Spanish Phrase
Puedes seguir adelante.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "You can continue forward." It is commonly used to grant permission for someone to proceed or to encourage them to keep going or move past an obstacle. It conveys both physical movement and metaphorical progress.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to give someone permission to pass you, enter a room, or start an activity. It's also perfect for encouraging someone to continue with a task, a journey, or to overcome a difficulty. It conveys support and authorization.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puedesseguiradelante
Poder (Puedes)
"Poder" means "to be able to" or "can." "Puedes" is the informal 'tú' conjugation, meaning "you can." It's used here to grant permission or indicate capability.
Seguir
"Seguir" means "to follow" or "to continue." When followed by another verb in the infinitive (like "adelante" which acts adverbially here), it means "to keep doing something" or "to continue doing something."
Adelante
"Adelante" is an adverb meaning "forward," "ahead," or "onward." In this phrase, it combines with "seguir" to form the idiomatic expression "to go ahead" or "to move forward," often implying progress or permission to proceed.
🗨In Conversation
¿Disculpa, puedo pasar?
Excuse me, can I pass?
Sí, claro. Puedes seguir adelante.
Yes, of course. You can go ahead.
✕Common Mistakes
Tú puedes ir adelante.
While "ir" means "to go," "seguir adelante" is the idiomatic expression for "to go ahead" or "to move forward" in this context of permission or progress. Using "ir" here sounds less natural.
Puedes continuar.
"Continuar" is correct for "to continue," but "seguir adelante" specifically implies moving *forward* or *ahead*, often past a point or obstacle, making it more specific and common for granting permission to proceed.
↔Alternatives
Adelante.
Go ahead.
Continúa.
Continue.
Puedes pasar.
You can pass.
Sigue así.
Keep it up.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking cultures, direct permission like "Puedes seguir adelante" is common and polite, especially in informal contexts. While less formal than "Puede usted seguir adelante," it is still respectful. It's often accompanied by a gesture, particularly when giving way or inviting someone to enter a space.