Translation guide
The English verb "proceed" covers several distinct meanings: moving forward, continuing an action, starting something, or acting in a formal/legal context. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each. This guide breaks them down by intended meaning.
To go forward, advance, or move ahead in a physical sense.
General verb for moving forward, advancing, or making progress. Can be used for people, vehicles, or abstract progress.
車がゆっくり進んだ。
The car proceeded slowly.
行列は少しずつ進んだ。
The line proceeded little by little.
More formal or emphatic 'advance' or 'move forward'. Often used in military or strategic contexts.
部隊は敵陣に向かって前進した。
The troops proceeded toward the enemy position.
Literally 'proceed ahead'. Used when moving forward on a path or in a process.
どうぞ先に進んでください。
Please proceed ahead.
To keep doing something, carry on with an activity, or continue a course of action.
The most common way to say 'continue doing'. Use with the て-form of a verb or a noun.
そのまま作業を続けてください。
Please proceed with the work as is.
彼は話し続けた。
He proceeded to talk. / He continued talking.
Formal 'continue' or 'proceed', often used for events, operations, or plans.
悪天候にもかかわらず、試合は続行された。
Despite the bad weather, the game proceeded.
Transitive verb meaning 'to advance something' or 'to proceed with something'. Used for projects, plans, etc.
計画を進めましょう。
Let's proceed with the plan.
To begin a new action or move on to the next step.
Literally 'move to ~'. Used when proceeding to the next item on an agenda or next stage.
次の議題に移りましょう。
Let's proceed to the next agenda item.
Common phrase meaning 'proceed to the next'.
では、次に進みます。
Now, let's proceed to the next.
Used when entering a new phase or topic.
本題に入りましょう。
Let's proceed to the main topic.
To take legal action, initiate proceedings, or act according to rules.
Standard phrase for 'proceed with procedures/paperwork'.
必要な手続きを進めてください。
Please proceed with the necessary procedures.
To initiate legal proceedings; 'proceed with a lawsuit'.
彼らは会社に対して訴訟を起こすことにした。
They decided to proceed with a lawsuit against the company.
Formal expression for 'take legal proceedings'.
必要であれば法的手続きを取ります。
We will proceed with legal action if necessary.
To originate or come forth from a source (formal/literary).
Means 'to arise from' or 'proceed from'. Used for abstract origins.
この問題は誤解から生じた。
This problem proceeded from a misunderstanding.
Means 'derive from' or 'originate in'. More common than 生じる for origins.
その習慣は古代の儀式に由来する。
The custom proceeds from ancient rituals.
English 'proceed' is often used in formal instructions ('Proceed to the exit'). In Japanese, such instructions are usually given with more specific verbs like 進む, 向かう, or お進みください, depending on context. Avoid a single direct equivalent.
進む focuses on forward movement or progress, while 続ける focuses on continuation of an action. Use 進む for physical or metaphorical advancement, and 続ける for uninterrupted action.
休憩の後、プレゼンテーションを続けます。
After the break, we will proceed with the presentation.
次のステップに進みましょう。
Let's proceed to the next step.