続けて
tsuzukete
In Japanese, 'keep going' is expressed as 続けて (tsuzukete).
The phrase is used to indicate making progress, either physically or figuratively.
Meaning: To make progress, physically or figuratively. (verb)
Which one should you use?
The form 続けて is used for casual instructions. In more formal or polite settings, you should use 続けてください.
How do you pronounce it?
tsuzukete
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called 継続は力なり 'keizoku wa chikara nari', which means 'continuance is power'. This proverb elevates the idea of 'keeping going' to a moral virtue of discipline.
- The word 続き 'tsuzuki' is the noun form of the same root and is used on manga or TV episodes to mean 'to be continued'. This creates a direct linguistic link between the act of keeping going and the cliffhangers in Japanese media.
- When telling someone to 'keep going' in a physical race, people often shout そのまま 'sono mama', meaning 'just like that'. While 続けて is grammatically correct, そのまま is more common for maintaining a current pace.
Examples in context
- そのまま続けて。Keep going.This sentence is useful for practicing the form 続けて.Tatoeba #3488546 by arnab, translation #2111646 by CK
- もう少し頑張って！(Mou sukoshi ganbatte!)Hang in there a little longer!
- みんな、頑張って！(Minna, ganbatte!)Everyone, do your best!
- 今の練習を続けてください。Ima no renshū o tsuzukete kudasai.Please keep going with your current practice.
- 仕事の話を続けてもいいですか？Shigoto no hanashi o tsuzukete mo ii desu ka?May I keep going with the talk about work?
Example conversation
Misaki encourages Kenta while he is practicing a speech.
- 美咲 Misakiいい感じよ。続けて！ii kanji yo. tsuzukete!You're doing great. Keep going!
- 健太 Kenta本当に？大丈夫かな。hontou ni? daijoubu kana.Really? I wonder if I'm okay.
- 美咲 Misaki大丈夫。そのまま続けて。daijoubu. sonomama tsuzukete.You're fine. Just keep going as you are.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう。頑張るよ。arigatou. ganbaru yo.Thanks. I'll do my best.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
