連續的 / 连续的
liánxù de
The English word continuous can be translated into Chinese as 連續的 / 连续的 (liánxù de), 不斷的 / 不断的 or 持續的 / 持续的.
Meaning: without break, cessation, or interruption in time (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 連續的 / 连续的 | liánxù de |
| 不斷的 / 不断的 | bùduàn de |
| 持續的 / 持续的 | chíxù de |
In Chinese, the choice of word for continuous depends on whether you are focusing on a sequence, the lack of a break or the persistence of a state. Use 連續的 / 连续的 for things following in a sequence, 不斷的 / 不断的 for something that does not stop and 持續的 / 持续的 for a state or phenomenon that lasts over time.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 連續的 / 连续的 is derived from 連續 (liánxù), which literally means 'to connect in a sequence'.
Which one should you use?
Use 連續的 / 连续的 when emphasizing a sequence of things or events following one after another without a gap. Use 不斷的 / 不断的 to emphasize that an action or state does not stop or cease, meaning 'not breaking'. Use 持續的 / 持续的 when describing a state, trend or phenomenon that persists or lasts over a period of time.
How do you pronounce it?
liánxù de
Did you know?
- The character 連 (lián) in 連續的 is often used in the term 連環計 (liánhuánjì), referring to a 'chain of tricks' from the Three Kingdoms period. This reflects an ancient strategic view of continuity as a series of linked traps.
- While 不斷的 (búduàn de) literally means 'not breaking', it is frequently used to describe someone who is 'constantly' complaining or talking, acting as a polite way to express annoyance.
- The term 連續劇 (liánxùjù) is the standard word for a 'TV series' or 'soap opera'. It treats the episodes as a continuous chain, whereas English refers to the 'series' as a whole.
Examples in context
- 持续进步Continuous improvement
- 不断学习Continuous learning
- 一直玩Playing continuously
- 是的，我一直听音乐。Yes, I've been listening to music continuously.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “continuous” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
