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Spanish Level 2 verb

seguir

/seˈɣiɾ/

Definition

To continue doing something, or to follow someone or something.

Example

Ella siguió caminando aunque estaba cansada.

Show translation

She kept walking even though she was tired.

Etymology

From Latin *sequī* ("to follow"), the same root that gives English "sequence," "sequel," and "second." The Latin verb described physical following, which broadened in Spanish to include continuation of any kind.

Cultural note

*Seguir* + gerund (e.g., *seguir hablando*, *seguir comiendo*) is the standard Spanish way to say "keep doing" something — a construction learners often try to express as *continuar* instead. Both work, but *seguir* + gerund is far more natural in everyday speech across all Spanish-speaking regions. Note also the common farewell *¡Sigue adelante!* ("Keep going!" / "Carry on!"), used as encouragement much like English "hang in there."

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