continue comme ça
The English phrase 'keep it up' can be translated into French as continue comme ça.
This phrase is used to encourage someone to maintain or continue a positive streak. While 'continue comme ça' is a common way to say 'keep it up', it is more descriptive of the manner of action than the English idiomatic 'keep it up'.
Meaning: maintain or continue a positive streak (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase continue comme ça is a literal translation of 'continue like that'.
Which one should you use?
The phrase continue comme ça describes the manner of an action. In contrast, you might use Poursuivez vos efforts! to specifically say 'Keep up your efforts!'
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, you might hear Lâche pas! instead of Ne lâche pas! to mean 'Don't give up!'
How does it change in a sentence?
Use continue comme ça when addressing a single person informally (tu).
Did you know?
- In Quebec, you might hear the very short and punchy Lâche pas la patate!, which literally means 'Don't let go of the potato!' but serves as a colorful way to say 'Don't give up!'
- In many French-speaking regions, you can replace the standard continue comme ça with the more energetic garde le cap, which literally means 'keep the course' or 'keep the heading'.
- The word ça is a calque of the German word Es, which is a substantivized pronoun.
Examples in context
- Continue comme ça.Keep it up.This example shows how to use continue comme ça to say 'Keep it up.'Tatoeba #9416737 by Micsmithel, translation #45026 by CK
- Tu fais du bon travail, continue comme ça.You are doing a good job, keep it up.
- Tes notes sont excellentes, continue comme ça !Your grades are excellent, keep it up!
Example conversation
A coworker is encouraging another during a busy week.
- LéaTu es très efficace ce matin, Lucas.You are very efficient this morning, Lucas.
- LucasMerci, j'essaie de rester concentré.Thanks, I am trying to stay focused.
- LéaC'est parfait, continue comme ça !It is perfect, keep it up!
- LucasMerci pour ton encouragement, Léa.Thanks for your encouragement, Léa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comme, ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
