continuer
/kɔ̃.ti.nɥe/
The English phrase "continue" is translated into French as continuer.
continuer is a transitive verb used to mean proceeding with an action.
Meaning: transitive: proceed (verb)
Which one should you use?
While continuer is used to proceed with an action, it is distinct from poursuivre, which often implies pursuing a goal or a chase.
How does it change in a sentence?
When continuer is followed by an infinitive, it is typically followed by the preposition à, though using the preposition de is also grammatically acceptable.
How do you pronounce it?
continuer is pronounced /kɔ̃.ti.nɥe/ and has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- French has a distinct nuance between continuer and reprendre. While continuer is an uninterrupted flow, reprendre is used when you continue after a distinct break or pause.
- While continuer is used for proceeding, the related word continuité is central to the French government's 'continuity of the state' principle, ensuring the country functions even during a political crisis.
- The phrase continuer sur sa lancée means to keep going using the momentum one has already built, literally referring to the 'throw' or 'launch' of an object.
Examples in context
- Il me faut continuer.I must continue.This sentence shows how to express the necessity of continuing.Tatoeba #5063654 by sacredceltic, translation #2245985 by CK
- Marie veut continuer à vivre.Maria wants to continue living.This sentence demonstrates how to use the verb with an infinitive.Tatoeba #4594394 by Amastan, translation #10501967 by tchrspet1
- Je veux continuer à faire ça.I want to continue doing that.This sentence shows the use of the verb in a personal context.Tatoeba #7057231 by Aiji, translation #6260693 by CK
- Veuillez continuerPlease continue
- Nous allons poursuivre avec la prochaine étapeWe will continue with the next step
- Je vous demande de persister dans vos effortsI ask you to continue your efforts
- Veuillez continuer avec votre présentation.Please continue with your presentation.
- Nous vous encourageons à persister malgré les obstacles.We encourage you to continue despite the obstacles.
- Continue à parler, je t'écouteContinue talking, I'm listening
- Continue à danser, tu es doué(e)!Keep on dancing, you're talented!
- On poursuit avec le prochain épisodeWe're continuing with the next episode
- On poursuit avec le prochain épisode, c'est passionnant!We're continuing with the next episode, it's exciting!
- On reprend la lecture après la pauseWe'll continue reading after the break
- 99 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are at a cafe deciding whether to finish a board game.
- ChloéTu veux continuer la partie ?Do you want to continue the game?
- LucasOui, je veux continuer.Yes, I want to continue.
- ChloéD'accord, on continue alors.Okay, let's continue then.
- LucasC'est parti !Let's go!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “continue” translations and entries continuer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
