continuer
/kɔ̃.ti.nɥe/
The English phrase 'go on' is translated into French as continuer.
The verb continuer is used to express the act of continuing an action.
Meaning: continue an action (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When continuer is followed by another verb, it is often followed by the preposition de to mean 'to continue doing (something)'. In many contexts, it can also be followed by the preposition à to mean the same thing, 'to continue to (do something)'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of continuer is /kɔ̃.ti.nɥe/ and it has three syllables.
Did you know?
- The French verb continuer is a close linguistic cousin to the English word 'tenacious', as both share a root related to holding or grasping.
- While continuer means 'to go on', French speakers often use the phrase allez-y to tell someone to 'go on' or 'go ahead' when giving permission to speak or move.
- If a French speaker tells you continue ! in a sarcastic tone, they might actually be telling you to stop because you have already gone too far.
Examples in context
- Il nous faut continuer.We have to go on.This example shows how to use continuer to express necessity.Tatoeba #4777521 by sacredceltic, translation #2953670 by CK
- Ça ne peut pas continuer.This can't go on.This example shows how to express that an action cannot continue.Tatoeba #11649680 by Adrien_FR, translation #5158676 by CK
- Ai-je besoin de continuer ?Need I go on?This example uses continuer to ask if one needs to proceed.Tatoeba #3961675 by sacredceltic, translation #3731238 by CM
- Continuez, s'il vous plaît. Votre présentation est très intéressante.Please go on. Your presentation is very interesting.
- Poursuivez avec votre argument principal, s'il vous plaît.Go on with your main argument, please.
- Allez-y, vous pouvez commencer la présentation maintenant.Go on, you can start the presentation now.
- Vas-y, raconte-nous ce qui s'est passé.Go on, tell us what happened.
- C'est parti pour une soirée amusante !Let's go for a fun evening!
- Continue à raconter des blagues, tu me fais rire !Go on with telling jokes, you make me laugh!
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are reading a book together.
- LéaJe dois faire une pause.I need to take a break.
- LucasTu peux continuer plus tard.You can continue later.
- LéaOui, je vais continuer demain.Yes, I will go on tomorrow.
- LucasC'est une bonne idée, Léa.That is a good idea, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go on” translations and entries continuer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries continuer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
