Guide: How to Say “Go On” in Korean

In Korean, the phrase “go on” can be translated into different expressions based on the context and formality level. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “go on” in Korean, highlighting both formal and informal usage. While regional variations exist, we will focus primarily on standard Korean.

Formal Ways to Say “Go On”

When speaking formally or politely, you can use the following expressions to convey “go on” in Korean:

1. 가세요 (gaseyo) – This is the formal imperative form of the verb “가다 (gada)” which means “to go.” It is commonly used when politely instructing someone to continue or go ahead. For example, if you want to tell someone to continue walking, you can say “걷으세요 (geoteuseyo)” which literally means “please go on walking.”
2. 계속하세요 (gyesokhaseyo) – This phrase translates to “please continue” or “please go on.” It is a polite way to encourage someone to keep doing what they were doing. For example, you can say “일을 계속하세요 (ireul gyesokhaseyo)” which means “please continue working.”

Informal Ways to Say “Go On”

For casual or informal situations, you can use the following expressions to say “go on” in Korean:

1. 가 (ga) – This is the basic form of the verb “가다 (gada)” which means “to go.” It is a simple way to tell someone to go ahead or continue. For example, if you want to tell a friend to continue talking, you can say “말해봐 (malhaebwa)” which means “go on, speak.”
2. 계속해 (gyesokhae) – This casual expression conveys “keep going” or “keep doing.” It is commonly used among friends or in informal settings. For instance, if you want to encourage a sibling to keep studying, you can say “공부를 계속해 (gongbureul gyesokhae)” which means “keep studying.”

Examples and Tips

To further solidify your understanding, here are some example sentences showcasing the usage of “go on” in different contexts:

Formal:

• 이야기를 계속하세요. (iyagireul gyesokhaseyo) – Please continue the story.
• 여기서 오른쪽으로 가세요. (yeogiseo oreunjjogeuro gaseyo) – Please go right from here.

Informal:

• 계속 말해봐. (gyesok malhaebwa) – Go on, speak.
• 공부를 계속해! (gongbureul gyesokhae) – Keep studying!

Remember that context plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate expression to use. Consider the relationship, setting, and level of politeness required. It is always better to err on the side of being overly polite, especially when dealing with individuals you do not know well or situations that demand formality.

Tips:

• Listen carefully to native Korean speakers and pay attention to how they use different expressions for “go on.” This will help you understand the appropriate usage in different situations.
• Practice using formal and informal expressions with fluent Korean speakers to become more confident and comfortable in using them.
• Consider learning other related phrases such as “stop,” “pause,” or “continue later” to further expand your Korean language skills.

In conclusion, knowing how to say “go on” in Korean provides you with essential conversational tools for various social situations. By following this guide and practicing these expressions, you will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Korean.