permanecer
verbCEFR B2
What does “permanecer” mean in English?
to remain, to stay
to remain, to stay (permanecer + adjective — formal; persist in a state; permanecer en vigor — remain in force)
Example sentences
La tasa de desempleo ha permanecido estable durante los últimos tres trimestres.
The unemployment rate has remained stable over the last three quarters.
El acuerdo permanece en vigor hasta que ambas partes acuerden su revisión o modificación.
The agreement remains in force until both parties agree to its revision or amendment.
How to use it
Permanecer means 'to remain' or 'to stay'. More formal than quedarse. Structure: permanecer + adjective/adverb (remain stable/unchanged); permanecer en + place. Key collocations: permanecer en silencio, permanecer estable, permanecer en vigor (remain in force).
Common mistake
Permanecer (remain — formal, often refers to states) vs. quedarse (stay — everyday, often refers to location or state after an event) vs. mantenerse (maintain oneself — implies active effort to stay). In formal writing, permanecer is the default.