continue comme ça
The English phrase "keep up the good work" can be translated into French as continue comme ça.
This is an encouraging phrase used to tell someone to continue doing something well.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase continue comme ça literally means "continue like that".
Which one should you use?
While the English phrase "keep up the good work" focuses on the "work" itself, the French version continue comme ça focuses on the person's current manner or trajectory of action.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to a boss, a stranger or a group of people, use the form continuez comme ça instead of continue comme ça.
Did you know?
- In a professional setting, a French person might prefer to say bon courage to imply 'keep going through the hard work', even if the work is going well.
- In French, using continue comme ça with a sarcastic tone is a common way to tell someone that their current bad behavior will lead to a predictable failure.
- The word ça is considered a calque of the German word Es, showing an early linguistic influence of German pronouns on French substantives.
Examples in context
- Je tenais simplement à vous dire que vous faites un excellent travail dans votre domaine. Continuez votre bon travail !I just wanted to tell you that you are doing an excellent job in your field. Keep up the good work!
- Tu es incroyable sur scène ! Continue comme ça !You are amazing on stage! Keep up the good work!
- Tu progresses vite, continue comme ça !You are progressing fast, keep up the good work!
- Le projet avance bien, continue comme ça.The project is moving along well, keep up the good work.
- C'est un excellent travail, continue comme ça.It is excellent work, keep up the good work.
Example conversation
A manager is giving positive feedback to her employee in an office.
- EmmaHugo, tes résultats sont impressionnants.Hugo, your results are impressive.
- HugoMerci Emma, je fais de mon mieux.Thank you Emma, I am doing my best.
- EmmaContinue comme ça, c'est parfait.Keep up the good work, it is perfect.
- HugoJe vais continuer sur cette lancée.I will keep going like this.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comme, ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
