Translation guide
How to express that something is continuing, ongoing, or still happening in Japanese. The best choice depends on whether you mean an action in progress, a state that persists, or something that continues over time.
It is continuing.
I am continuing to study.
To say that an action is currently happening or ongoing.
The standard way to express an ongoing action. Attach ている to the て-form of a verb.
It is raining.
He is reading a book.
A more formal or written way to say something is in the process of happening. Attach to the masu-stem of a verb.
The economy is recovering.
To say that a state or condition continues without change.
For verbs that describe a change of state, ている indicates the resulting state continues. For example, 結婚している means 'is married' (the state after marrying).
The window is broken.
To say that someone keeps doing an action without stopping.
Attach 続ける to the masu-stem of a verb to mean 'continue to do' or 'keep doing'. Emphasizes the continuation of the action.
He kept running.
To say that something has been happening for a while and is still happening.
Indicates an action or state that has continued from the past up to the present. Often translated as 'have been doing'.
Used at the end of a story or episode to indicate more will follow.
Often seen at the end of TV shows, manga chapters, or serialized stories. Means 'to be continued'.
続ける is transitive (someone continues something), while 続く is intransitive (something continues on its own). Use 続ける when you want to say 'I continue doing X', and 続く when 'X continues'.
I continue my work.
The meeting is still continuing.
An intransitive verb meaning 'to continue' or 'to last'. Used for events, states, or conditions that persist.
The rain continues.
I don't think this situation will continue.
A formal suru-verb meaning 'to continue' or 'to be ongoing'. Often used in official or business contexts.
The meeting is continuing.
Please continue talking.
Used intransitively for actions that continue on their own. Attach to masu-stem. Less common than 続ける.
The rain continues to fall.
Adds the nuance of 'all along' or 'the whole time'. Emphasizes duration.
He has been waiting the whole time.
I have been studying Japanese.
This town has been changing.
Means 'still doing'. Emphasizes that the action has not stopped.
It is still raining.
To be continued next time.
仕事が続く。
The work continues.
継続する is very formal and often sounds stiff in casual conversation. Stick to 続ける or ている for everyday speech.
She continued to sing.