether you are following a path, maintaining a habit, or resuming a conversation after an interruption, 'continuar' is the linguistic engine that keeps the narrative moving forward. It is a regular -ar verb in most of its forms, though it does have a slight orthographic accentuation change in certain present tense conjugations (continúo, continúas, continúa, continúan) to maintain the stress on the 'u'. This detail is crucial for learners to master early on to ensure correct pronunciation and spelling.

Primary Meaning: To keep doing something or to remain in a state without interruption.
Physical Direction: To proceed or keep going along a specific path or road.
Resumption: To start again after a pause or break, often used in formal settings like meetings or readings.

Usted debe continuar todo recto hasta llegar a la plaza principal.

In a broader sense, 'continuar' embodies the concept of continuity in time. It is used to describe weather patterns that persist, such as 'el calor continúa' (the heat continues), or social situations that remain unchanged. For the A1 learner, the most frequent encounter with this verb will be in the context of giving or receiving directions. When someone tells you to 'continuar recto,' they are giving you a simple, direct command to maintain your current trajectory. As you progress to higher levels, you will see 'continuar' used in more complex structures, such as 'continuar siendo' (to continue being) or 'continuar haciendo' (to continue doing). This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for any Spanish speaker. It is also important to note the emotional weight 'continuar' can carry; it can signify resilience in the face of adversity, as in 'continuar a pesar de los problemas' (to continue despite the problems). This adds a layer of depth to the verb that goes beyond mere mechanical action.

Si quieres aprender español, debes continuar practicando todos los días.

Furthermore, 'continuar' is often compared to the verb 'seguir'. While they are frequently interchangeable, 'continuar' often feels slightly more formal or deliberate. In a professional report or a formal speech, 'continuar' is the preferred choice. In casual conversation, 'seguir' is more common. However, for an A1 student, using 'continuar' is never wrong and is often easier to remember. The verb also appears in various common expressions and idioms that enrich the language. For example, 'continuará' is the standard way to say 'to be continued' at the end of a television episode or a book chapter. This usage highlights the verb's role in signaling that the story isn't over yet. By mastering 'continuar', you are not just learning a verb; you are learning how to describe the flow of life and the persistence of effort.

La película continuará después de los anuncios comerciales.

Es importante continuar con el plan original para tener éxito.

¿Podemos continuar la reunión mañana por la mañana?

Using continuar correctly requires an understanding of three main grammatical structures. The first and most common for beginners is using 'continuar' followed by a gerund (the -ando/-iendo form). This structure is used to say that someone is 'continuing to do' something. For example, 'continuar leyendo' means 'to continue reading.' Unlike English, which can use either the infinitive ('to continue to read') or the gerund ('to continue reading'), Spanish almost exclusively uses the gerund with 'continuar' when expressing an ongoing action. This is a critical rule for A1 learners to internalize early to avoid literal translations from English that might sound awkward or incorrect in Spanish.

Structure 1: Verb + Gerund: Continuar + [Gerundio] (e.g., continuar trabajando) - To keep on doing something.
Structure 2: Verb + Preposition: Continuar + con + [Noun] (e.g., continuar con la clase) - To go on with something.
Structure 3: Verb + Adverb/Adjective: Continuar + [Adverb] (e.g., continuar así) - To continue in a certain way.

Ella decidió continuar estudiando a pesar del cansancio.

The second structure involves the preposition 'con'. We use 'continuar con' when we want to say 'to continue with' a specific task, project, or activity. For instance, 'continuar con el viaje' (to continue with the trip). This is particularly useful when you have been interrupted and are returning to a previous state of activity. It links the verb to a noun rather than another action. The third common use is in directions or descriptions of state, where 'continuar' is followed by an adverb like 'recto' (straight) or 'adelante' (forward). This is the 'navigation' use of the verb, essential for travel. 'Continúe recto por dos kilómetros' is a phrase you will hear frequently from GPS systems and locals alike.

Debemos continuar con la investigación hasta encontrar la verdad.

Another important aspect of using 'continuar' is its conjugation in the present tense. As mentioned, it is a 'u-to-ú' stem-changing verb in the present indicative for all forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'. This means you say 'yo continúo', 'tú continúas', 'él continúa', and 'ellos continúan'. The accent mark is not optional; it changes the pronunciation from a diphthong to two distinct syllables, placing the emphasis on the 'u'. In the past tense (pretérito), it is completely regular: 'continué', 'continuaste', 'continuó', etc. Mastering these shifts is a hallmark of moving from a basic to an intermediate understanding of Spanish verb mechanics. Furthermore, 'continuar' can be used reflexively in some dialects or specific contexts ('continuarse'), but this is rare and generally not something an A1 learner needs to worry about. Stick to the active forms for clarity and naturalness.

El camino continúa por la montaña hasta la cima.

¿Vas a continuar viviendo en esta ciudad el próximo año?

Por favor, continúe con su explicación, es muy interesante.

You will encounter continuar in a vast array of settings, ranging from the highly formal to the strictly functional. In the world of media, 'continuar' is the standard verb for transitions. If you are watching a Spanish soap opera (telenovela) or a news segment, you might see the text 'continuará...' flashing on the screen before a commercial break. This usage is so iconic that it has become a part of the cultural lexicon. In a more academic or professional environment, a professor or a boss might use it to manage the flow of a meeting: 'Vamos a continuar con el siguiente punto del orden del día' (We are going to continue with the next item on the agenda). This formal tone distinguishes it from the more colloquial 'seguir', which you might hear among friends.

In the Streets: Used for directions: 'Continúe dos cuadras más' (Continue two more blocks).
In Media: Cliffhangers: 'Esta historia continuará...' (This story will be continued...).
In Public Announcements: Airport or train stations: 'El servicio continuará con normalidad' (Service will continue as normal).

Para llegar al museo, debe continuar por esta calle hasta el final.

In the context of travel and tourism, 'continuar' is ubiquitous. GPS navigation systems in Spanish-speaking countries will constantly instruct you to 'continúe por la derecha' or 'continúe durante cinco kilómetros.' This makes it one of the first verbs a traveler needs to recognize by ear. In literature and journalism, 'continuar' is used to describe the progression of events or the persistence of trends. An article might say, 'La inflación continúa subiendo' (Inflation continues to rise). Here, the verb adds a sense of steady, ongoing movement that 'seguir' might lack in a formal context. It is also frequently heard in healthcare settings, where a doctor might tell a patient to 'continuar con el tratamiento' (continue with the treatment), emphasizing the importance of consistency and adherence to a medical plan.

El médico me dijo que debo continuar tomando las medicinas.

Finally, you will hear 'continuar' in many idiomatic and semi-formal phrases used in customer service. A receptionist might say, 'Espere un momento, por favor, vamos a continuar con su trámite en breve' (Wait a moment, please, we will continue with your procedure shortly). This use of 'continuar' conveys a sense of professional continuity and reliability. In sports commentary, you'll hear it when a player persists despite an injury: 'El jugador decide continuar en el campo' (The player decides to continue on the field). Across all these contexts, the common thread is the idea of non-stoppage. Whether it's a physical path, a medical regimen, or a television plot, 'continuar' is the word that tells you the journey is still underway. For an A1 learner, being able to pick out this verb in a stream of Spanish provides a vital anchor for understanding the overall message.

Después de la pausa, vamos a continuar con la entrevista.

¿Desea continuar con la suscripción el próximo mes?

La huelga continúa afectando el transporte público hoy.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with continuar is trying to follow it with an infinitive (the 'to' form of a verb). In English, we can say 'I continue to work' or 'I continue working.' However, in Spanish, 'continuar' is almost always followed by the gerund (-ando/-iendo) when describing an ongoing action. Saying 'continúo trabajar' is a common mistake; the correct form is 'continúo trabajando.' This is a structural difference that requires conscious practice to overcome. Another common pitfall is the conjugation of the present tense. Many students forget the accent on the 'u' in 'continúo', 'continúas', 'continúa', and 'continúan'. Without the accent, the word is pronounced differently and, in some cases, could be confused with other words or simply look illiterate.

Mistake 1: Wrong Verb Form: Incorrect: 'Continúo leer' | Correct: 'Continúo leyendo'.
Mistake 2: Missing Accents: Incorrect: 'El continua' | Correct: 'Él continúa'.
Mistake 3: Overusing 'Continuar': Using 'continuar' in very casual settings where 'seguir' would be more natural.

Incorrecto: Yo continuo a estudiar. Correcto: Yo continúo estudiando.

A more subtle mistake involves the use of prepositions. While 'continuar con' is correct for 'to continue with a task,' students often mistakenly use 'de' or 'a' because of interference from other verbs like 'tratar de' or 'empezar a'. Remember: 'continuar' + gerund (no preposition) or 'continuar con' + noun. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'continuar' with 'contar' (to count/tell) because they look somewhat similar. This can lead to confusing sentences like 'Él cuenta la historia' (He tells the story) vs 'Él continúa la historia' (He continues the story). Paying close attention to the spelling and the number of syllables is key here. 'Continuar' has four syllables (con-ti-nu-ar), while 'contar' has only two.

Incorrecto: Vamos a continuar de la lección. Correcto: Vamos a continuar con la lección.

Lastly, there is the issue of register. While not strictly a 'mistake,' using 'continuar' in every single situation can make your Spanish sound a bit stiff or overly formal. In casual conversation with friends, 'seguir' is the much more common choice for 'to keep on' or 'to continue.' For example, 'Sigue hablando' (Keep talking) sounds more natural than 'Continúa hablando' in a relaxed setting. However, as an A1 learner, it is better to be slightly too formal than to use 'seguir' incorrectly, as 'seguir' has its own set of complexities (like being an e-to-i stem changer). By being aware of these common pitfalls—the gerund requirement, the present tense accents, and the appropriate prepositions—you can use 'continuar' with confidence and precision.

No debes continuar si te sientes mal; es mejor descansar.

¿Por qué continúas haciendo eso si sabes que está mal?

Ellos continuaron el camino a pesar de la lluvia fuerte.

In Spanish, several verbs share the semantic space of 'to continue,' and knowing the differences between them is essential for reaching higher levels of fluency. The most significant synonym is seguir. While 'continuar' and 'seguir' are often interchangeable, 'seguir' is much more common in spoken, everyday Spanish. 'Seguir' also has the additional meaning of 'to follow' (e.g., 'Sigue al líder' - Follow the leader), which 'continuar' does not have. Another similar verb is proseguir, which is even more formal than 'continuar' and is typically used in legal, academic, or very high-level literary contexts. It implies a continuation after a significant point or a formal resumption of proceedings.

Continuar vs. Seguir: 'Continuar' is more formal; 'Seguir' is more common and also means 'to follow'.
Continuar vs. Proseguir: 'Proseguir' is highly formal, often used in legal or official contexts.
Continuar vs. Reanudar: 'Reanudar' specifically means to start again after a pause (to resume).

Podemos continuar la charla más tarde. (Neutral/Formal)

Then there is reanudar, which is more specific than 'continuar'. While you can 'continuar' something that never stopped, you only 'reanudar' something that was explicitly paused. For example, 'reanudar las negociaciones' (to resume negotiations). Another related verb is mantener (to maintain), which focuses on keeping a state or condition stable, rather than the progression of an action. For instance, 'mantener la calma' (to keep calm) vs 'continuar en calma' (to continue being calm). The latter sounds slightly more like a description of a situation that hasn't changed, while the former sounds like an active effort to keep it that way. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right situation.

El juez ordenó proseguir con el juicio de inmediato.

Finally, consider verbs like persistir and durar. 'Persistir' has a connotation of continuing despite obstacles or opposition (to persist), while 'durar' focuses on the length of time something lasts (to last). For example, 'La lluvia persistió todo el día' (The rain persisted all day) implies a certain stubbornness of the weather, whereas 'La película dura dos horas' (The movie lasts two hours) is a simple statement of duration. 'Continuar' sits comfortably in the middle of all these, being the most versatile and widely applicable verb for any situation involving non-stoppage. By learning 'continuar' alongside its synonyms, you develop a more nuanced vocabulary that allows you to express yourself with greater precision and stylistic flair.

Después del café, vamos a reanudar la sesión de trabajo.

Espero que nuestra amistad continúe por muchos años más.

¿Quieres seguir caminando o prefieres tomar un taxi?

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Gerund formation (-ando/-iendo)

Present indicative conjugation of -ar verbs

Use of accents to mark stress (tildes)

Prepositional usage (con, por, hasta)

Subjunctive mood for desires and doubts

Examples by Level

Yo continúo mi camino.

I continue my way.

Present tense, 1st person singular. Note the accent on the 'ú'.

¿Puedes continuar tú?

Can you continue?

Infinitive after the modal verb 'poder'.

Ella continúa estudiando.

She continues studying.

Continuar + gerund (-ando).

Debemos continuar recto.

We must continue straight.

Infinitive after 'deber'. 'Recto' is an adverb here.

El libro continúa aquí.

The book continues here.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Ellos continúan el viaje.

They continue the trip.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Voy a continuar mañana.

I am going to continue tomorrow.

Ir + a + infinitive (future construction).

Por favor, continúa.

Please, continue.

Imperative (informal 'tú' command).

Continuamos con la clase después del recreo.

We continue with the class after the break.

Continuar + con + noun.

Ayer continué leyendo mi novela.

Yesterday I continued reading my novel.

Pretérito (past tense), 1st person singular.

El médico dice que debo continuar con la dieta.

The doctor says I must continue with the diet.

Continuar + con + noun.

Si continúas así, vas a aprender mucho.

If you continue like this, you are going to learn a lot.

Conditional 'si' clause with present tense.

¿Van a continuar viviendo en Madrid?

Are they going to continue living in Madrid?

Continuar + gerund (-iendo).

La película continuó después de los anuncios.

The movie continued after the commercials.

Pretérito, 3rd person singular.

No podemos continuar sin el jefe.

We cannot continue without the boss.

Infinitive after 'poder' + 'sin' (preposition).

El camino continúa por el bosque.

The path continues through the forest.

Present tense + 'por' (preposition of place).

Espero que la situación continúe mejorando.

I hope the situation continues improving.

Present subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

Aunque estaba cansado, continuó trabajando toda la noche.

Although he was tired, he continued working all night.

Pretérito + gerund. Concessive clause with 'aunque'.

Si no continúas practicando, olvidarás el idioma.

If you don't continue practicing, you will forget the language.

Negative conditional 'si' clause.

La empresa decidió continuar con el proyecto original.

The company decided to continue with the original project.

Pretérito + infinitive + 'con' + noun.

Es importante que continuemos unidos en este momento.

It is important that we continue (remain) united at this time.

Present subjunctive after 'es importante que'.

El ruido continuaba a pesar de mis quejas.

The noise continued despite my complaints.

Imperfect tense (ongoing past action).

¿Crees que continuará lloviendo por la tarde?

Do you think it will continue raining in the afternoon?

Future tense + gerund.

Para continuar, haga clic en el botón siguiente.

To continue, click on the next button.

Infinitive of purpose + formal imperative.

La investigación continuará hasta que se aclare la verdad.

The investigation will continue until the truth is clarified.

Future tense + 'hasta que' + subjunctive.

A pesar de las críticas, el director continuó con su visión artística.

Despite the criticism, the director continued with his artistic vision.

Pretérito + 'con' + noun phrase.

Si continuaras estudiando así, podrías obtener una beca.

If you were to continue studying like this, you could get a scholarship.

Imperfect subjunctive in a hypothetical 'si' clause.

La tradición continúa siendo una parte vital de nuestra cultura.

The tradition continues to be a vital part of our culture.

Continuar + siendo (gerund of 'ser').

El autor decidió continuar la saga con un tercer libro.

The author decided to continue the saga with a third book.

Pretérito + direct object ('la saga').

No podemos permitir que esta injusticia continúe ni un día más.

We cannot allow this injustice to continue even one more day.

Present subjunctive after 'permitir que'.

El servicio de trenes continuará operando con normalidad.

The train service will continue operating normally.

Future tense + gerund.

Para continuar con la sesión, necesitamos el quórum necesario.

To continue with the session, we need the necessary quorum.

Infinitive of purpose + 'con' + noun.

La obra continúa la estela de los grandes maestros del realismo.

The work follows in the wake of the great masters of realism.

Idiomatic use of 'continuar la estela de'.

Es imperativo que el gobierno continúe fomentando la innovación.

It is imperative that the government continues promoting innovation.

Present subjunctive after 'es imperativo que'.

Aun si continuara lloviendo, la expedición no se detendría.

Even if it were to continue raining, the expedition would not stop.

Concessive 'aun si' + imperfect subjunctive.

El conflicto continúa enquistado a pesar de los esfuerzos diplomáticos.

The conflict remains entrenched despite diplomatic efforts.

Continuar + adjective ('enquistado').

La novela continúa explorando los temas de la soledad y el desarraigo.

The novel continues exploring the themes of loneliness and uprooting.

Continuar + gerund with abstract themes.

No es de extrañar que continúe habiendo discrepancias en el equipo.

It's no wonder there continue to be discrepancies in the team.

Present subjunctive after 'no es de extrañar que'.

El legado de su abuelo continúa vivo en cada una de sus acciones.

His grandfather's legacy remains alive in each of his actions.

Continuar + adjective ('vivo').

Debemos continuar por la senda del diálogo y el entendimiento mutuo.

We must continue along the path of dialogue and mutual understanding.

Metaphorical use of 'continuar por la senda'.

La trama se complica al continuar el protagonista su descenso a los infiernos.

The plot thickens as the protagonist continues his descent into hell.

Infinitive used as a temporal clause ('al' + infinitive).

Resulta fascinante cómo la lengua continúa evolucionando impertérrita.

It is fascinating how the language continues to evolve undaunted.

Continuar + gerund + adverb ('impertérrita').

Si bien continuó negando los hechos, las pruebas eran irrefutables.

Although he continued denying the facts, the evidence was irrefutable.

Pretérito + gerund in a concessive clause.

La política exterior debe continuar supeditada a los intereses nacionales.

Foreign policy must remain subordinate to national interests.

Continuar + past participle ('supeditada').

El flujo de datos continúa fluyendo a través de las redes globales.

The data stream continues flowing through global networks.

Continuar + gerund with technical terminology.

Es poco probable que la empresa continúe siendo líder en el sector.

It is unlikely that the company will continue to be a leader in the sector.

Present subjunctive after 'es poco probable que'.

El debate continúa abierto, sin que se vislumbre una solución a corto plazo.

The debate remains open, with no solution in sight in the short term.

Continuar + adjective ('abierto').

La vida continúa, con sus luces y sus sombras, a pesar de todo.

Life goes on, with its lights and shadows, despite everything.

Philosophical use of 'continuar'.

Common Collocations

continuar el viaje

continuar estudiando

continuar recto

continuar con la tarea

continuar así

continuar la charla

continuar el trabajo

continuar la sesión

continuar operando

continuar creciendo

Common Phrases

continuará...

continuar todo recto

continuar con normalidad

continuar por la derecha

continuar a pesar de todo

continuar en contacto

continuar la tradición

continuar la búsqueda

continuar la historia

continuar el legado

Often Confused With

continuar vs contar (to count/tell)

continuar vs contener (to contain)

continuar vs contestar (to answer)

Idioms & Expressions

"continuar la estela de"

"continuar en sus trece"

"continuar viento en popa"

"continuar por el buen camino"

"continuar al pie del cañón"

"continuar la racha"

"continuar contra viento y marea"

"continuar en la brecha"

"continuar el hilo"

"continuar la función"

Easily Confused

continuar vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

note 1

In Spain, 'continuar' is slightly more common in formal writing than in Latin America, but it is understood everywhere.

note 2

Avoid 'continuar a' + infinitive; it's a common Anglicism.

Common Mistakes

Using the infinitive after 'continuar'.
Forgetting the accent in 'continúo'.
Confusing 'continuar' with 'contar'.
Using 'continuar a' + noun.
Using 'continuar' for 'to follow' a person.

Tips

The Gerund Rule

Always pair 'continuar' with a gerund (-ando/-iendo) when you want to say 'continue doing' something. This is the most natural way to express ongoing actions in Spanish.

The 'U' Accent

In the present tense, the accent on the 'u' (continúa) is vital. It tells you to stress that vowel, making it sound like 'con-tin-OO-ah' rather than 'con-ti-NWA'.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'continuar' in your writing and formal speeches. It sounds more polished and professional than 'seguir', which is better suited for chatting with friends.

Navigation

When using a GPS in Spanish, 'continúe' is the word you'll hear most. Learn it well so you don't miss your turn or keep going when you should stop!

Cognate Power

Use the fact that 'continuar' is a cognate to your advantage. If you forget the word for 'to go on', just think of 'continue' and add the Spanish -ar ending.

Future Tense

Listen for 'continuará' at the end of news segments. It's a great way to practice hearing the future tense in a real-world context.

Preposition 'Con'

Remember to use 'con' if you are following 'continuar' with a noun. 'Continuar con el trabajo' is the correct structure for 'continue with the work'.

Social Slogans

Recognize 'La lucha continúa' as a cultural touchstone. It shows how the verb is used to express collective persistence and hope.

Polite Interruption

If you accidentally interrupt someone, say 'Perdón, continúa' to politely ask them to keep speaking. it's a very useful social phrase.

Word Family

Learn 'continuación' (next part) along with the verb. You'll see it in books and articles all the time, usually at the bottom of a page.

Memorize It

Word Origin

From Latin 'continuare'

Cultural Context

The word 'continuará' is iconic at the end of TV episodes.

'La lucha continúa' is a famous revolutionary slogan.

Using 'continuar' in a meeting shows professional respect and flow.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"¿Quieres continuar con la lección ahora?"

"¿Vas a continuar estudiando español el próximo año?"

"¿Podemos continuar esta charla más tarde?"

"¿Cómo podemos continuar mejorando nuestro trabajo?"

"¿Deseas continuar viendo la película?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre algo que quieres continuar haciendo en el futuro.

Describe un viaje que quieres continuar algún día.

¿Qué hábitos positivos quieres continuar este mes?

Escribe sobre una tradición familiar que continúa hoy.

¿Por qué es importante continuar aprendiendo cosas nuevas?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is a regular -ar verb, but it requires an orthographic accent on the 'u' in certain present tense forms (continúo, continúas, continúa, continúan) to maintain the correct stress. This is a common feature for verbs ending in -uar.

No, that is a common mistake influenced by English. In Spanish, you should say 'continuar estudiando' (using the gerund) or 'continuar con los estudios' (using the preposition 'con' and a noun).

'Continuar' is generally more formal and specific to the act of not stopping. 'Seguir' is more common in daily conversation and can also mean 'to follow' a person or a lead. They are often interchangeable when meaning 'to keep on'.

The most common way to say 'to be continued' at the end of a story or show is simply 'continuará...', which is the future tense of the verb 'continuar'.

Use 'continuar con' when the next word is a noun. For example: 'Vamos a continuar con la reunión' (We are going to continue with the meeting). If the next word is a verb, use the gerund without 'con'.

Yes, it is very common for giving directions. You will often hear 'continúe recto' (continue straight) or 'continúe por esta calle' (continue along this street).

In the pretérito (simple past), 'continuar' is completely regular: continué, continuaste, continuó, continuamos, continuasteis, continuaron. No special accents on the 'u' are needed in the past.

Yes, a person can continue an action. 'Él continúa trabajando'. It can also describe a person staying in a position: 'Él continúa como director de la empresa'.

The gerund is 'continuando'. It is used with the verb 'estar' to form progressive tenses, though 'continuar' itself is often followed by another gerund.

Yes, it is one of the most essential verbs in Spanish, appearing frequently in both spoken and written language across all CEFR levels.