Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Continue" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "continue", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
続く
つづく (tsuzuku)
N4 / 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 続く and つづける.
In Japanese, 続く (つづく (tsuzuku)) is typically associated with "to continue (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used for something continuing on its own or a state/process lasting. The transitive equivalent is 続ける.
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 "続く"
雨は一日中続きました。
The rain continued all day.
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: "雨は一日中続きました。" (Meaning: "The rain continued all day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "続く" fits here because it means "to continue (intransitive)" in the context of: "The rain continued all day.". "つづける" represents "to continue, to keep on".