Translation guide
Ways to express that something continues, resumes, or is ongoing in Japanese.
The continuation of the story
To continue doing something
Attach to masu-stem of verb.
To say that an action or state is ongoing or continues without stopping.
The ている form of a verb indicates a continuing action or a resulting state. For most verbs, it means 'is doing' or 'has been doing'. For change-of-state verbs, it indicates a state that continues.
It is raining (and continues to rain).
He is still sleeping.
Attach to the masu-stem of a verb to emphasize that the action continues persistently or without interruption. Often used for deliberate continuation.
She continued crying all night.
A noun meaning 'continuation' or 'continuance'. Often used in formal or business contexts, such as 'continuation of a contract' or 'continued support'.
Means 'continuation' in the sense of resuming or proceeding with an activity, especially after a pause. Common in contexts like events, meetings, or operations.
To indicate that something stopped and then started again.
Attach to the masu-stem of a verb to mean 'do again' or 'redo', implying a fresh start or correction. Often used when restarting an action from the beginning.
Let's start over from the beginning.
To express that something is part of an ongoing series, like a story, TV show, or list.
Means 'continuation', 'sequel', or 'the rest'. Commonly used for the next part of a story, a follow-up, or the remainder of something.
To express continuation in legal, academic, or abstract senses, such as 'continuation of a policy' or 'continuity'.
継続 (keizoku) is general 'continuation' of a state or action. 続行 (zokkou) is resuming after a pause, often for events. 持続 (jizoku) emphasizes sustaining over time, like sustainability.
Continue the meeting (without a break).
The continuation of the project is uncertain.
Continuing to run is tough.
契約の継続をお願いします。
Please continue the contract.
We appreciate your continued support.
会議を続行します。
We will continue the meeting.
Due to bad weather, continuation of the game is impossible.
Please rewrite it.
Attach to the masu-stem of a verb to mean 'begin to do' or 'start doing'. Indicates the initiation of an action, which may be a resumption.
It started raining again.
He began to speak again.
Noun meaning 'reopening' or 'resumption'. Used for events, services, or activities that restart after a break.
We will resume business.
We hope for the resumption of negotiations.
I'll tell you the rest tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to the continuation of this drama.
Means 'consecutive', 'continuous', or 'serial'. Used for things that happen one after another without a gap, like consecutive days or a series of events.
I'm watching a serial drama.
It rained for three consecutive days.
Loanword meaning 'series'. Used for TV series, book series, etc. Often implies an ongoing sequence.
This series is 10 volumes in total.
As above, but especially common in formal contexts for ongoing processes, policies, or support.
Continuation of the policy is important.
Means 'sustainability' or 'maintenance'. Used for continuing something over a long period, like economic growth or effort.
sustainable development
To sustain one's efforts.
Means 'continued existence' or 'survival'. Used for organizations, traditions, or species continuing to exist.
The company's continued existence is in danger.
会議を続行する。
Resume the meeting (after a pause).
Maintain concentration.
In everyday conversation, use verb forms like 〜ている or 〜続ける instead of the noun 継続, which sounds formal.
She continued to study Japanese.