continua
The English phrase 'keep going' is translated into Italian as continua.
The phrase is used to express the idea of making progress, either physically by moving forward or figuratively by persisting in an action.
Meaning: To make progress, physically or figuratively. (verb)
Which one should you use?
While continua is a common way to tell someone to keep going, you may also use Avanti, which literally means 'forward'. In certain contexts, Dai can also be used to mean 'keep going', though it often translates to 'come on' or 'let's go'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the imperative continua to mean 'keep doing something', it is typically followed by the preposition a before the next verb. If the phrase follows another verb, such as 'want to keep going', use the infinitive form continuare.
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'keep going' in a way that implies 'don't stop what you are doing', Italians might say Non mollare, which literally means 'don't let go'.
- The word dai is often used to mean 'keep going' or 'come on' and is derived from the verb dare, which means 'to give'.
- In sports, an Italian coach might shout dai or avanti to motivate a player, but continua is rarely used as a shout of encouragement during a live match.
Examples in context
- Continua ad andare dritto.Keep going straight.This sentence shows how to use continua to give directions.Tatoeba #1246544 by Guybrush88, translation #449158 by CK
- Posso continuare ad andare.I can keep going.Tatoeba #5855473 by Guybrush88, translation #5758223 by CM
- Vogliamo continuare ad andare.We want to keep going.This sentence shows how the phrase follows the verb 'want'.Tatoeba #11852948 by Guybrush88, translation #5747920 by CM
- Signor Rossi, continui con il suo ottimo lavoro.Mr. Rossi, please keep up with your excellent work.
- Sig.ra Bianchi, prosegua nel perseguimento dei suoi obiettivi.Mrs. Bianchi, keep pursuing your goals.
- Dai, non mollare!Come on, don't give up!
- Dai, continua così!Keep going like this!
- Avanti, ce la puoi fare!Keep going, you can do it!
- Dai, sempre avanti!Come on, keep going!
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are hiking up a steep mountain trail.
- AlessandroÈ una salita difficile, ma continua.It is a difficult climb, but keep going.
- SofiaNon ce la faccio più, Alessandro.I can't go any further, Alessandro.
- AlessandroDai, Sofia, continua con calma.Come on, Sofia, keep going slowly.
- SofiaVa bene, proverò a fare un altro po'.Alright, I will try to go a bit more.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
