Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Continue" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "continue", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
続ける
つづける (tsuzukeru)
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 続ける and つづける.
In Japanese, 続ける (つづける (tsuzukeru)) is typically associated with "to continue (something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. To keep doing something, or to prolong an action..
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 "続ける"
日本語の勉強を続けます。
I will continue studying Japanese.
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: "日本語の勉強を続けます。" (Meaning: "I will continue studying Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "続ける" fits here because it means "to continue (something)" in the context of: "I will continue studying Japanese.". "つづける" represents "to continue, to keep on".