Continúe

Continúe is a form of the Spanish verb continuar. It serves as the present subjunctive singular form for yo continúe, él continúe, and usted continúe, and it is also the formal imperative directed to usted: Continúe. The same spelling can function in multiple grammatical roles depending on punctuation and context.

In use, continúe appears in subordinate clauses that require the subjunctive mood—typically after expressions of desire, doubt, emotion, possibility, or after conjunctions like que or para que. Examples include: “Espero que él continúe” (I hope that he continues) or “Continúe usted con su informe” (Please continue your report). The corresponding forms for other subjects are continúes (tú), continuemos (nosotros), continuéis (vosotros), and continúen (ellos/ellas/Uds).

Etymology and pronunciation: continuar comes from Latin continuare, from continuus meaning uninterrupted or continuous. The present subjunctive form continúe is spelled with an accent on the ú to indicate the correct stress pattern in this verb form. The word is related to the idea of continuing or proceeding with an action.

Usage notes: Because continúe carries subjunctive meaning, its occurrence is governed by the syntactic environment rather than by a fixed lexical meaning like a simple command. When used as a polite directive to a single person in formal Spanish, the imperative Continúe serves as a courteous instruction to proceed. In other contexts, the same spelling marks a hypothetical or desired continuation rather than a definite, asserted action.