Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "続く", "続ける", "継続する", "つづける"
All represent the core concept "continue", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
続く
つづく (tsuzuku)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
続ける
つづける (tsuzukeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
継続する
けいぞくする (keizoku suru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
つづける
つづける (tsuzukeru)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "continue" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "続く", "続ける", "継続する", "つづける" based on context.
- 続く (つづく (tsuzuku) - Level: N4): Maps to "to continue (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used for something continuing on its own or a state/process lasting. The transitive equivalent is 続ける.
- 続ける (つづける (tsuzukeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to continue (something)" and is used when Transitive verb. To keep doing something, or to prolong an action..
- 継続する (けいぞくする (keizoku suru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to continue, to last, to keep on" and is used when Implies maintaining something in its current state or process without interruption. Can be used for activities, states, or processes..
- つづける (つづける (tsuzukeru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to continue, to keep on" and is used when Transitive verb. It means to continue *doing* something or to continue *something*. The intransitive equivalent is 続く.
Context for "続く"
雨は一日中続きました。
The rain continued all day.
Context for "続ける"
日本語の勉強を続けます。
I will continue studying Japanese.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to continue (intransitive)" in the context: "The rain continued all day.".