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"Esperar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to wait for", and "continuar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to continue". Learn more about the difference between "esperar" and "continuar" below.
esperar(
ehs
-
peh
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to await)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (to stay)
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
A ver, espera. No hace falta ser tan severo con ellos.Hold on a minute. There's no need to be so harsh with them.
Esperen un momento. Llamo a alguien que los atienda.Wait a moment. I'll get someone to come and help you.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Esperemos a leer el informe antes de decidir qué hacer.Let's wait until we read the report before deciding what to do.
Espera a que nos llamen.Wait for them to call us.
esperarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to hold on (emphatic)
Espérate, ¿no se suponía que ibas a estar fuera un par de semanas?Hold on, weren't you supposed to be gone for a couple of weeks?
a. to expect
Se esperan cortes en el suministro de agua esta noche.Disruptions to the water supply are expected tonight.
continuar(
kohn
-
tee
-
nwahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to continue
Ella continúa la tarea a pesar de estar muy cansada.She continues the task even though she's very tired.
b. to carry on with
Tienes que continuar el proyecto a pesar de los obstáculos.You have to carry on with the project despite the obstacles.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to go on
¿Vas a continuar a trabajar con ese cliente?Are you going to go on working with that client?
3. (to extend)
a. to continue
El sendero para bicicletas continúa por toda la ciudad.The bicycle path continues throughout the city.
continuarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to extend)
a. to continue
La calle se continúa en dirección a la playa.The street continues in the direction of the beach.
