permanecer
Lemma Details
Translation: to remain; to stay; to persist; to endure; to continue
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'permanere', a combination of 'per' (through, thoroughly) and 'manere' (to stay, remain). The English cognate 'permanent' shares this Latin root. The connection between 'permanecer' and 'permanent' helps illustrate the core meaning of lasting or enduring through time.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Decidió permanecer en casa durante la tormenta.
He decided to stay at home during the storm.
Los valores de la empresa permanecen inalterables.
The company's values remain unchanged.
A pesar de las dificultades, permanecimos unidos.
Despite the difficulties, we remained united.
El agua permanece en estado líquido a temperatura ambiente.
Water remains in liquid state at room temperature.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'permanent' + 'to be' = 'to be permanent' or 'to remain'
- Per-man-ecer: Picture a man who stays ('per-man-stays') in one place permanently
- Contains 'mane' which sounds like 'remain' without the 're'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'permanecer' often carries connotations of steadfastness and loyalty, particularly in relationships or commitments. The concept of 'permanencia' (permanence) is valued in many Spanish-speaking societies.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'permanecer' means 'to remain' or 'to stay', 'pertenecer' means 'to belong'. They look and sound similar but have different meanings and uses.
Notes: Both are -ecer verbs that follow similar conjugation patterns but express different concepts of location or state.
Mnemonic: 'Permanecer' has 'man' in it, like 'remain'; 'pertenecer' has 'ten' in it, like 'pertain to'.
Explanation: 'Permanecer' means 'to remain', while 'parecer' means 'to seem' or 'to appear'. They share the -ecer ending but have distinct meanings.
Confused word:
Parece que va a llover.
It seems like it's going to rain.
Notes: Both verbs are irregular in similar ways, particularly in the present tense first person singular form.
Mnemonic: 'Permanecer' starts with 'per' (through) suggesting duration; 'parecer' starts with 'par' which sounds like 'appear'.