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"Sigue siendo" is a phrase which is often translated as "he continues to be", and "ser" is a copular verb which is often translated as "to be". Learn more about the difference between "sigue siendo" and "ser" below.
sigue siendo(
see
-
geh
syehn
-
doh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. he continues to be (masculine)
Sigue siendo el mismo mentiroso de siempre.He continues to be the same old liar he has always been.
b. he's still (masculine)
Juan sufrió mucho, pero sigue siendo un hombre alegre.Juan suffered a lot, but he's still a cheerful man.
c. she continues to be (feminine)
En el congreso, la investigadora mostró por qué sigue siendo respetada por sus pares.At the conference, the researcher showed why she continues to be respected by her peers.
d. she's still (feminine)
Aunque Antonia ahora es una cantante famosa, sigue siendo una chica modesta.Even though Antonia is now a famous singer, she's still a modest young girl.
e. it continues to be
Creo que te solucioné lo de la conexión, pero si sigue siendo un problema me avisas.I think I've sorted your connection, but if it continues to be a problem, let me know.
f. it's still
A pesar de que cambiaron la hora de la reunión, sigue siendo un mal horario para mí.Although the time of the meeting was changed, it's still not convenient for me.
g. continues to be
La pesca sigue siendo la principal actividad económica del país.Fishing continues to be the country's main economic activity.
h. is still
A pesar de la distancia que nos separa, Octavio sigue siendo mi novio.Despite the distance between us, Octavio is still my boyfriend.
2. (formal) (remain being; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. you're still
Hay otros candidatos, pero sigue siendo nuestra opción preferida.There are other candidates, but you're still our preferred option.
b. you continue to be
Sigue siendo el mejor profesor que tuvo la escuela.You continue to be the best teacher this school has ever had.
ser(
sehr
)A copular verb links the subject of a clause to the predicate (e.g., My brother is tall).
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be made of
El casillero antiguo de mi abuela es de roble.My grandma's antique dresser is made of oak.
a. to root for
Yo soy del mejor equipo del mundo: FC Barcelona.I root for the best team in the world: FC Barcelona.
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
a. to be
Son las siete de la mañana.It is seven in the morning.
Era de noche cuando llegaron.It was night when they arrived.
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. to be
El edificio fue diseñado por un equipo de arquitectos.The building was built by a team of architects.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
