続ける
To continue
Structure
Explanation
To express the continuation of an action, you can attach the verb 続ける, meaning 'to continue,' to the conjunctive form (stem) of the main verb. Let's see how this works with some practical examples.
- 彼は友達を２時間も待ち続けた。He kept on waiting for his friend for two whole hours.
- 弟は寝ないで、一晩中ゲームをし続けた。My little brother kept on playing games all night without sleeping.
Caution
It's important to note the nuanced difference between using the conjunctive form versus the conjunction particle て to connect verbs. Using the て form suggests two separate actions ('do A, then continue'), whereas the conjunctive form creates a single compound verb meaning 'to continue doing A'.
- 彼は少し考えて話を続けた。He thought for a moment and then continued speaking. (Emphasis is on continuing the speech after thinking)
- 彼はその件について考え続けた。He continued to think about that matter. (Emphasis is on the sustained act of thinking)
Examples
この問題について考え続けるつもりですか。
Do you plan to continue to think about this problem?
最後まで諦めずに、頑張り続けなさい！
Don't give up until the very end, and keep doing your best!
この古いパソコンを使い続けてみたらどうだ？
Why don't you try continuing to use this old computer?
彼が戻ってくるまで、ここで待ち続けます。
I will continue to wait here until he comes back.
父は病気になっても家族のために働き続けた。
Even when he got sick, my father continued to work for his family.
いくら注意しても、あの子はお菓子を食べ続けるよ。
No matter how many times you warn them, that child will keep on eating snacks.
周りがうるさかったが、彼女は集中して本を読み続けた。
It was noisy around her, but she stayed focused and continued reading her book.
諦めずに毎日練習し続けたら、きっと夢は叶うだろう。
If you continue to practice every day without giving up, your dream will surely come true.
もう寝る時間だと言われたのに、まだゲームをし続けるの？
Even though you were told it's time for bed, you still continue to play games?
みんなに嘘だと言われても、彼だけは彼女の言葉を信じ続けるって。
I heard that even if everyone says it's a lie, he alone will continue to believe her words.
何ども失敗しているけど、どうやってこの問題の解決策を探し続けたらいいのだろう？
I've failed so many times; I wonder how I'm supposed to continue searching for a solution to this problem.
薬を飲んだのに、熱が上がり続けていますね。
Even though I took some medicine, my fever is continuing to rise.