Translation guide
Expresses continuing to do something, often despite difficulty or opposition. Japanese uses various constructions depending on whether the action is intentional, habitual, or stubborn.
To keep doing an action without giving up, often in the face of challenges.
Attach 続ける to the verb stem to express continuing an action. This is the most direct and common way to say 'persist in doing'.
彼は雨の中を走り続けた。
He persisted in running in the rain.
彼女は質問をし続けた。
She persisted in asking questions.
Used to express strong determination to do something even if it means doing something extreme. Often translates to 'even if I have to...'.
彼は徹夜してでもその仕事を終わらせると言った。
He said he would finish the work even if he had to stay up all night.
Literally 'to be sticky', but used to mean persisting stubbornly or not giving up. Often used in negotiations or when someone refuses to quit.
彼は最後まで粘って契約を取った。
He persisted until the end and got the contract.
To keep doing something negative or annoying, often despite warnings.
Indicates that someone does nothing but a certain action, often with a negative connotation of persisting in that behavior.
彼は文句を言ってばかりいる。
He persists in complaining.
Colloquial suffix meaning to do something intensely and continuously, often to an excessive degree. Can imply persisting in an action relentlessly.
彼はゲームをやりまくっている。
He persists in playing games like crazy.
Formal word meaning to adhere stubbornly to something, like an opinion or method. Often used in written or formal contexts.
彼は自分の意見に固執した。
He persisted in his opinion.
To remain in a certain state or continue to exist.
Adverb meaning 'still' or 'as before', used to describe a situation that persists unchanged. Often used in news or formal writing.
問題は依然として解決していない。
The problem persists in being unresolved.
To continue or be sustained over time. Used for conditions, efforts, or effects that persist.
この薬の効果は長時間持続する。
The effect of this medicine persists for a long time.
Directly translating 'persist in' as a single Japanese word often sounds unnatural. Instead, use verb suffixes like 〜続ける or contextual phrases depending on the nuance.
彼は勉強を続けた。
He persisted in studying.