Translation guide
The English phrase "carry on" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: continuing an activity, behaving in a particular (often annoying) way, carrying luggage onto a plane, and a few other niche uses.
To keep doing something without stopping, or to resume after a pause.
The most direct and common way to say "continue doing something." Attach to the masu-stem of a verb.
仕事を続けてください。
Please carry on with your work.
彼は話し続けた。
He carried on talking.
Means "carry on as you are" or "keep going just like that." Used when someone is already doing something and you want them to continue without change.
そのまま続けて。
Carry on just like that.
A more formal word for "continue" or "proceed," often used in official or business contexts.
会議を続行します。
We will carry on with the meeting.
Emphasizes continuing to do something, often with a sense of perseverance. More colloquial than 続ける alone.
最後までやり続けよう。
Let's carry on until the end.
To act in a silly, emotional, or disruptive manner, often used in British English.
Means "to make a fuss" or "to be noisy." Covers the idea of carrying on in a disruptive way.
子供たちが騒いでいた。
The children were carrying on.
Means "to make a big fuss" or "to raise a ruckus." Stronger than 騒ぐ.
彼はちょっとしたことで大騒ぎする。
He carries on over every little thing.
Means "to shout" or "to yell," often in an emotional or angry way. Can be used for someone carrying on loudly.
To take a bag or suitcase with you into the cabin of an airplane rather than checking it in.
The standard phrase for "carry on" in the context of luggage. Literally "bring into the cabin."
このバッグは機内持ち込みできますか？
Can I carry on this bag?
A slightly more formal way to say "carry on as hand luggage."
手荷物として持ち込めます。
You can carry it on as hand luggage.
To persist or keep going in the face of hardship.
Combines 頑張る (to do one's best) with 続ける, meaning "to keep on trying hard."
疲れていたが、頑張り続けた。
I was tired, but I carried on.
Means "to endure" or "to stick it out." Emphasizes bearing hardship until the end.
彼は困難を耐え抜いた。
He carried on through the difficulties.
To have a secret romantic or sexual relationship, often used with "with."
The standard word for having an extramarital affair. Can be used for "carrying on with someone."
彼は同僚と不倫していた。
He was carrying on with a colleague.
Means "to cheat" or "to have an affair." More casual and can refer to non-marital relationships as well.
彼女は彼氏が浮気しているのを知った。
She found out her boyfriend was carrying on with someone else.
To keep talking, especially when others wish you would stop.
Means "to talk on and on" or "to ramble." Captures the sense of carrying on a conversation tediously.
彼は自分のことについてだらだら話した。
He carried on about himself.
Means "to grumble" or "to complain at length." Used when someone carries on complaining.
彼女はいつもくどくど言っている。
She's always carrying on about something.
The English phrasal verb "carry on" cannot be directly translated as 運ぶ (to carry) + 上に (on). Always use the appropriate Japanese expression for the intended meaning.
続ける is the general word for "continue" and can be used in most situations. 続行する is more formal and often used for events, meetings, or operations.
仕事を続けてください。
Carry on with your work.
子供たちが騒いでいた。
The children were carrying on.
このバッグは機内持ち込みできますか？
Can I carry on this bag?
A drunk was carrying on.