Translation guide
Expresses continuing an action despite difficulty, opposition, or the passage of time. Japanese uses various verbs, adverbs, and patterns depending on whether the persistence is stubborn, habitual, or admirable.
The subject refuses to stop an action, often despite advice or negative consequences. Implies obstinacy.
Attaches to the て-form of a verb. Emphasizes that the subject is stubbornly or persistently doing the action, often to the speaker's annoyance. The も adds a sense of 'even' or 'still'.
彼は注意されても、タバコを吸ってでもいる。
He persists in smoking even when warned.
Specifically for persisting in saying or claiming something. Often used when someone insists on a statement despite contradiction.
彼は自分が正しいと言い張った。
He persisted in saying he was right.
Literally 'tries to do no matter what'. Conveys a strong, often unreasonable, determination to do something.
彼女はどうしても一人で行こうとした。
She persisted in trying to go alone.
The subject maintains an action or habit without giving up. Often implies diligence or perseverance.
Attach to the ます-stem of a verb. Means 'to continue doing V'. Neutral and widely used for any sustained action.
彼は毎日ジョギングをし続けている。
He persists in jogging every day.
彼女は真実を追い求め続けた。
She persisted in seeking the truth.
Means to stick to something persistently, not give up. Often used in negotiations, sports, or difficult tasks.
Literally 'do without giving up'. A straightforward way to express persistence.
彼は諦めずに練習を続けた。
He persisted in practicing without giving up.
The subject overcomes obstacles to continue an action. Emphasizes effort and resilience.
A very common verb meaning to do one's best, persist, or hang in there. Often used in encouragement.
彼は病気にもかかわらず、仕事を頑張った。
Despite his illness, he persisted in working hard.
Attach to the ます-stem. Means to do something through to the end, enduring hardship. Stronger than 続ける.
彼は困難を乗り越えて、プロジェクトをやり抜いた。
He overcame difficulties and persisted in completing the project.
Means to do something patiently and persistently. 根気 means patience/persistence.
彼は根気よく研究を続けた。
He persisted in his research with patience.
The action is bothersome to others, and the subject won't stop.
Means 'does nothing but V' or 'is always V-ing'. Implies excessive or annoying repetition.
彼は文句を言ってばかりいる。
He persists in complaining.
Used when someone can't help doing something, often to the speaker's irritation. Literally 'can't help but V'.
彼は人の悪口を言ってしょうがない。
He persists in speaking ill of others.
続ける is neutral 'continue'. 抜く implies enduring hardship to finish. 粘る is about not giving up, often in a specific situation like negotiation.
English 'persist in doing' often translates to a verb compound or adverb in Japanese. A direct translation like することに固執する is unnatural in most contexts.
彼女は質問をし続けた。
She persisted in asking questions.
彼は悪い習慣をやめなかった。
He persisted in his bad habits.
Often rephrased as 'did not stop' rather than 'persisted in'.
He persisted in the negotiations until the end.