When learning Portuguese, one might encounter two phrases that seem similar but are used differently: “seguir em frente” and “continuar.” Both phrases translate to actions related to moving or going on in English, but their usage and context can differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone looking to achieve fluency in Portuguese.
Understanding “Seguir em frente”
The phrase “seguir em frente” literally translates to “follow ahead” or “move forward.” It is used when talking about progressing, especially after a stop or interruption. This can be in a literal or figurative sense.
For example:
Depois de perder o emprego, ele decidiu seguir em frente e começar um novo negócio.
(After losing his job, he decided to move forward and start a new business.)
In this example, “seguir em frente” is about overcoming a setback and advancing towards a new goal. The phrase conveys a sense of resilience and determination to progress, regardless of past circumstances.
Understanding “Continuar”
On the other hand, “continuar” simply means “to continue” or “to keep going.” This verb is used more generally to denote the action of proceeding with something that has already been happening.
For example:
Ela vai continuar estudando até passar no exame.
(She will continue studying until she passes the exam.)
Here, “continuar” is used to express the action of persisting in an ongoing activity. There’s no implication of overcoming a challenge or starting anew; it’s about maintaining the course.
Comparative Usage in Context
Both “seguir em frente” and “continuar” imply some form of progression, but the nuances are important. “Seguir em frente” is often used in contexts where there’s a need to leave something behind or start afresh, conveying a sense of breaking away from the past. “Continuar,” however, implies more of a seamless, uninterrupted progression, without the connotation of recovery or renewal.
Example in a Conversation
Consider a conversation between two friends:
– Amigo 1: Não sei o que fazer depois de terminar a faculdade…
(Friend 1: I don’t know what to do after finishing college…)
– Amigo 2: Você deveria seguir em frente e explorar novas oportunidades.
(Friend 2: You should move forward and explore new opportunities.)
– Amigo 1: Sim, acho que vou continuar com os estudos e fazer um mestrado.
(Friend 1: Yes, I think I will continue my studies and do a master’s.)
In this dialogue, “seguir em frente” is used to suggest a new phase or direction after college, while “continuar” is used to talk about persisting with the current path of education.
Conclusion
To sum up, while both “seguir em frente” and “continuar” deal with the concept of progression, they are used in different contexts. “Seguir em frente” is about moving forward, often with a new beginning or after a setback, whereas “continuar” refers to an ongoing process without interruption. Understanding the distinction between these can help learners use them appropriately and enhance their fluency in Portuguese. As you continue (or “continuar”) your language learning journey, keep these nuances in mind to enrich your conversations and grasp of the language.
