跟上
gēnshàng
The English phrase 'keep up' is translated into Chinese as 跟上 (gēnshàng).
This applies to both physical movement, such as keeping pace with someone walking and abstract concepts, such as keeping up with a speed of conversation or a pace of learning.
Meaning: continue with (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
Together, they mean 'to follow up' or 'to catch up'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the inability to keep up, you use the potential complement form 跟不上.
How do you pronounce it?
gēnshàng
Did you know?
- The word 跟 originally meant 'heel'. To 跟上 someone is literally to follow in their heels.
- The term 节奏 (jiézòu), which refers to the 'rhythm' of music, is frequently used metaphorically to describe the 'rhythm' of life or work one must 'keep up' with.
- In Chinese, if you cannot 'keep up' with a lecture, you might say you cannot 'catch' the teacher's pace. This is because the word for 'catch' or 'grasp' is often used to describe whether one can intellectually follow a line of reasoning.
Examples in context
- Tom努力跟上Mary。Tom struggled to keep up with Mary.This sentence shows someone struggling to use 跟上.Tatoeba #13717751 by qiushu, translation #8116805 by Hybrid
- 我無法跟上你。I can't keep up with you.Tatoeba #846277 by Martha, translation #17545 by CK
- 哈利無法跟上班上同學。Harry couldn't keep up with the class.This sentence shows an inability to use 跟上 in a classroom context.Tatoeba #798286 by Martha, translation #35062 by CN
- 请继续保持努力！Please continue to keep up the good work!
- 别灰心，要继续努力找工作！Don't be disheartened, keep up the effort in your job search!
- 保持良好的努力态度Keep up the good attitude and effort.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are walking fast in a city.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，你走太快了！Xiǎowén, nǐ zǒu tài kuài le!Xiaowen, you are walking too fast!
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你不能跟上我的速度吗？Nǐ bùnéng gēnshàng wǒ de sùdù ma?Can't you keep up with my pace?
- 伟 Wei我真的很难跟上。Wǒ zhēnde hěn nán gēnshàng.I really find it hard to keep up.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好吧，那我走慢一点。Hǎoba, nà wǒ zǒu màn yīdiǎn.Alright, then I'll walk a bit slower.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
