continue
To keep going in French is to continue.
The verb continuer is used both for physical movement (to keep moving) and for abstract actions (to keep doing something).
Meaning: To make progress, physically or figuratively. (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the word Courage is used as an interjection to motivate someone to keep going.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb is continuer. The imperative form continue is used for the second-person singular. The form continuez is the imperative for the second-person plural or the formal singular. When you want to say 'keep doing' a specific action, continuer is often followed by the preposition à, such as in continuer à marcher (to keep walking).
Did you know?
- In some regional dialects, you might hear on enchaîne to mean 'let's keep going' or 'let's move to the next thing' without a break.
- If you are running a race and want to tell a friend to 'keep going' with energy, you might shout Allez ! instead of using a verb. This is a common way to provide motivation through a simple command to 'go'.
- When giving directions to 'keep going' straight, a French speaker will often use the phrase tout droit rather than a verb construction. This literally translates to 'all straight'.
Examples in context
- Continuez tout droit !Keep going straight.This sentence is useful for giving directions to keep going straight.Tatoeba #2283582 by sacredceltic, translation #449158 by CK
- Restez calmes et continuez.Stay calm and keep going.This sentence is useful for telling someone to stay calm and keep going.Tatoeba #8976690 by Aiji, translation #5172326 by AlanF_US
- Continuez, s'il vous plaît.Please keep going.This sentence is useful for a polite request to keep going.Tatoeba #10015063 by Micsmithel, translation #5971722 by ApioDelPueblo
- Tu peux le faire. Ne lâche rien et continue ainsi.You can do it. Don't let go of anything and keep going like this.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are hiking up a steep mountain trail.
- EmmaJe suis fatiguée, Hugo.I am tired, Hugo.
- HugoContinue, Emma, nous y sommes presque !Keep going, Emma, we are almost there!
- EmmaD'accord, je vais continuer.Okay, I will keep going.
- HugoTu es très courageuse.You are very brave.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
