continue de parler
The English phrase "keep talking" is translated into French as continue de parler.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to persist in the act of speaking or to resume speaking after a pause.
Which one should you use?
While continue de parler is the form provided, you may also see continue à parler. In modern French, these two are used interchangeably and have no change in meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb continuer can be followed by either the preposition à or de before an infinitive, and this does not change the meaning of the phrase.
Did you know?
- While continue de parler is a literal request, French speakers use cause toujours to say 'keep talking' as a sarcastic way of indicating they do not believe a word you are saying.
- The verb parler shares an ancient root with the English word 'parable' and the Greek word 'parabolḗ', which originally referred to the act of placing something alongside another for comparison.
- The word parler is the direct ancestor of the English word 'parley', which specifically describes a diplomatic discussion between two opposing forces.
Examples in context
- Continue de parler, je t'écoute.Keep talking, I'm listening to you.
- S'il te plaît, continue de parler.Please, keep talking.
Example conversation
Chloé is listening to Lucas tell a story.
- ChloéC'est très intéressant, continue de parler !It's very interesting, keep talking!
- LucasJe ne veux pas t'ennuyer avec ça.I don't want to bore you with this.
- ChloéTu ne m'ennuies pas du tout, Lucas.You are not boring me at all, Lucas.
- LucasD'accord, alors je poursuis mon récit.Okay, then I will continue my story.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, parler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
