Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Continue" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "continue", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
継続する
けいぞくする (keizoku suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
つづける
つづける (tsuzukeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "continue" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 継続する and つづける.
In Japanese, 継続する (けいぞくする (keizoku suru)) is typically associated with "to continue, to last, to keep on" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Implies maintaining something in its current state or process without interruption. Can be used for activities, states, or processes..
On the other hand, つづける (つづける (tsuzukeru)) maps to "to continue, to keep on" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Transitive verb. It means to continue *doing* something or to continue *something*. The intransitive equivalent is 続く. A literal translation of "continue" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "継続する"
このプロジェクトは来年も継続する予定です。
This project is scheduled to continue next year.
Bilingual Context for "つづける"
彼は毎日日本語の勉強を続けている。
He continues studying Japanese every day.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このプロジェクトは来年も ＿＿＿ 予定です。" (Meaning: "This project is scheduled to continue next year.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "継続する" fits here because it means "to continue, to last, to keep on" in the context of: "This project is scheduled to continue next year.". "つづける" represents "to continue, to keep on".