Are "mantenerse", " permanecer" and "seguir" fairly interchangeable translations for "keep"?

Question

I recently asked about how to translate "I hope you'll still be able to keep in touch. (at http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/113006/i-hope-youll-still-be-able-to-stay-in-touch)

I have a related, albeit slightly different question: for the concept of continuing to do something, for which in English we use "keep", are "mantenerse", " permanecer" and "seguir" all three pretty much equally valid? Are there conditions where one or the other is more appropriate?

Please feel free to also share any regional preferences for one or another word (any native speakers from Colombia or Peru?)

Thanks.

• They are arnold. You know sometimes it depends on context too. - 0068e2f4 Nov 18, 2009

Answer 1

It depends on what you mean by keep.

I will keep this shirt in the box. is to guard it, keep it safe Voy a guardar esta camisa en la caja..

To keep ON doing something is to continue doing something. Marta keeps on singing even after the music ends.
Marta sigue cantando aun despues de que la musica se termina.

To keep someone by giving him/ her money is mantener.

    The divorced man still keeps his children clothed and housed.
           El divorciado todavia  mantiene a sus hijos.

To keep on being located in one place is permanecer

Raquel stays all summer on the island.
Raquel permanece todo el verano en la isla.

• Keep as in "keep in touch" - Eddy Nov 18, 2009
• and basically as I stated in my question, "for the concept of continuing to do something". Thanks for your help. - arnold3 Nov 18, 2009

Answer 2

Arnold, I am from Colombia. This would be my translation:

"Espero que podamos mantenernos en contacto"

I hope it would help.

Answer 3

These are some examples of how these words can be used in a different way, but as language goes they can also be inter-related through the import of other similar synonyms.

Seguir = Me seguí de tus consejos. --- I followed your advice.

Sígueme con tu carro. --- Follow me with your car.

Mantenerse = Trabajo para mantener a mi familia. --- I work to support my family.

Permanecer = El permaneció hasta el final. --- He stayed the course.