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.
The car proceeded slowly.
The line proceeded little by little.
More formal or emphatic 'advance' or 'move forward'. Often used in military or strategic contexts.
The troops proceeded toward the enemy position.
Literally 'proceed ahead'. Used when moving forward on a path or in a process.
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.
Please proceed with the work as is.
Formal 'continue' or 'proceed', often used for events, operations, or plans.
Transitive verb meaning 'to advance something' or 'to proceed with something'. Used for projects, plans, etc.
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.
Let's proceed to the next agenda item.
Common phrase meaning 'proceed to the next'.
Now, let's proceed to the next.
Used when entering a new phase or topic.
Let's proceed to the main topic.
To take legal action, initiate proceedings, or act according to rules.
To originate or come forth from a source (formal/literary).
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.
After the break, we will proceed with the presentation.
Let's proceed to the next step.
He proceeded to talk. / He continued talking.
Despite the bad weather, the game proceeded.
They decided to proceed with a lawsuit against the company.
We will proceed with legal action if necessary.
The custom proceeds from ancient rituals.