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.
続いています。
It is continuing.
勉強を続けています。
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.
雨が降っている。
It is raining.
彼は本を読んでいる。
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.
景気は回復しつつある。
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).
An intransitive verb meaning 'to continue' or 'to last'. Used for events, states, or conditions that persist.
雨が続いている。
The rain continues.
この状態が続くとは思えない。
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.
会議は継続中です。
The meeting is continuing.
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.
彼は走り続けた。
He kept running.
話し続けてください。
Please continue talking.
Used intransitively for actions that continue on their own. Attach to masu-stem. Less common than 続ける.
雨が降り続く。
The rain continues to fall.
Adds the nuance of 'all along' or 'the whole time'. Emphasizes duration.
彼はずっと待っている。
He has been waiting the whole time.
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'.
日本語を勉強してきた。
I have been studying Japanese.
この町は変わってきた。
This town has been changing.
Means 'still doing'. Emphasizes that the action has not stopped.
まだ雨が降っている。
It is still raining.
Used at the end of a story or episode to indicate more will follow.
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'.
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.
会議はまだ続いています。
The meeting is still continuing.
彼女は歌い続けた。
She continued to sing.