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.
Please carry on with your work.
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.
Carry on just like that.
A more formal word for "continue" or "proceed," often used in official or business contexts.
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.
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.
The children were carrying on.
Means "to make a big fuss" or "to raise a ruckus." Stronger than 騒ぐ.
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."
Can I carry on this bag?
A slightly more formal way to say "carry on as hand luggage."
To persist or keep going in the face of hardship.
To have a secret romantic or sexual relationship, often used with "with."
To keep talking, especially when others wish you would stop.
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.
Carry on with your work.
The children were carrying on.
Can I carry on this bag?
A drunk was carrying on.
You can carry it on as hand luggage.
彼は困難を耐え抜いた。
He carried on through the difficulties.
She found out her boyfriend was carrying on with someone else.