continuer
/kɔ̃.ti.nɥe/
The English phrase 'keep on' is translated into French as continuer.
continuer is used to express the idea of persisting or continuing an action.
Meaning: persist or continue (verb)
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'keep on', the French verb continuer does not require a particle like 'on' to express persistence. It is a single verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
When followed by an infinitive, the verb continuer is typically followed by the preposition à (continuer à). However, it can also be followed by the preposition de (continuer de) before an infinitive and both are grammatically acceptable.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.ti.nɥe/
Did you know?
- If a French speaker tells you continue ! while you are eating, they are not telling you to persist in the action but are inviting you to 'help yourself' to more food.
- The verb continuer shares its DNA with the English word 'tenacious', as both derive from the Latin 'tenere', meaning 'to hold'.
- The expression continuer sur sa lancée translates to 'keep on' in the sense of keeping up one's momentum, referring to the physical launch of a projectile.
Examples in context
- Les prix continueront à augmenter.Prices will keep on going up.This sentence is useful for showing how prices will keep on going up using continuer.Tatoeba #12009186 by lbdx, translation #9250986 by CK
- Je veux continuer à vivre avec lui.I want to keep on living with him.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to keep on living with someone using continuer.Tatoeba #1140460 by sacredceltic, translation #1140137 by CN
- Nous devons continuer à nous battre.We must keep on fighting.This sentence is useful for stating a necessity to keep on fighting using continuer.Tatoeba #11676572 by lbdx, translation #4498618 by CK
- Je suis déterminé à persévérer malgré les difficultés.I am determined to keep on despite the difficulties.
- Ne lâche pas, continue à pratiquer et tu t'amélioreras.Don't give up, keep on practicing and you will improve.
- Il faut tenir bon, même quand les choses deviennent difficiles.You have to keep on, even when things get tough.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student and a teacher discussing a difficult music lesson.
- GabrielJe n'arrive pas à jouer cette chanson.I can't manage to play this song.
- EmmaTu dois continuer à pratiquer tous les jours.You must continue to practice every day.
- GabrielC'est vraiment difficile, mais je vais essayer.It is really difficult, but I will try.
- EmmaBon courage, Gabriel, ne lâche rien.Good luck, Gabriel, don't give up.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry continuer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries continuer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
