Translation guide
The English adverb 'continually' describes an action or state that happens repeatedly over a period of time, often with short breaks, or persists without stopping. Japanese expresses this idea through various adverbs, verb forms, and phrases, depending on whether the action is repetitive, uninterrupted, or habitual.
Expressing that something happens many times over a period, often with interruptions.
Literally 'without ceasing', used for actions that occur repeatedly and persistently. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
He is continually complaining.
New information is continually coming in.
Indicates doing something frequently or incessantly, often with a sense of eagerness or persistence. Common in spoken Japanese.
He continually calls me.
The dog is continually barking.
Means 'often' or 'frequently', suitable for repeated occurrences. Slightly less intense than 'continually' but natural in many contexts.
He is continually late.
Formal word for 'frequently'. Used in written or formal contexts.
This system is continually updated.
Expressing that an action or state persists without interruption.
Literally 'without a gap', emphasizes an unbroken continuation. Slightly more formal than 絶えず.
It has been raining continually.
He worked continually without a break.
Very common adverb meaning 'all the time' or 'continuously'. Used in casual and spoken Japanese.
Means 'always' or 'constantly'. Can imply a habitual state or continuous condition.
Means 'consecutively' or 'in succession'. Often used for events that happen one after another without pause.
He spoke continually for three hours.
Describing a characteristic behavior or tendency that persists over time.
Both mean 'continually', but 絶え間なく emphasizes an unbroken sequence, while 絶えず can imply repeated actions with possible short pauses. 絶え間なく is slightly more formal.
Avoid directly translating 'continually' as 連続的に in casual speech; it sounds stiff. Use ずっと or 絶えず for natural expression.
It has been raining continually since yesterday.
He is continually talking.
He is continually thinking about something.
He is continually calm.