How to say “Let’s move on” in Spanish naturally

Introduction

Knowing how to say let’s move on in Spanish helps conversations sound natural, smooth transitions in meetings, and keeps storytelling flowing. This article explains common expressions, their tone and context, and offers practical examples to help beginners and intermediate learners choose the right phrase for work, casual chats, or presentations.

Common direct translations and their tones

There are several ways to express let’s move on in Spanish, each carrying a different level of formality and nuance. Choosing the right phrase depends on whether you are talking to friends, colleagues, or an audience.

1. Pasemos al siguiente tema (formal, neutral)

Pasemos al siguiente tema literally means let us move on to the next topic. This is useful in meetings, classes, or presentations when you want to guide the group politely.

Example:
Bien, pasemos al siguiente tema para revisar los resultados del trimestre.

Usage note: Use this in professional settings or when you want to be clear and structured. It sounds neutral and slightly formal.

2. Sigamos (short and versatile)

Sigamos comes from seguir, to continue. It is short and works well in many settings, from informal chats to classroom instructions. Context often clarifies what you want to continue with.

Example:
¿Terminaste con esa idea? Sigamos.

Usage note: You can add more context: Sigamos con lo siguiente or Sigamos alone when the group knows what comes next.

3. Continuemos (polite, slightly formal)

Continuemos is similar to sigamos but a bit more formal. It’s appropriate for presentations, recorded videos, or classroom lectures where you want a polished tone.

Example:
Muy bien, continuemos con el segundo punto de la agenda.

Usage note: This verb form is the first person plural imperative of continuar, and it projects a calm, organized speaker.

Casual ways to say let’s move on

In relaxed conversations with friends or family, Spanish speakers use shorter or colloquial expressions. These options feel natural and spontaneous.

4. Vamos a lo siguiente

Vamos a lo siguiente is a friendly, clear way to say let’s move on to the next thing. It is casual but still polite.

Example:
Ya hablamos de ello, vamos a lo siguiente.

Usage note: Good for small group chats, study groups, or informal meetings.

5. Vámonos (informal, can mean physically leave)

Vámonos often means let’s go or let’s leave, so it can imply moving on physically or changing subject depending on context. Use it among friends.

Example for changing subject:
Esto ya está claro, vámonos a hablar de otra cosa.

Usage note: Avoid using vámonos in formal contexts because it sounds casual and literal (leave/go away).

6. Cambiando de tema (colloquial transition)

Cambiando de tema translates to changing the subject. It’s conversational and useful when you want to signal a deliberate topic shift rather than a continuation.

Example:
Cambiando de tema, ¿qué opinas sobre la nueva película?

Usage note: This phrase is often used at the start of a sentence and can be followed by a question or statement introducing the new topic.

Expressions for presentations and meetings

When giving a presentation or running a meeting, transitions should be smooth and professional. These phrases help you guide listeners efficiently.

7. Pasemos ahora a

Pasemos ahora a is a clear and professional transition: let us now move on to. Use it to introduce the next slide, topic, or agenda item.

Example:
Pasemos ahora a la comparación de costos.

Usage note: Pair it with concrete nouns: Pasemos ahora a la conclusión, Pasemos ahora a los resultados.

8. Avancemos (formal and motivating)

Avancemos conveys progress, a collaborative push forward. Use it in team settings to encourage momentum.

Example:
Hemos hecho mucho trabajo hoy, avancemos con la implementación.

Usage note: It sounds slightly more motivational than neutral transitional phrases.

9. Entrando en (introducing a deeper topic)

Entrando en works when you move from overview to depth. It signals that the conversation will go into a new, often more detailed section.

Example:
Entrando en los detalles técnicos, necesitamos definir los parámetros.

Usage note: Common in talks and technical discussions.

Informal and regional variations

Spanish is spoken across many countries, and variety shows in transitions. Below are regional or colloquial options you may hear in everyday speech.

10. Listo, siguiente (quick, casual)

Listo, siguiente is like saying alright, next. It’s snappy and good for group activities, games, or fast-paced conversations.

Example:
Listo, siguiente, ¿quién presenta ahora?

Usage note: Often used in informal group settings when going through a list or turns.

11. No nos detengamos (keep going)

No nos detengamos means let’s not stop. It implies continuous action rather than a topic change.

Example:
Esto va bien, no nos detengamos y sigamos con el plan.

Usage note: Good for motivating groups during prolonged tasks.

12. A otra cosa (colloquial: on to something else)

A otra cosa is an idiomatic way to say on to something else. It sounds casual and can be blunt in tone.

Example:
Ya terminamos con eso, a otra cosa.

Usage note: Use with caution in formal settings; it is better among friends or colleagues who know each other well.

Short dialogues: transitional phrases in context

Seeing phrases in short dialogues clarifies tone and usage. Below are examples for different contexts.

Meeting transition

Manager: Hemos completado el informe financiero.
Team: Excelente.
Manager: Pasemos al siguiente tema.

Classroom

Teacher: ¿Alguna pregunta sobre la conjugación?
Student: No.
Teacher: Bien, continuemos con los pronombres.

Casual conversation

Friend 1: Ya hablé con Juan.
Friend 2: Perfecto.
Friend 1: Vamos a lo siguiente, ¿qué hacemos hoy?

Pronunciation tips and quick grammar

Most transition phrases are simple to pronounce. Focus on natural rhythm and linking words for fluency. For example, in Pasemos al siguiente tema, connect al and siguiente smoothly: pase-mos al-sigui-en-te.

Grammar note: Many phrases use the first person plural imperative or subjunctive-like forms: pasemos, continuemos, avancemos. These forms are polite and inclusive because they use we instead of the informal tú imperative.

Short pronunciation guide

Pasemos: pa-SE-mos
Continuemos: con-ti-NUE-mos
Sigamos: si-GA-mos
Vámonos: VA-mo-nos

How to choose the right phrase

Consider three factors when deciding which phrase to use: formality, intention, and context. For formal meetings or presentations, prefer Pasemos al siguiente tema or Continuemos. For friendly conversations, choose Vamos a lo siguiente or A otra cosa. If you want to motivate action, use Avancemos or No nos detengamos.

Other tips: keep sentences short when transitioning, add a brief summary of what was discussed if necessary, and use body language or slide changes to signal the move.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid literal translations from English like let us move on word-for-word, which may sound awkward. Also avoid overly casual forms in formal settings, for example, using Vámonos in a corporate presentation. Finally, do not use an ambiguous short phrase without context when the group might be unsure what comes next; add a noun or brief phrase like Pasemos a los resultados.

Additional useful transition words

These connectors complement phrases for moving on: además (besides), por otro lado (on the other hand), luego (then), después (afterwards), a continuación (next). Combine them for clarity: A continuación, pasemos a los resultados.

Conclusion

Mastering how to say let’s move on in Spanish gives you smooth transitions for conversations, meetings, and presentations. Use formal phrases like Pasemos al siguiente tema or Continuemos for professional settings, and casual options like Vamos a lo siguiente or Cambiando de tema with friends. Practice a few favorites and pay attention to tone and context to sound natural and confident.