Spanish Phrase
Sigue las señales, por favor.
Meaning
A courteous request telling someone to follow the signs that are posted in the environment. It combines a direct command with ‘por favor’ to keep the tone friendly and respectful.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving directions in public places such as airports, museums, shopping malls, or any setting where signs guide the way. It works well when you are speaking informally to a peer, a child, or anyone you’d address with ‘tú’.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Siguelasseñales,porfavor.
Imperative (tú)
‘Sigue’ is the affirmative imperative form of ‘seguir’ for the informal ‘tú’ subject.
Definite article + noun
‘las señales’ uses the feminine plural definite article ‘las’ because ‘señal’ is a feminine noun.
Politeness phrase
‘por favor’ is added after the command to soften it and make the request polite.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cómo llego a la salida?
How do I get to the exit?
Sigue las señales, por favor.
Please follow the signs.
✕Common Mistakes
Sigue la señal, por favor.
‘Señal’ is singular; the phrase refers to multiple signs, so use the plural ‘señales’.
Siga las señales, por favor.
‘Siga’ is the formal imperative; using it with friends or children can sound overly stiff.
Por favor, sigue las señales.
Placing ‘por favor’ before the command is fine, but the most natural order in everyday speech is command first, then ‘por favor’.
↔Alternatives
Siga las señales, por favor.
Please follow the signs. (formal)
Por favor, siga las señales.
Please, follow the signs. (formal, more polite)
Sigue las indicaciones, por favor.
Please follow the directions.
Sigue los letreros, por favor.
Please follow the signs.
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries, signs are a primary way to give directions, so locals are used to hearing ‘sigue las señales’. Adding ‘por favor’ is a quick way to keep the request courteous. Remember that ‘sigue’ is informal; if you’re speaking to an elder, a stranger, or in a formal setting, switch to ‘siga’.